Creative Scrapbooking - Topics

CREATIVE SCRAPBOOKING

It is Important to MAKE the Time to Record and Preserve Your Family's History

by Cynthia M. Anning

You are having a REALLY busy day today, but what's new? You planned to find the time today to write down that sweet story about how your son Jimmy presented his girlfriend (first one ever!) a dozen long-stem red roses for their one month anniversary. How shy and innocent he looked as he bashfully pulled them out from behind his back to surprise her. How her cheeks turned BRIGHT red as she giggled and accepted them just as bashfully... (and you snapped the picture of him handing them over just in time, right before they noticed you were watching!) Oh, but you just cannot find the time today either. Well, you probably better MAKE the time to write it down today, because it sounds like EVERY day is a busy day for you.

Sound familiar? This scenario of planning to write about something very special before the fresh memory leaves your mind is probably common for any avid scrapbooking enthusiast with a busy schedule. And who ever heard of a scrapbooking enthusiast who did NOT have a busy schedule? Almost impossible! So it is important to MAKE time. The more time that goes by after the special event, the more of the story you will inevitably lose. It will never quite sound the same if you try to capture it on paper next week, rather than today. So, try following some of this advice and start keeping a better record of your family's very precious memories:

Turn off the computer and television.

Say "no" to a friend that asks you to go shopping.

Save the crossword until later or tomorrow.

While hubby is watching sports or playing poker with the guys, sit down with a pen and paper and start pouring it onto paper.

While your children are napping or engrossed in educational programming, jot your thought down.

Keep a notepad in your purse at all times. While you are waiting in the doctor's or dentist's office, WRITE.

Make it a daily habit to write things down on paper while you are enjoying your morning coffee, rather than browsing the entertainment section of the local paper.

Talk on the phone less so you have more time to journal.

Treat yourself and the family... Have dinner delivered and write things down while you are waiting for the delivery man.

Put off reading the smutty novel until AFTER you have written down the cute things that the kids said today.

Ask the hubby or kids if they can fold the laundry this time, so you can write a few paragraphs about the school play you watched your youngest child in today.

You are at work and get an extra long lunch. Find a quiet and unoccupied room so you can write some notes in your journal while you relax.

Stay up an extra twenty minutes tonight and write down the significant events of the day or...

Get up a few minutes early each morning and write your thoughts down while your mind is fresh.

You were going to a scrapbooking workshop, but it was cancelled. You are bummed, but take the opportunity to sit and write some thoughts down.

There are plenty of options and possibilities, you just have to set your mind to it. In the end, you will be glad you did it. Your journaling will be richer and truer to life than ever before. No longer will you have to fill in the gaps of the story with cute little things you make up, because now you really do remember the whole story! Have fun, and stick to it. Your entire family will appreciate it someday.