Hello Life.

SUPPLIES: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics (link to bulk option); Patterned Paper: Making Memories, Basic Grey; Circle Accents: Tim Holtz, Making Memories, K&Company; Trimmer Edging: Fiskars Pinking Blade; Pen: American Crafts; Date Stamp: Office Depot

The Story : Hello life. Hello outdoor fun. Hello Oregon Coast and the freedom to run and roam. Hello wind. Hello waves. Hello grass. Hello sand between your toes. Hello fresh air. Hello exploration. Hello cold July breeze. Hello family. Hello dogs on the beach running in the water. Hello fireworks. Hello trail. Hello snacks after a long journey on the beach. Hello clams. Hello sand in your socks. Hello silliness. Hello summer. Hello early to bed and early to rise. Hello good times and  great memories.

A couple of my favorite things occur on this layout :

(1) handwriting directly on the photo using a Precision Pen from American Crafts - this photo was enlarged and printed here at home. Slick Writers also work great for writing on photos. I am always on the lookout for photos with spaces just waiting for stories.

(2) Repeating the same word for the beginning of each phrase in the journaling. This is a very stream-of-consciousness style writing that does not include complete senctences. By choosing one word to begin each phrase it helps me focus on what I want to say and leads my journaling in different ways than if I was just trying to write out each of the memories.

I was looking around on Scrapbook.com this morning and found that my most favorite adhesive - the permanent Dot N Roller from Kokuyo - is now available in a 6-pack.

I first learned about this adhesive when I taught at CKU-Japan a few years back. At that time it was only available in Japan and I have a friend (hi, Ikuko) who would send me some in bulk because it quickly became my favorite.

So happy to have it easily available in the US now.