by Lacintha Naidoo Who Me? Yes You! (Dec. 07)

Yes!
You!!!

As scrapbookers, we take pride in the fact that we spend literally hundreds of hours and dollars every month toward the preservation of the memories of our families.

We’re almost always the photographer-in-chief in our homes, and it’s not uncommon to see us strolling around, jotting down notes and anecdotes which we later carefully and thoughtfully incorporate into our memory books.

But, what about our memories, and our thoughts?
Who records our everyday moments and feelings?

This is why 2008 is going to be the year about YOU.
My big challenge to you will be a year-long exercise in creating a special project dedicated to YOU. It’s time to get introspective and in touch with yourself. Record yourself for yourself, and for the special people in your life. We don’t give much thought to how much our children and families will really love reading, seeing and learning more about us… so here’s YOUR chance!

A relatively easy and do-able way I will be attempting my project is by creating a page-a-month over the next 12 months. For each month, I will be guided by a theme of sorts.

*Hint* What special significance does that month hold for you?

January Inspiration: January can be about New Year Resolutions. Commit those resolutions or intentions to a page, as you can see from my example here, “I Resolve”. You don’t have to expose your journaling if it’s too personal, and can use this as an exercise to create innovative new ways to hide your journaling. To see Lacintha's layout with product listing click here.
February Inspiration: February, being the traditional month of love, may prompt you to talk about things or people you love, as demonstrated by Booya Girl Kim Moreno. Talk about what draws you to particular things or people you love; mention how your life has changed since you became aware of, or got to know those people. To see Kim's layout with product listing click here.
March Inspiration: For March, Cyndi has done a page on “Where I come From”. You can talk about influences in your childhood, and how they shaped the adult you have become. Mention music or television programs you liked; what groups you belonged to; what fads were “hot” in your day; what schools you went to. This is a fun way to take a step back into your childhood and remember those carefree days… To see Cyndi's layout with product listing click here.
April Inspiration: Maegan has provided an example on New Beginnings for an April page. This can be open to interpretation… what new start in life influenced you the most? Was it the start of college; a marriage; a new baby or a job. Perhaps you bought your first car or house? Whatever it was, it’s important enough that you share this with your loved ones. Tell them how much this new beginning contributed to your life, regardless of how big or little it may appear. To see Maegan's layout with product listing click here.
May Inspiration: May is the month in which we celebrate Mothers. Kimber has provided a layout as an example of this. In your book, you can talk about your own experience, both as a mother, or of your relationship with your own mother. You can use this as an opportunity to celebrate that person who was always “like a mother” to you as well. If you’re like me, you would have discovered that becoming a mother changed your perspective on your relationship with your own mother… talk about that, and celebrate what motherhood means to you. To see Kimber's layout with product listing click here.

So, there you have a few ideas to get you started on at least your first 5 pages. Once you get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.
Set up that tri-pod or get a friend to come over for a coffee date every month, and try to get a new photograph to go along with your monthly layouts.

If you’re ever stuck for ideas or inspiration, don’t hesitate to stop by www.busybeescrapbooking.com and feel free to ask the Booya Girls, or any of our talented board members for advice.

And don’t forget to show us what you do in our Gallery!

Have fun and here’s to a Celebration of You in 2008!!!