The Maze Runner was scheduled for my young adult book club. Even though it’s a mixture of genres I don’t usually read: young adult and science fiction, I loved it and read the whole thing in one day.
It was an easy, interesting read. Not a huge amount of character-development as it’s mostly plot-driven. But enough character to keep me rooting and interested the whole time.
My only quip about it is that even though you find out some things at the end, you don’t get the whole story because this is planned to be a trilogy so the author is saving the rest for the next book. Which I understand.
And yet I still resent having to wait.
Now that CHA is passed, I wanted to share some of my The Girls’ Paperie work I made for the show.
Journaling Reads:
My sweet angel. All too often I get caught up in the little things and forget that you’re growing up so so fast. I need to slow down and enjoy my minutes with you.
All products are from The Girls’ Paperie Jubilee or Mix and Match lines.
Details:
My next Big Picture Classes workshop starts tomorrow. I’ve received several emails from different people asking questions and since some of the questions are the same, I thought others out there might be wondering too so I just decided to write it up just in case any of you have the same questions. These are not in any order. If you have more questions, send them over or leave a comment and I will add to this document.
You can sign up for the class here: http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/findyourway.php
- Do you have a syllabus or class outline?
The way this class works is that we’re going to explore an area of your process/layout each week. So the eight weeks break down to:
1. Things to do Before you Scrap
2. Foundations (layouts vs minibooks page sizes, etc.)
3. Photos
4. Journaling
5. Design/Placement
6. Color & Pattern
7. Embellishments
8. Final/unique touches, reviewing other designers with their “look” and your creative toolset
Each week, we talk in depth about the area. Explore all the different versions you can scrap and then you experiment deciding what you don’t like, what you do like, etc. The goal is to narrow down your preferences so you end up with the choices you like best and can put them together on your pages, minibooks and create your own personal style. For example on week 3 we talk about photos. We cover things like photo size, quantity of photos per page, color vs black and white, different styles of photos, etc.
- How much time each week do we need to dedicate to the class?
This is a process-based class. There’s no specific amount of homework. I make a lot of suggestions on things you can try, experiment with, and eliminate. As with most processes, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it. You can do the whole class just by thinking things through, or reviewing the layouts you’ve already made, or scrapping regularly. How much you put in is completely up to you.
- Is this one lesson per week?
Yes. One pdf per week. One particular theme. Every Thursday, we have a new lesson with a new pdf and a new audio. Lessons build on each other, so it’s best to do them in order.
- I’m away one/two/three weeks during the class, is this a problem?
No. You can do the class at your own pace. I highly recommend you do them in order but if you want you can take 4 months to do the whole work. BPC gives you forever access so you can do it anytime. And if the class is officially finished and you’re still working on it, you can always email me and I will help you no matter what or when.
- I’m away taking another class at the same time, is this a problem?
No. Depending on what the other class is, you can apply my process class to the layouts/minis you create in that class. Experiment with photos while you do the other class’s homework.
- Do you expect to offer this class again?
Definitely not in 2011. Maybe or maybe not in late 2012 though I honestly have no plans to do this again at this point. It’s an 8-week course so it’s a commitment on my part and all I can say right now is that I am teaching it right now. I am sorry if this is too vague. I would tell you if I knew more.
- I love your style but it’s not “me!” Does the class mostly have your layouts?
That’s the whole point of this class: for you to discover what’s “you.” If you copied me, you would not be getting the value of the class. Having said that, most of the examples are my own layouts. But they are just to illustrate a point. You do not have to have or like my style at all. The last week of class, we do review several other scrappers and talk about their styles as well.
- I am a brand new scrapper, is your class good for someone like me?
Sure! It doesn’t require any prior knowledge of any kind. If I had done this work back when I started, I would have saved myself a lot of headache, time, and money.
- I am a digi/hybrid scrapper, is your class good for someone like me?
Absolutely. This class has nothing to do with paper vs digital scrapping. You can take it and gain from it regardless of your personal choice.
- Does your class require a layout a day?
No. I highly recommend that you commit to making a lot of layouts in the class but that’s mostly because I believe the best way to find your style is to scrap regularly for a number of days. That’s what I did and it worked magically for me, so I recommend it. However, I do believe you can get a lot of value out of the class without doing it. (Having said that, I still highly encourage you to do it!! 🙂 )
I want to re-iterate that this is a process-based class. The goal is for you to discover your own process! Your style, your taste, your preferences, your go-to supplies. The lessons make sense in the order they are presented. If you need to slow down, do so, take your time. But do NOT skip steps. Let the process work for you. There’s no medal for finishing the class when we all do. There’s no medal for being the first. The medal is the you get to have a unique style that feels your own at the end. Like a pair of shoes made exactly for you. That’s a big big reward, trust me.
(We will also have 3 chats and 2 giveaways from Maya Road during class. But the true giveaway is the reward of finding your own way!)
With that, I figure the last giveaway should be on my blog. Just comment on this post and I will announce a winner on Friday morning. If you’re already in the class, BPC will give you a refund, so don’t worry. Please make sure to leave your BPC name so that I can get you into the class immediately. While you’re here, I would love it if you subscribed to my newsletter too (upper right corner of the blog) as I have a new one coming next week with digital downloads. But that’s not a requirement at all. If you have questions about the class, leave those in the comments, too.
You can sign up for the class here: http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/findyourway.php
Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing you in my class!
One of the things I learned from my journaling this weekend is that what makes me most productive is actually being productive. And like I do with my art, I just need to show up at the table and do my work. So this morning, even though I was tired and felt like lying there more than anything else, I got up and worked. I exercised and then showered and got ready to do some work.
I put my headphones on so that I wouldn’t be distracted while the kids played. They were both in a good mood.
After a while, they decided to put all the pillows on the floor and fall on them. They laughed and laughed so much that I had to grab my camera and snap some shots. I know it looks scary but he was laughing. A lot. So was the older boy.
Then it was lunchtime, nap time, mommy work time. I did a lot lot lot of focused work. Then Jake came home and took them out to get their hair cuts and I had a meeting. And then I gave them dinner and David and I did workbooks. And now they are in bed and I am wiped. I still have my portrait, sketch, and journaling to do but I feel happy and fulfilled. I am no more or less tired than if I had spent the day whining on the couch and I got a lot more done so as I suspected stuff gets done when i sit to do it. I can’t wait for the mood to strike. I just do it.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for the kids today. They were wonderful about letting me work and having fun on their own.
2. I am grateful for a lot of work getting done at work. It was one of those good days.
3. I am grateful that I started a new book and it’s great so far. I love finding good books.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that mom and I are reading a nice book {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that I played with my legos
3. I am grateful that i played with my little brother (yet again!)
Today’s page was week six’s part 1 homework for the Soul Restoration class. I thought of doing them all together as one post but then I decided if I did each separately, I would take more time to focus on each so I decided to do that. Here’s the first one:
When I saw this exercise, I thought it was powerful-looking and that it would be easy. I didn’t think as much about how it might make me feel. I didn’t think it would be that strong because it was more of a “cut the words out and glue them on this photo” kind of assignment.
But, alas, I was wrong.
This exercise, as with the others, proved to be very very powerful. Just the act of cutting each word up and glueing them down one by one left me more impacted than I imagined. Glueing each of the “black” words made me sadder and sadder. I felt heavier and it took forever to finish the sections. I could almost feel each word taking its toll on me.
Then I did the white words and it went so much faster. I felt happier, lighter, and like a weight was lifted off of me.
I know it sounds corny but I really felt it. After I’d glued all my words down, I was left with a few words and a lot of space. The leftover words didn’t speak to me and I knew they wouldn’t fill the space anyway so I decided, instead, to put the blue tissue paper to make it seem more like the sky. And then I added my house which was red because I wanted it to stand out. I put the word “be” on it to remind myself to just be who I am. And a heart to remind myself that I am loved and that I need to love myself just the way I am.
Then to keep the feeling of light that the white words brought, I added the line “I will go where the peace is…in my heart and in my life.” I think this is the biggest lesson for me. The peaceful and happy words make me feel light and happy and I need to make a point to focus on them more. To remember to go where the good is. Where the peace is. Where all these wonderfully happy words take me. Where I feel unburdened, light, happy and at peace.
Because, there, I can be my best. I can be kind and loving to others and kind and loving to myself.
Weekly Art Journal is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Today started with exercise and then setting up the family shoot while the boys played.
And hugged.
We had an almost good shot here if it weren’t for David’s crazy face.
Nathaniel wrestled the remote from me so Daddy gave me a kiss.
And then the craziness began as Nathaniel hoped to leap out of my lap.
After that, we all went bowling together. The balls were too heavy for David and it took forever for each to roll down the lane.
Nathaniel had a great time watching and clapping and yelling “ball” each time.
I tried to keep David out of the way when it wasn’t his turn because he kept getting hit by the ball.
Then Nathaniel discovered the computer.
Which immediately became his favorite thing.
So he was not happy when David took his spot.
Then we came home and Nathaniel skipped his nap once more. David and I read, he did some workbooks and I did some of the todo items on my list.
Now we’re winding down as Jake gives them dinner. I am planning on going out to see “I am Number Four” with a few friends tonight and tomorrow we’re back to work. Even though I replied to some of the emails and comments, I am still really far behind on that. Alas, tomorrow is another day.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for family bowling!
2. I am grateful for great photos. I love taking these family shots so much.
3. I am grateful that I get to see a movie. Love love love movies.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I went bowling {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that we might play monopoly again
3. I am grateful that i played with my little brother again!
This was one of the layouts I made for Maya Road for CHA. I love that it contains no patterned paper. Nothing but Maya Road products (except the little Jenni Bowlin stickers.)
Journaling Reads:
I have been trying to act healthier and lose weight for over three months now. I work out every single day and I eat much more carefully. I went shopping for clothes last weekend and was shocked to find that I can now fit into a skirt sized four. Four! I have never been a size four in my life. It’s so nice to have proof of all the hard work I’ve been doing and the hours of sweat I put into it.
I went to bed last night deciding to get a better attitude. Most of this month has been me whining and I am done with that. Things are actually really good. I am doing art, I am exercising, I am reading to my kid, I am stretching at work, I am journaling and even sketching. I am reading. I am taking photos. I am kissing my kids. I am even going out occasionally. I need to just relax. I’ve been doing a lot of the work in Melody’s final lesson and it’s all about choices. So anyway. I woke up this morning, exercised and then got to work. I did a lot of the todo list items while the kids played. Well, Nathaniel just put stickers all over his legs. (His recent obsession.)
And David was on the computer.
Here’s Nathaniel smirking but not looking at me.
Then it was time for the family shot. The thing is, with four people almost always one boy is looking elsewhere.
And when he looks back, the other one gets obsessed with the remote.
We try a bunch more times and then it’s time to get crazy. Everyone laughs and enjoyes tickle time.
Then Jake left to work and David and I did workbooks and he read a book to me and we got organized. So now he knows which workbook to do on what day (he does 3-5 pages a day) and he also picked 6 books to read for the week (one a day). I’ve been meaning to do this for a while and I am glad we finally got organized.
Then tried to get a shot of David. He was smiling so much that his eyes got small.
So I told them to make them bigger. And this is what I got.
Followed by this.
I tried to get Nathaniel to nap several times today but alas it wasn’t to be. So we all played for a while, I journaled, etc. Then Daddy came back home and it was family game night. David just got Monopoly Jr. for his birthday so that was the game tonight.
We had a great time playing and then the kids went to bed and I did a bunch of art. Finished my Soul Restoration homework (all I have left to do is my truth cards which I have only done one of the whole time. This will have to be a project for March or April.) and I finished the art/journaling book page for this week (more on this soon) and made two more pages in my book. We also worked on all the tax work we’d still left to do. It’s now 9pm which means I only have 1-2 hours left in my night. We plan to spend some cuddle time and then maybe I will draw one portrait and likely that’s going to be it for tonight. Tomorrow’s big task is to return emails. I have been neglectful of emails and comments.
A really good Sunday all in all, though, and I wish every week was a 3-day-weekend!
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for so much productivity today.
2. I am grateful for family game night. I love game night.
3. I am grateful that I get to have one more day tomorrow before the stress and craziness of work begins once more.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I played with my little brother {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy won Monopoly Jr.
3. I am grateful that we had game night!
David says:
I gave this story five stars because it was funny because they washed themselves in the water fountain. I thought it was funny that they stuck their dirty laundry in their pockets and wore it.
I liked both Claudia and Jamie because they talked to each other in a funny way (the royal way). I didn’t like that they ran away from home because it’s sad to do that because your parents are worried that you ran away.
My favorite part was when they got the sketch of the Angel because Claudia really wanted to know the truth and she got to find it out. I like Mrs. Frankweiler, too, because she shared her secret with Claudia and Jamie.
I think it was cool that they found the M under the statue and wrote a letter to the museum head. I also loved the happy ending!
Reading a book a week with my six-year-old son David is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Happy Saturday!! We started our day relatively quietly over here with the little one playing and David and I reading. Nathaniel’s been really good at playing alone lately.
He loves books, especially ones with trains in them.
Then I exercised and showered and it was time to take the family shots. Nathaniel knows the drill now and was gesturing for David to sit on Daddy’s lap.
And then all my boys were together. Love my boys.
We took a bunch but the remote was really misbehaving. It wouldn’t take pictures no matter what I tried. So I finally gave up. And found another remote to order. We got only a few shots this time.
Then it was time for Wii and naps. After Nathaniel’s nap, we went to Red Robin cause I was craving the chicken salad. But of course, immediately after eating it, I was overcome with guilt and regret. Then we came home and it was more wii time.
And play time for the little one.
I read and did some art and drew some faces. Plans for tonight are more of the same. Some journaling, some art, and maybe some reading. I feel truly truly exhausted so I feel no desire or energy to do anything even tiny bit taxing on my brain. Thus everything keeps getting postponed while I lay here and relax. Oh well, that’s the purpose of a weekend, right?
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for some art time.
2. I am grateful that I am reading a book I love and keep looking forward to my exercise time because it means I get to read more of it.
3. I am grateful that Jake is being really kind to me and my random breakdowns lately. I am deeply lucky to have him.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got play games at Red Robin {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy spent more fun time with me
3. I am grateful that i got a balloon at Red Robin
jake
Long week for Jake, lots of interviewing candidates and working long hours. He’s been working from early morning to late afternoon. And then he comes home and spends time with both kids. He and David have been watching lots of Star Wars lately and it’s one of David’s favorite things. He looks forward to his time with Daddy all day long. Nathaniel, too, has been a big fan, he keeps coming to the computer and saying “daddy” until I show him photos of all four of us so he can see his dad.
karen
This week was a long week for me both at work and personally. But I’ve accomplished much and now I have a three day weekend to rest. My jaw’s been hurting and I’ve had several eye migraines this week. But I still kept exercising and I’ve spent lots of time with the kids. I went to David’s school to volunteer and now he’s got no school for a week. I very much look forward to some more time with him. He’s such a joy to have around.
david
David had a good week at school. It started with Valentine’s Day and a big party, then he went to the other school for a shadow day and then ended his week with a playdate. He’s now on vacation for a week and playing with his legos, on the computer, and Wii of course. We’re also planning to get back on schedule with our workbooks this week. We’ve been slacking a bit there and this is a good time to get reorganized.
nathaniel
Nathaniel is enjoying the little iPod I gave him. I love it even more because it means I don’t have to have the TV on all day long. The Thomas obsession was getting annoying on the TV whereas I don’t mind it at all when it’s on the small ipod with no sound. And he forgets about it for hours when he’s just looking at books of Thomas. He flips page after page and points out all the trains, cars, and balls. He’s also getting even more vocal and specific in his needs. My little boy is growing up so much and so quickly.
and here’s the card version:
Us Right Now is a weekly project for 2011. You can read more about it here.
Well this week is over! It was relatively painful and yet I still got a bunch accomplished both at work and here. Layouts done, portraits, sketches, art journaling. All done done done. And the plans for the weekend and relatively light which means i can work on my last homework for Soul Restoration. I can do more sketching and drawing and a ton of journaling. I haven’t been journaling nearly enough.
The kids were both at home today. But they spent most of the day quietly playing.
And being nice to me.
Here’s when David realizes that Nathaniel was actually pulling out the stickers on David’s trucks.
He played on the computer. He also played with legos. We read our book together. We’re a bit behind on the book, trying to catch up.
Nathaniel played most of the day. He wouldn’t nap but he was quiet until around 4pm.
Very preoccupied and working hard. I think he liked having David around.
Late afternoon he started getting cranky. I am guessing from not having taken a nap. But then Daddy came home and saved the day as he always does. He’s the very very best. I am off to watch some TV and relax and maybe draw a bit. I will tend to my class and the comments here this weekend. When I feel less exhausted.
Three Things I’m Grateful For:
1. I am grateful for a three-day weekend. I need this one.
2. I am grateful that I’ve completed my biggest todo list item for the weekend already.
3. I am grateful that I have no plans at all for this weekend. This means lots of family time.
Three Things David’s Grateful For:
1. I am grateful that I got to have a popsicle {* his pick for the journal}
2. I am grateful that Daddy spent some time with me
3. I am grateful that i got to play on the computer
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projects for twenty twenty-six
projects for twenty twenty-five
projects for twenty twenty-four
projects for twenty twenty-three
projects for twenty twenty-two
projects for twenty twenty-one
projects for twenty nineteen
projects for twenty eighteen
projects from twenty seventeen
monthly projects from previous years
some of my previous projects
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