The Perspective Of Longevity
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Photo of me taken on the Oregon coast by the fabulous © Tracey Clark
My current mantra: I am not in a hurry. I am not in a hurry.
This past Tuesday I joined in on another Paperclipping Roundtable discussion. The Roundtable is a great weekly podcast that covers all kinds of topics related to scrapbooking with a variety of different guests from week to week. This week the topic was about telling longer family stories.
One of the themes that came out of the discussion, that's absolutely relevant to me and my life right now, is the idea of embracing a perspective of longevity. Of being a part of something for the long-haul. I see my scrapbooks as a life-long project and welcome that wholeheartedly. There will always be more stories to tell and more moments to celebrate and more connections to be made between past and present.
I absolutely love that.
I also love that my 12x12 albums are works in progress and that they reflect the evolving nature of my life. There's no being in a hurry and no catching up. Instead there is enjoyment and fulfillment and love. My scrapbooks are not judgmental - they welcome new stories at any time, even if it's been awhile since I last added a page, and they care very little whether the story comes from 1976 or 2010.
I'm finding that the way I view scrapbooking can help me in the way I approach this new home.
It's ok to take my time. It's ok to get a feel for the rhythms of this house just like I hunt for the rhythms of a story. It's ok to tackle one big story (one room) or to tackle little bits of different stories as the inspiration hits (one box here, one box there). It's ok to take a break for awhile and come back with fresh eyes. It's ok to let it evolve one day at a time because I'm in it for the long-haul.
I'm reminded once again that it's not about the extra stuff on the page or the extra stuff in the boxes. It's about what's most essential: the people, the right now, the old & new memories, the photos, the words.
My scrapbooks are home to my layouts. This house, moment by moment, is becoming our home.
Bring on the the beautiful, wonderful long-haul.
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76 comments
Well said! I love this post, every bit. Also, the thread above initiated by Heather.
Favorite! Will re-read and let this sink in, as I needed this right now as well.
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Love this post.
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Amen! Thanks for affirming this thought!
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great perspective... we all need to remember this sometimes! I love how you said you needed to write this post for yourself. I do the same exact thing sometimes. I think we just need to put it out there to be said & it makes such a difference {if only to ourselves}.
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A very lovely post, Ali. There is such a poetic rhythm to your words, whether intentional or coincidental, it's a joy to read and to aspire to. I love the written word and truly appreciate a good prose, such as this post. The meaning behind the melody is just as meaningful and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insight.
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What a wonderful photo of you!
What a wonderful post! There is so much here that resonates with me right now. I will definitely be re-reading this post a few times.
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Amazing photo and even better post.
We've spent this summer far from home, due to a work assignment. With 3 little boys in a small condo, I packed only a few sheets of paper, some adhesive and my paper cutter. My photos came via the laptop. I have created more layouts this summer than any other time in my life. I know purchasing Ali's week in the life templates have helped; I know being far from community obligations has helped; but the greatest impact has come from having so little supplies here from which to choose.
Limiting my choices has given me SO much more freedom from worrying about perfection or regret.
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simply awesome
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I love the photo! Been taking the pic spring/summer and the fall soon from Tracey. Would be such a cool mini for each season :) I actually was wondering if you could direct me to the LO you did with you and simon in the photo booth? Thanks :)
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perfect what we need to see this kind of post. Thank for sharing with us.
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What a great post. As a military family who just transitioned to a new assignment, a new house and new schools this really hit home. Thank you for giving me something to really think about and contemplate.
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What a beautiful reminder. Thank you.
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What a wonderful post...always feeling "guilty" or mad at myself because I don't MAKE the time to scrap more. I do love love love it. Sometimes just the pressure makes you not want too. Thanks as always Ali, AND for putting things in perspective. Can't wait to see more pics of that new home and my goodness, your scraproom. I think thats what does it for me. I spent hours yesterday cleaning and "redecorating" mine. Truly enjoyed.
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Cool photo! Wise words!
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That makes sense - and it is something to try myself. As ever, Ali, thanks.
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Stunning photo, looks like you're flying! Powerful words too - I am always drawn to the way you express yourself.
Whilst the world around me is hectic, I always get a sense of calm from reading your blog. Thank you for sharing, Ali.
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Oh Wow - First I read Ali's post and just said "Amen - thank you for the amazing perspective"...then I read Heather's and said "she wrote my story - I can't believe there is someone else out there like me" and then I read all the rest of the comments.... The card and scrapbookers I have met along my blog surfing days are such a wonderful,compassionate - and above all, generous and sharing group! Thank you all!
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Thank you for putting things into perspective for me. Lately I have been struggling with wow how will I ever catch up and my Mr. Mojo has left and I just feel overwhelmed. This was a great reminder that it will be there and it is about the story and the people and to take it a little bit at a time. Thanks again Ali. :0)
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Thank you. Following your blog I have been inspired in more ways that one, to the point of being overwhelmed. How do you do it, when do you find the time, you have been doing it longer, is it because it's your job? After reading your post and some of the comments the "mountains" of stories and photos I have disappeared. What I want to document today, if I find the time to share them is the gift. If I don't, no biggie because like you said I can't rush it or catch up. After years of reading your blog, you flipped the switch, scrapbooking is that easy and I'm ready now to accept it. Thank you.
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without knowing or without seeing, I'm excited about this new brand that will be born! :)
(Tag along)
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