Easy Street

Nicole Martel

Simply Powerful

I remember when I was a little girl I couldn’t wait to grow up so that I could get married, buy my own house and get a job. I used to think that grown-ups lived a fairy tale life. My, was I wrong or what? I’m not sure about your life, but mine isn’t exactly a fairy tale. I did not know that life would be so challenging with so many chores, plans, family issues and obligations! Most scrappers do not take the time to sit back and truly think about their life. How did they get to where they are today? What are their feelings and what are their special memories or moments. Life is too short and precious. Treasure each and everyday no matter how difficult some days may seem.

This month here at ScrapStreet we hope to motivate you by stepping out of your comfort zone. Try scrapping those hard or happy times. Share those memories and thoughts that speak from your heart so that others can know that they are not “alone.” By sharing your stories with others, you may help someone make a difference in his or her life. You may also bring hope to someone’s life.  

We’ve selected a few layouts from readers like you in hopes of inspiring you to step out of your comfort zone and share with us those stories that make you who you are. These ladies have spoken the truth of their experiences from their hearts, allowing you to see that life can be beautiful or challenging depending on how you take charge of your life. Scrappers may find some comfort in this because you are able to see that you are not “alone.” Several people deal with challenges each and every day and the key is to embrace life and don’t let it take control of you. 

This month I had the pleasure of reading through Dora Phillips and Lauren Astl’s layouts. I loved how Dora’s photo pops off the page. When I saw the picture of the school bus, I wanted to read the story behind the picture. I love how Dora’s journaling speaks of her busy days and her role as a mommy and how things were a decade ago. Lauren’s layout “I am OK” really made me teary. I can totally relate to her and I love how she was open and honest in her journaling. The colors really set the mood in the layout. My layout, “I Love You” uses three powerful words to make a statement. I shared my pain in just a few words and sentences, keeping the layout as empty as possible to express the way I felt at a difficult time. 

I hope that these layouts inspired you as much as they have inspired me. After reviewing the layouts several times, I felt relieved to know that everyone faces similar things everyday. Most people prefer to bottle their feelings up but I often find that it helps to write down your thoughts on paper. Try doing something different this month. Start by writing down your thoughts and feelings right now and then find a photo match your journaling. You can do it!

Design notes:  I decided to use as little as possible and to outline the bottom part of the layout leaving lots of white space to create an empty feeling.

Design notes:  Sometimes when I have a story that I want to tell, I will journal first and then go take photos later.  When I look back on these pages, they are often my favorites and I know they will mean so much to my children in the future.