One of my all-time favorite scrapbooking projects that I have done was actually shown to me by its creator, Cathy Zielske. The year was 2006 and Cathy and I were both teaching classes at CKU (Creating Keepsakes University). Cathy’s class was called “Encyclopedia of My Ordinary Life” and was inspired by the book with the same title. Even though I was teaching my own classes at the same time, Cathy’s project intrigued me. The idea was that you would take each letter of the alphabet and write two different journaling segments that started with each letter. Paired with a photo that represented each segment, the album showcased different snapshots of your life through these random journal entries.
The project itself was simple – with each page’s format the same as she devoted one page to each letter of the alphabet. The hard part about this project was the writing. There was so much of it. Story after story, paragraph after paragraph, thought after thought about different, random aspects of your life was the meat of it all and the primary focus of this project. The photos were almost an afterthought, giving way to the words and thoughts you had instead.
It was a daunting task to decide to tackle all of that journaling during a busy time in my life but I just couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I really wanted to do this project and it seemed like it was all I could think about. Since I would be teaching classes myself I had to do this project on my own. After talking with Cathy about how the album was put together I sat down with a notepad and listed each letter of the alphabet down the margin, leaving two spaces for each letter. I then began to fill in the blanks with titles of stories and thoughts that I wanted to write about.
I carried this notepad around with me and as new ideas came to me I would find a place for each one on my list. As I continued, sometimes I would change the title of one thought in order to move it to another letter, leaving room for something better in its place. Then I started to write the actual journaling segments. Some were long. Some were short. Some were serious. Some were funny. Some were life-changing and others were seemingly insignificant memories that are a part of who I am.
I became obsessed. I couldn’t help myself. I just kept writing and writing and writing. I would be doing my hair in the morning or watching television or folding the laundry when a story would come to me and I would grab my notepad and start writing. Page after page of journaling began to accumulate in my notepad until I had 52 memories written – two segments per letter of the alphabet.
Then, of course, I gathered the photos for each segment and scrapbooked the album itself. What I ended up with is the most amazing compilation of my life that I have ever created. The simple thoughts, the huge memories, the empowering moments and even some tragic trials. A variety of topics that create a tapestry of who I am, what I think about, what’s important to me and where I am headed. It is truly an encyclopedia of my ordinary – yet, oh so extraordinary – life.
Thank you, Cathy, for developing this project and now offering it through Big Picture Scrapbooking. It’s a new look but the same idea and is called “Me: the Abridged Version.” I can’t wait for a whole new batch of scrapbookers to experience the journey that compiling this project will become for them. The format of the project is very simple so even if you have never done a scrapbooking project in your life, consider this being the first one. Let Cathy guide you on a fun but meaningful quest to record your life. Take the challenge. Sign up now and dedicate yourself to writing about your life. You won’t be sorry that you did.
And just to make it even more enticing, I am actually giving away a seat in Cathy’s upcoming workshop so you have the chance to learn how to do this album from Cathy for free! To win, write a comment here about what one of your journal entries would be called and a quick phrase of what it would be about. See, I’m getting you started already!
Take this class and experience the journey that Cathy has in store for you. I hope you love this project as much as I do and that you find parts of yourself that you didn’t even realize were in you. This may be patterned after the book “An Encyclopedia of My Ordinary Life” but once you finish you’ll find that it is anything but ordinary – rather extraordinary instead.
Enjoy!
One entry would have to be friends – and the very extraordinary people in my life I am privileged to call my friends. In fact, I’m already signed up for the class so if I were to win the seat, I’d be giving it to a friend who right now can’t afford to pay for the class!
M- I’d write one entry about my continuing journey to motherhood & what that means to me (we’re trying again in 1 month!)
the 2nd entry…sounds crazy, but manicure would be the title…I’d talk about how I’m a dig in the dirt kind of girl and keeping up appearances (ex keeping my nails long & pretty) isn’t really high on my priority list
I never got around to doing an encyclopedia of me album, so I think this new class would be fantastic. I always thought “I” would be itch for me because my nose always itches–ALL the time. Everyone eventually notices if they are around me for any length of time.
But seriously, one of my first entries would me missions or service. Missions (short term, 1 to 2 weeks) are really important to my husband and me!
WOW…what an inspiring post! I think the one entry would be H – Husband and discuss everything he has contributed to our life! What a man! thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a fabulous project!
Ichnology: I would write about my study of and love for the science of trace fossils
B – BRA – why is that of all the medieval torture devices known to man the only one still in daily use is the bra?? Never met one I truly liked! EVER!!!
M-Mom. Being a first time mom is the greatest segment of my life to date.
E-Engineer. I worked as an engineer for 14 years before I left the work force to be a full-time mom. I plan to never be an engineer again as it was not the best fit for me, but I don’t regret a single minute of the life lessons I learned.
would love to win a spot in Cathyz’s class- I so want to do the digital version of this class! [and am out of $$ bc I was at CKU last week!] I’m posting my origial jouranling and photos every week or so on my blog this year…
H-Hope. It is extraordinary and empowering. Without it, the world is black and overwhelming. It has come to be a precious gift that I do not take for granted.
I took Cathy’s class at CKU that year and it si still one of my favoirite albums. I really, really would love for my 14 year old small child to take it – she even started her list (but I think dad accidentally threw it out and now the project is stalled) . So for small child’s sake: her favorite title would be Random: as in She Plans To Be Random, as it is the driving force in her life, scheduling in randomness to make sure she isn’t pegged as one kind of person or another. See also Jazz Band, Fashion choices, Silly Signatures
would love a seat in the class!!!
light: I would write about a very sad/dark period of my life, both parents were killed in a car accident suddenly, still young, and my sister and I went to the scene. As a result of things we saw and heard, I had nightmares for months. I would cry out in the night and my husbands voice was my light in the darkness bringing me safely to his side and comforting me, bringing me out of the nightmare.
I would have to write an entry about my Edwards. Particularly the things I learned from my friend Edward that I’m trying to teach to my son.
My son Edward is named after a friend of mine who passed away several years before he was born. Ed died after fighting CF his entire life. Ed’s entire outlook on life was so different than mine. He had known since he was a little boy that his time was limited. No opportunity or friendship or bit of fun was allowed to pass by.
I can’t wait for this class to start! I’ve been writing the same way- here and there, stopping when a memory comes to me.
One of mine will be ‘moving.’ I’ve moved 11 times in 7 years. Not for military or job purposes or anything. Just the thrill of change I suppose!
What a fun idea. You inspired me! I would start with W for wedding — but I think I’m going to carry around a notebook with the alphabet on it for a couple of weeks. Thanks for the inspiration.
Journal entry for M
Marie, Megan, Mikaya – would should/could I write about?
Marie – my first friend when I moved from Buena Park, CA to Tustin, CA during the summer before my sophmore year in high school. We have been friends ever since, through marriage, divorce, remarriage, the death of both sets of parents, and recently the death of a close high school friend, the birth of children and grandchildren…..some 44 years of memories.
Megan – #2 daughter the moon to #1 daughters’ sun. Brown eyes, brown hair and a joy to be around. Mother to Kristen.
Mikaya – #2 granddaughter, words to describe Mikaya at 17 months, monkey, full of * & vinegar, stubborn, and the light of our life…………………………..
One of my entries under “H” will be about my 80 yr old grandmother riding a Harley with a policeman when some police officers visited her Alzheimer’s care facility a few months before she passed away. She LOVED that ride! She was the only person who took a ride and I think we were as surprised as the cops were that she actually did it! It’s one of the many moments in my life that I was proud of her.
This project is so inspiring to me! I read Amy’s book awhile ago and similar to your experience, for weeks & months, I kept thinking of entries into my own personal encyclopedia. I keep a running document on my computer and add to it as I think of stuff. I’d love love love to win a seat in this class so I can turn all this good stuff into an actual album.
There are so many entries but I’ll give you one for “G” — thanks to playing with my brother’s GI Joe in my formative years I really have a thing for bearded men (and yes, DH has one)
XX’s
“I” for inspiration. My 7 year old son is my inspiration. He started tackle football this year. He is not the fastest. He is not the quickest. He is not the leanest. He is not the meanest. However, he is full of heart (maybe this should be under “H”). He doesn’t quit. Period.
Kolette,
Thanks for sharing your experiece with the class. What a amazing concept!
I lost my Mother last fall. Her death was not expected. The past several months I have been drawn to your blog because you are so open and honest about your trials and your journey in life.
I have had to take a long, hard look at my life this past year. I have been so desperate in trying to remember all I can and have felt guilty for not journaling more so that when I am gone my children have that part of me.
One of my entries would be about Motherhood. I would make sure my children knew how much I love them and what a joy it is to be their Mother.
Thanks for a amazing opportunity! You are AMAZING!
I have been toying with taking this class. It looks like I should…anyway, what would one of my entries be. I think T for teaching – something I have learned that I love to do. Through church callings, volunteer experiences and the like, I have learned that I really love teaching and may even go back to school so I can learn to do it better.
Great idea My first one would be F – Family about how important family is to me. The second part would be my maiden name (starts with F) and about my families history.
Thanks
B – Baseball. For me, the best thing about summer is baseball…keeping up with the Phillies, going to games and talking with friends about it.
I have been sort of doing this on my own…writing down certain memories that I have over the course of my life just so I can remember things – (bad memory!) : )
The first thing that comes to mind right now is
“O” for OOPS! – When I was 11, I was babysitting two kids, a boy about 3 and his sister only a year or two younger than I.
I accidently lost the 3 year old because I was SO busy playing with the daughter I forgot I was babysitting. Thank God it was summer and that we live in a very tiny town.Someone found him walking down the street 3 blocks from where he lived. He was unhurt and just fine. I was so embarrassed because of course everyone in town knew about it and I felt just awful because of the what if’s that could have happened.
When his parents came home I told them what had happened and the mom said “oh that’s ok, he’s done that before for me, too.”
It didn’t make me feel better because I knew I hadn’t done what I was supposed to – watch the kids. And, I was never asked back to babysit. I’m sure that had something to do with the fact that we were playing escape – jumping out the window of the daughters bedroom and then coming back into her room and doing it again and again and again….
Technically, the only one who escaped was her little brother. : )
The class sounds wonderful. I would gladly take a giveaway. Thanks.
R for Runner. One of my lifelong goals is to run a marathon. It finally occured to me that I’m not getting any younger and if I’m going to realize this goal, I had better get started. Thus, @ 41 years of age, my running career began. I am currently in training to run a half marathon in December and a full marathon next spring.
Hi! I am signed up for the class and under “S” I will put switch plate. I recently got an angel switch plate from my homestead that was being sold last year after the death of my stepmom. It was the switch plate that was on the wall in my bedroom when I was a kid (55 + years ago!). It was still on the wall and I asked to have it before the house was put on the market. It is an angel looking over a little girl and boy. She was a source of comfort as I was growing up. It now is in my hubby and my bedroom to watch over us!!
Can’t wait for the class to start and what a great review you’ve given it!
This sounds like a great project. I would say the letter A and I would talk about my road through adoption, the roller coaster, the ups and the downs and ultimately the end result – My wonderful son that I can’t imagine my life without.
Under E, I will write: Electrical Plate – When spring cleaning my kitchen I, like my Mom used to do, always remove all the eletrical plates to clean the wall behind them and make sure that any grease or dust is gone. This drives my husband (who is an electrician) crazy :+)
It is crazy when I think of it, but still do it anyways. My kitchen would not be completely clean if I did not clean behind them.
My letter would be T, and I would make a list of some of my talents and the people who have helped me discover or enhance them.
I have not done a scrapbook about me – an occasional page here and there, but not a scrapbook. Would love to win a spot. I think I’d start with M – memories – as I age it becomes more and more important to write things down. Especially the stories my parents share about their parents. I wish I paid more attention as I was growing up!
One of my entries would be N – nieces + nephew. I don’t have kids of my own, but I don’t know how I could love any kids more than I do those three. They make everything crazy fun!
Sky Ranch – where we went in the summer for camp. We did arts & crafts, leather making, swimming, singing by the camp fire & horse back riding. I still remember the people, smells & how much fun I had (and its been over 20 years)!
“S” survival- how i am survivaling a horrible 2 year separtion by myself, finding inner strength without any family or friend support.
M for marriage – my husband and I will be celebrating our first anniversary this weekend. The awesome commitment we made and the way we have worked together this past year is amazing to me. And leads me to wonder what our lives have in store for the future.
LOVE-How to Love myself more and I would make a little book that I can keep in my bag to inspire me when I am down about something about myself (weight) and read what I LOVE about ME!.
Intense huh
Hmmm this is a hard one Kolette! I think the most interesting entry that I’ve put on my list is “Twins” because although I only have one set of twins with me I’ve actually given birth to two sets of twins and the birth (and death) of the first set changed my life and the way I look at it in unimaginable ways both good and bad.
P – photography – my passion (another P) – I would write about why it moves me so! Thank you!
L= Learner. I love to learn new things! I enjoy learning for educational purposes by reading and taking classes to help me be a better teacher. But I mostly enjoy learning to create new projects and gain new skills. This summer my girls and I have been learning how to knit and sew. We have signed up for a quilting class next month, can’t wait! I would love to learn from Cathy, and have wanted to sign up for this class. Thank you Kolette for this opportunity! I am grateful I have been able to learn so much from you!!!
For me it would be the letter G-grandmother The joys of grandchildren and to have something to leave for them years later to remeber me by.
Two ideas for letter D:
Daisy Jane a charming Benji type dog who was filled with love and was my wonderful running partner. DeMers, my husband’s last name, he has been my life partner for 26 years.
Wow–in just a few moments of thinking about this–I can so relate to how you might adjust stories and rearrange them as new memories would surface for a letter!
Thanks!
C for children. I babysat as a young teen and have loved children all my life. I was blessed with three of my own and now have three wonderful grandchildren. I volunteer at the school where my dil teaches and help her with her special needs class. Children have such innocence and teach us to remember to give throughout our lives.
I would write about Blessings- and the many blessings in my life both large and small that I may overlook in my day to day life…
I would love to win a seat in such a interesting and life altering class.
My first letter would be B: Baking- I would write about the time I was making chocolate chip cookies and instead of using flour I mistakenly used pancake mix…boy they were some flat cookies. How my life has changed since then and how my love of baking has grown to realizing I missed my calling to attend culinary school to become a pastry chef. I’ve become a wonderful baker and enjoy sharing my creations in the kitchen with family and friends…
My entry for S would be simplicity. In this hectic, crazy world in which we live, I always crave SIMPLICITY.
Would love the chance to win this class!
What a wonderful gift. I think I would start at the beginning, ‘a’ also because that is my beginning – my journey of being an adopted child and how this in so many ways defines me.
This does sound like a fun class! THanks so much for making me want to take it now! Hopefully for free, right?!!!
I would pick the phrase “change of heart.” I always thought I needed a career to be successful. I never knew how much my life and my heart would change when I became a mom. My priorities are totally different and my job is no longer the priority. I don’t want to be defined by my career, I want to be a mom….something I never thought I would want so much!
N- stands for National Parks. I absolutely love to travel to National Parks. We’ve been to so many over the years- Hot Springs, Grand Canyon, Capulin, Petrified Forest. This summer, we went to Mammoth Cave, Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace and Central High School. It makes all of us happy- the boys get to do the Junior Ranger activities and get more badges, Steve gets to be in nature and I get to immerse myself in history. What could be better?
This sounds like a great class. Although I’d love to just have the motivation to do something like this on my own, I think the only way I’d complete it is by taking a class and making the committment.
For G, I’d definately use Grandma. I had two amazing grandma’s, that were completely different, but who both taught me so much. One that I was named after, and one that I named my daughter after.
Either “C” for CKU or “D” for Dallas. I was in your class with my sister for the first CKU in Dallas. I loved your class so much that I came home and did one for my other son. They are still having pages added to them on an off. ( I had bought extra supplies so that the papers would be the same throughout). You inspired me and my sister so much that it is one of those memories that I would write down to remember.
Jenn in Vancouver
T for Twin! I’m a twin with an indentical twin sister who I live with and have a very close bond with. We are identical, but we have different personalities and jobs, which is cool. It’s a a huge part of who I am, and I love being a twin
For the letter B, I would write about BOYS! I have been surrounded by boys all my life – 5 brothers (no sisters) and then I have had 6 boys of my own. I’m definately outnumbered, but my boys and brothers are all wonderful guys and I wouldn’t change a thing!
I would LOVE a chance to win a spot in this class. One entry would be
L – Loving Lori
We lost our first child to SIDS 33 years ago and I have never scrapbooked about her or done anything with her pictures, I have NO pictures of me pregnant with her, how bizarre is that? Anyway, I want her 4 sisters to remember her brief time wth us and record the happy memories we have of her.
Did someone already win? K – I need a kick in the butt sometimes to get something done. Of course, I tend to obsess about it laying waste to my home and meal plans… but who knows. I also enjoying something that will last longer than I will.
This sounds very interesting…..I think one of my letters would be Perfection…..now, I am not perfect but my life is pretty amazing….I have 3 beautiful kids and a wonderful husband who loves me…..I couldn’t ask for more!
I would definitely put Dream under D. About 7 years ago, I fulfilled my dream of having my own cross stitch shop. Since that time, I have progressed from selling out of the livingroom of my parents’ barnconversion to owning a real brick and mortar shop. This has become such a huge part of my life and I am still proud of myself that I did what it took to make my dream happen.
C is a huge part of this season of life in 2009 since being diagnosed with a pretty agressive form of Breast Cancer. I have a lot to say but don’t want to publicly share it, but yes this book will have a lot of memories but alot about my fight with breast cancer this year and my faith and hope in the Lord who I believe will beat it for me!!
what an inspiring story! i am sure that will be one of cole’s treasured scrapbooks that you made! i would have loved to have such a book of my mother… guess that is a huge hint to myself that maybe i should think about doing this too! I think I would have to do a story about how me and my husband came to be… not sure what letter that would be, but it would have to make it in there for sure
thanks for the chance to win!
I think I would do “O” for Oklahoma City. It is the first place I was on my own, where I made my best friends of my life, where I met my husband, and where I was when the Oklahoma City bombing occurred…
D = Diet Coke. Sadly, it’s that thing I need to get going in the morning.
M for Mexico. I went on an 8-day mission trip to Mexico City this past June and it has been the most amazing journey of my life so far. It was wonderful to see the beauty of a place that is so incredibly dirty and to see the work that God is doing in His land.
T is for Toot & Puddle. It’s a children’s book series that I loved when I was first introduced to it as a a book seller ten years ago. It coincidentally also became the first tv show that I let my daughter watch when she was two. We love the gentleness of the stories and the value of friendship that it shows. It’s almost the only children’s show that doesn’t make me cringe for one reason or another (usually the reason is age inappropriateness).
“I” for inspiration & inspire: Inspriation to keep pulling the new store opening flyer out of the recycling bin and to go to the job interview that changed my life 5 years ago…and Inspire for the ladies I now work with who are so talented and creative…
I’m about as ordinary as they come. But when I read your post I had tears in my eyes. What a treasure this would be for my grown children. They don’t see the day to day struggles, joys, and just plain stuff that their Mom goes thru every day. Thank you, Kolette, for being such an inspiration to me.
O – ordinary. I am so blessed to be “ordinary” Really, I wouldn’t change my life. average, garden-variety, run of the mill EXTRAordinary. See, there’s really no such thing as ordinary.
Wendy
B – Babies. Because most of what I have learned in life and what I have become has been a direct result of having children (those that lived and those that haven’t) and what it takes to be a mom. What not being a mom feels like and what being an ‘old’ mom is like. I might have to tie part of this to Y – because when you are a youth and you think you know yourself you are one person. When you become a mom and find yourself, you are another. It is usually a sweet transition too. I have never felt ‘extraordinary’ but the most extraordinary things have come to me from experiences with babies.
I would like to record memories of my childhood-things that come to me when I see a sunrise(rare) or a certain smell. I just thought of my grandfather and his rock shop. It had such a distinct smell. It took me years to understand what that smell was–diesel fuel—but it was the smell of my granpa.
At this time I think it would have to be S for Summer. This summer has been a time of celebrations and adjustments. In June my Dad passed away, in July our daughter was married, in August we helped our son and his wife move 1400 miles away to start graduate school and in September our other son is getting married and we will be empty-nesters! Wow you never know where life will take you in a short time span!
V – Vera Smith
This elderly lady and her husband Curtis were my neighbors when I was 5 years old. There were no other children in the neighborhood so I played at their home all the time. Vera would make up games (my favorite was “my ship is coming in loaded with . . . ) and we had the best of times. My parents didn’t like me calling her by her first name but they allowed it since she preferred to be called by her first name. We moved away right before I turned 7 years old but my relatives in the small town kept me updated on all their comings and goings. That was over 40 years ago and I recently heard that she had passed away. I have some great memories of both of them.
Pets, my husband and I do not have any children yet but we do have two rambunctious dogs that we love to death.
thanks for the chance to win a seat in this great class!! My entry would be G-Grandma. She passed away 2 years ago. She was so important to me, but I have never written down on paper what she meant to me and how special our relationship was to me. I think this will be just the place for me to do it!!
G-Gratitude…I have many people in my life that I am eternally grateful for and I would like to pay homage to them…
I would have to say Books and Reading. I would definitely write about some of my favorite books and my love of reading and that I am so grateful my kids love to read
Camera – how there is always one with me and describe each of the cameras I own. I would also have to write about how many I have owned and how each one met its demise!!
G – I would write about gratitude and all of the things in my life I am so grateful for! Thanks for the chance to win a seat in this awesome class!
What a great idea and an amazing way to capture all sorts of memories – i can well see how this could become all consuming as thoughts and stories got switched.
I – Ireland – I would talk about my experiences of living in this country for 6 years.
D – Dad – I would talk about the experience of my Dad dying when I was only 16 – and yet the powerful influence he still has on me and my life 30years later! That could be fun.
Thanks for the chance to win a spot – i would really love to.
M – Me – simply me
How are you doing lady – hope you are recovering well.
L is for London. I lived in the heart of the huge city for six months while I studied at Westminister Business School. It was the best and most expensive six months of my life… I met 4 incrediable people that taught me so much, I traveled the world, and still think back to that time in my life almost everyday. It was an amazing experience.
Thanks for the chance to win.
L
Lip Balm, Natural Ice
I’m addicted. But it must be the tube of Natural Ice Original Lip Protectant. There is a tube by my computer. A tube on my night stand. A tube…
B- for books and blogs – two things that call to me when I should be doing other things
It would be interesting to record the ones I am most intrigued with now and compare how that changes over time. I am sure I will always love book but those that enthrall me are bound to change, as I do.
I have never scrapped about myself – thanks for the inspiration to do just that! My mother recently turned 70 and for her birthday I gave her a prompted notebook (can’t recall the publisher) called My Story. I was so excited to find it so she can tell her story in her words for me and my daughters. I need to start telling my story too.
V for Veteran I served in the AF for 20 years, and this past year, after being out for 4 years, I’m really missing it and what I did and how I felt doing it.
Kolette, what a wonderful inheritance for Cole. I love the idea of carrying around your notebook as inspiration strikes, also the idea of journalling first then finding pics later. Mine would include the letter T – Tents. I lived in one as a baby and then again for a year entering my teens. Something my baby grandsons will hopefully find interesting as they get older. Thanks for your inspiration, Kolette.
Oatmeal-I have strange eating habits, kind of like a toddler. I eat the same thing for days and am totally OK with that. Oatmeal has been one of those foods (on and off for the past ten years or so). Other food fetishes I have been known for include apples & Jif Creamy Low-Fat peanut butter or thin Triscuit crackers & Laughing Cow light cheese.
Since I spend a lot of time helping guide my one son w/learning differences and on my weak tennis game,”T” for tenacious pops in mind (wow, I’ve learned something about myself as I took the letter that came to me first). Great assignment!
Leslie
This class sounds super cool!! I already actually signed up but I need to start thinking about my journaling. I think L for Leader. I have chosen to be my DD’s Daisy Scout Leader this year, I am on the PTA Board at school, and have held various leadership positions in the past, both paid and unpaid. I hope to pass this love of leading onto my kids.
I keep thinking about this class and the entire concept – it’s truly awesome!
My letter – G for Golden Retriever. We have had the honor and pleasure of three golden’s in our life and it has enriched our lives beyond belief!
My T entry would be Teacher. As long as I can remember I have always been in some form of a classroom leading – even if it was to my dolls in my childhood home’s basement. Now, I teach future teachers which is very rewarding. I miss the opportunity to work with younger students right now, but I am able to stay home during the day and be the best teacher I now how to be – which is a mom!
O – Overcoming. Overcoming addictions, insecurities and wrong ideas about myself. What a great concept! This is something I’ll be pondering and taking notes. Thanks for the chance to participate in a great class!
M= Mami, my maternal grandmother who took care of me from the moment i was born till the day she died 2 years ago.i have so many stories that i would love to write, but the organization of it just is OVERWHELMING.
i would LOVE to take this class:)
I really feel like I need this class at this point in my life. It’s so crazy busy and I don’t want to forget a moment of it! My letter would be B for Balance. I’m 35 and trying to balance my 4 kids, my calling at church, working a job and supporting a husband. I love it all, but it’s a balancing act. Thanks for inspiring me! I can’t wait out to get my inspiration notebook and start writing down the letters and ideas that come!
G – Grandmothers – I have been thinking about Grandmothers. My grandmothers were there through my childhood. They taught me to sew, crochet, cross stitch and clean up. We always had to clean the house when Grandma was coming. My daughter has only one grandmother now, my mom. We live far away, but she still learns different things from grandma. How to giggle and tease. How to be random. I hope that when my daughter has children – I will be able to inspire my grandchildren.
Twins – my father was a twin and I had twins. He passed away before I had my children and I named one of the twins after him. So would be awesome to document that info.
Very cool idea by the way!
B – Breathe! I would write an entry reminding myself to always breathe. To stop, take a big, deep breath and remember that today is the only “today” you have.
Sound like a great project and class! Thanks for the chance to win
B – Bews Hill – the name of my parents’ farm. It represents love, security, safety, many memories and it really started my path to who I am now!
I think this would be a great legacy to leave your grandkids or kids. I’d love to take this class
B is for back to school. Both my husband and I teach so going back to school means a big shift of schedules in our house…also the excitement of our children starting a new grade, getting new school supplies and me looking forward to a getting to know a whole new class of kids.
G is for garden. I have had so much fun planting a garden with my sons this year. I would love to write some of our experiences and joys of our summer. I would love to take your class!!!! Thanks.
HONEY would be mine … it would be telling the tale of the strongest woman I will ever know – my grandmother. What her struggles were, how she stood up for herself and how she taught her family to do the same.