Love notes to the future.

I was thinking about how I scrapbook.

There's lots of different ways I scrapbook: big pages + small pages, mini-books, random notes jotted down on leftover paper, words + photos, projects with lots of technique and others that could not be more simple. One of the most consistent things throughout my projects is an emphasis on telling the story.

One of the ways I like to tell our stories is to write to Simon.
Essentially, little love notes that describe a scene or situation.

I write to him telling him what sorts of things
he is "into" right now, what challenges he is facing, what we are
celebrating, how proud we are of him, how happy we are that he is in
our lives, etc. Many of these things are stories we have told him or
things we are in the midst of telling him (or working through). It
feels good to have them written down - out of my head and onto the page. From me to him.

I've shown this layout before as an example of using a divided page protector (for basics on working with divided page protectors click here); today the emphasis is on the journaling:

[ from Creating Keepsakes, March 2008 : Supplies : Page Protector: Close To My Heart; Fabric Brads: K&Company; Rub Ons: Scenic Route, Fontwerks, Creative Cafe ]

THE STORY : One of the most amazing things I have learned about being a parent is living on the periphery of another life. / Yes, we are here with you - especially in these early years - but you are, and always will be, simply you. You are an individual. You are your very own person with your own thoughts, opinions, passions, and wants. / And so we watch. / We watch you as you find these passions, develop your own opinions, and assert your independence. In fact, we celebrate these moments. / Your Dad and I often sneak glances at one another or grab the other so we can watch you from a distance as you do something wonderful, silly, or naughty. You are learning there are consequences for your actions - both positive and negative. / And so we watch. / Now that you are in kindergarten we watch and wave as we leave you at school each morning. We watch from the window for you to come home on the bus. We watch as you giggle with the neighbors and ask them to chase you around and around. We watch you grow right in front of our eyes.

Many of my projects are essentially paper stories with love notes tucked into every nook and cranny.

[ from Creating Keepsakes, May 2008 : Supplies : Dot Mask: Heidi Swapp (used to create the painted polka dot pattern on the left); Circle Numbers: everyjotandtittle.com; Metal Edges: 7gypsies (these are really cool - they can be cut to size and have adhesive on the inside); Pens: American Crafts ]

THE STORY : Just a very good time. You and me. In the kitchen, gathering ingredients, measuring and pouring, Lots of pouring on your part. And the excitement building towards your favorite part of the entire process: eating the dough. This was always my most favorite part too. You are not interested in a glass of milk, just the dough. And then while you snack we load the first round into the oven. In ours right now it takes 13 minutes for the most delightful cookie to emerge. By the time they are ready you have usually moved on to something else.

Sometimes my love notes are thought-out and more complete than others. This second example, with handwritten journaling, was completed quicker and is more loose in terms of my writing style. I started in the top section and kept writing until I got to the end. It is a more organic process than typing my journaling on the computer.

For your next project, consider literally writing a love note to your child, parent, partner, self, etc. as your journaling. Say those things you have been wanting to say.

I think I will do this today.