Sunshine + Freedom.
This morning I got to feel sunshine on my face.
Living here in the Northwest it is often simply grey for days on end. And it often rains. Often. But today it is amazing out there: beautiful bright sunshine and very, very cold.
The other thing making me really happy today is a new book from Stacy Julian called Photo Freedom. I have talked about Stacy's photo organizing system in the past (I took her Library of Memories class on Big Picture Scrapbooking the first time it was offered). In the new book (and in the class) she lays out her system for taking control of how you deal with your photos. Her system is specific and tested and can be adapted to the way in which you scrapbook (or the way in which you take pictures).
This is the system I am aiming for with my own organization. Ever since taking the class I knew this was the way I wanted to go. Reading through the book this weekend solidified it even more.
It is not easy + it takes time to set up. It is definitely a process (just like everything else) that I am constantly adapting and working on what works best for me. Two of my goals this year are to get myself into a working system for my photos (storage especially) and to get all my layouts organized in my albums. Currently they are all just "in" albums in no order other than they were created around the same time.
One of my favorite things she mentions in the book is that scrapbooking is so much more than the end result (I actually just wrote something along these lines for an upcoming article). She says,
You see, the term scrapbooking does not just refer to the assembly of pages. Scrapbooking actually describes an ongoing, multi-dimensional spectrum of activities that begins with an awareness of your life, followed by a desire to photograph and record your day-to-day experiences, ultimately resulting in scrapbook albums that are overflowing with perspective-laden layouts, each of which contributes in some small way to the story of your life and heritage.
A spectrum of activities is so very true. That is why for many of us this is a lifestyle. A choice to pay attention, to photograph, and to creatively document our journey. Getting your photos organized and accessible is a big part of this process.
Stacy's book could not come at a better time for me. I am finally ready to take on these organizational tasks. This book is highly recommended if you are looking for a solid, working system to organize + then utilize your photos.
Can't wait to see this book too. I loved the first session of LOM and am signed up this time to really print out my photos and catch up on some months of digital tagging.... but the REAL reason I'm commenting is because I came across a quote on VITALITY and instantly thought of you: "Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
:-)
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This is my first comment ever to you. Have poured over your layouts and books for years (lovin them) and just recently started reading your blog and started one too (and lovin it) You inspire so well and have helped get me moving again towards getting creative again. Lost my mother to breast cancer 4 years ago and just stopped "doing" after that. But, I'm back and with lots of inspiration from you I am as they say "gettin it done"! Thanks for sharing your life and your love of creativity. It touches people in ways you may never ever really know fully. Thanks a bunch!!.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
This is my first comment ever to you. Have poured over your layouts and books for years (lovin them) and just recently started reading your blog and started one too (and lovin it) You inspire so well and have helped get me moving again towards getting creative again. Lost my mother to breast cancer 4 years ago and just stopped "doing" after that. But, I'm back and with lots of inspiration from you I am as they say "gettin it done"! Thanks for sharing your life and your love of creativity. It touches people in ways you may never ever really know fully. Thanks a bunch!!.
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Sounds like a really cool read!
I just got my copy of Cecile Andrews' The Circle of Simplicity. I'm dying to dive right in!!!!
Peace be with you!
laura/w. columbia, sc
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Simplicity- thank you for making us look at it again. We think about...forget about..think about it again. I know in my own life- it's cluttered, and chaotic. Organizing can be so freeing and oddly enough relaxing. Once it's done- what an accomplishment. I am a little late in adding my word- but my word is "achieve". At first - I thought it would be "accept", but the more I thought about it- the more I realized that there is so much that I want to achieve, that if I chose the word "accept"-I felt like I was holding back. Happy Belated Birthday, Simon. I hope it was Fantabulous!!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
beautiful yellow flowers! which version of typepad do you use for your blog?
www.scrapsnthings.etsy.com
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Wow--that was a lightbulb moment for me! The realization that scrapbooking is not just a hobby, but a lifestyle. That it is a whole process, an "awareness of life." I've been living it, I just never thought about it in that way!
Thanks!
Lindsay
Sign in or sign up to comment.
WOW--this looks lilke a great book! I don't even know where to start describing my biggest struggles with my photos...there are just so many-LOL
Mostly i think i need to develop a system and to not be afraid of my cameras features..i also need to learn how to use the darn editing software i bought a year ago--it is SO overwhelming that i avoid it{not good}
Thanks for the helpful book review--i always love anything you write or suggest for reading!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
Your review of the book has peaked my interest! Thanks
ava
cottagerca
Sign in or sign up to comment.
SOooooooooooooooo jealous that you have a copy already! How DOES one get so popular anyway? Oh that's right, because you are absolutely FABU!!! Was pulling articles/layouts out of magazines yesterday at the hairdresser's to keep on my "inspiration" ring...found one from 2003 - a layout - with a picture of a young little Ali Edwards - you cute young thing you - overalls and all! Oh I remember those days! Anyhooooooooooo, I've obviously had a bit too much coffee...gotta go to yoga....still JEALOUS of your book...better preorder mine today! Have a great one - thanks for the review!
Sign in or sign up to comment.
I'll have to check out that book....I live in the NW too and am loving the sunshine and hoping for snow. Anything but rain makes me happy. I also love your valentine book..it is so cute!
Sign in or sign up to comment.