A Fortnight's Worth of Chatter

Life moves along so quickly and I am very aware of how it is so important to treasure every moment. Just to be able to stop, breathe, be in the now and be grateful is something I must remind myself to do. It is too easy to get caught up in the 'busyness' of everyday living and neglect the things that matter most to me. I am making it my intention to give myself 15 minutes every day to just breathe in my life and give gratitude for everyone and everything that make my life the wonderful experience that it is.

I have done very little personal scrapping - I started my Christmas cards yesterday with a friend who is just starting her creative journey. When I say started, I literally mean started cos that's all I did - I certainly didn't finish anything! But, the room is set up with my Christmas supplies and so I can get a bit done every now and then when I can grab myself some moments to create.

Last weekend, I spent Sunday with some wonderful, wise women creating my new vision board. It was a day that provided motivation, challenge, support and encouragement. We sat overlooking Port Phillip Bay, and even though it was cold and wet, it was such a peaceful energy. I didn't have specific intentions when I started but found myself drawn to certain areas - getting myself organised was a big one and one that surprised me.

I have been busy with the site - keeping a check on its use and making sure that everything runs smoothly. So far, the few problems have been minor and easy to correct. It is great to see the activity with both the Forum and Gallery - some amazingly talented women out there! If you haven't made it over, go and check it out - lots of resources with more being added all the time. I am looking for suggestions also!

Whilst on my research travels I came across a site called Creating Intentions. What a great way to manifest your desires through scrapbooking. But it does make sense doesn't it! Creating my vision board was a bit like creating a layout.

As I have no fresh layouts to share right now, I thought I'd show you some photos of my scrap space.

This was my very first space in a very tiny room, as you can see by the way the desk (sewing table) stretches from one wall to the other.



The next images are the room I have right now - and notice how tidy it is! It's not like that at the moment!





So there you have it for now ... so until next time ...

Farewell Beijing!

I have been fascinated by the Olympics over the past two weeks - I shall be lost without them now! The courage and determination of all the athletes has absolutely amazed me, especially those who have made many sacrifices to get to where they are in their sports. I previously hadn't thought about what it costs - physically, emotionally and financially - until I listened to some of them speak about what they, and their families, have had to put in to getting them to Olympic standard. Not alot of athletes have financial sponsorship that allows them to lead a life of luxury (as the US Basketball Team!)

But, I shall get off my soap box and continue to marvel at the dedication of these amazing human beings, for the next little while at least! Then, it will be another four years tiill we remember them again, hello London!

My creating this weekend has been limited as we have had interstate visitors and spent some time visiting some of our beautiful city sights - I do love the diversity of Melbourne! I did manage to finish two layouts this weekend, that I had started a while ago. So, another lot done for Grace's album.

Here are my shares for this blog entry -

With the theme of focus and goals, this layout fitted perfectly. Grace edited her own picture using Picasa - I loved the effect that she created and it has made a great layout. She has written her goals on the card hidden behind the photo. I know she will have a chuckle when she re-reads it on a future date! Even now, her goals have changed somewhat! She has a natural talent with the camera - I have been trying to coerce her to do some photography for me. But at 14, she thinks there are other things more important right now!

This layout was scraplifted from a Jen Hall creation. When I saw what she had done, I knew exactly what photos I would be able to use with this layout! I really love her bright layouts and her creative doodling.

Well, back to the closing ceremony at Beijing.

Till next time ...