She’s a real charmer, isn’t she? I’ve known her nearly 15 years, so I know she is kind and amazing and smart and funny and capable of doing just about anything … and a charmer. In fact, she totally charmed her way into convincing me that it is time – it is about darn time – that I teach an online class.
Me? Teach an online class!? What would I teach? I mean – I have steered so far from doing anything technique-driven, really. I have simplified the creative part of my life in a big, big way. I have channeled my efforts in helping others to simplify, too. What kind of class content would I have?
She convinced me – in the charming Stacy way – that my life is content. She explained that going about what I do with regards to organization, home management, projects, documenting life, living life … this is content for an online class. And you know what? I get what she means now. I see her vision.
Line upon line, my vision for an online class has developed. I am committed. I am excited. I am not ready yet (because I still have time to continue developing content). But I am inspired and the wheels are spinning. In other words, I am pleased to announce that I am teaching my very first online class! And I’m doing it at Big Picture Classes.
This is the 5th year for BPC to do the 4Experts series. I am honored to be one of the 4 featured experts in 2012, along side with Stacy Julian herself, Heidi Swapp, and Nic Howard. You can read about each of our 4 very unique classes, and watch a video on each of those classes at Big Picture Classes right now. The announcement was made TODAY, so this is all very hot off the press.
My class is called Project REAL Life. My class will run in Q4 – October-November-December 2012. Registration opens August 9, 2012.
Because the class runs in the last quarter of 2012, I still have time to develop the class. I’m brainstorming like mad to come up with 12 weeks of content that you will find interesting and inspiring. Do you know what this means? I’m asking YOU what YOU would like to see. You know my tagline – Cultivate good life and record it. That is the core focus of this online class … real-life application on ways that we can cultivate a good life … and of course inspiration for recording it all.
So tell me – If you were taking my online class … what would you like to see? I’m a good listener, you know. ; )
Oh, and I have a giveaway related to all this fun coming on MONDAY. Tune in.
I have no idea what possessed me to google your name (loved your sketches in CK) the other day, but I did, and I am just thrilled. I have not scrapbooked since 2006 (although I always loved it, I couldn’t find time for it anymore). In these past 5 years, I have accumulated many large bins full of old photos, memorabilia, and tons of my kids’ school and art work … not to mention thousands of pictures on my computer. My husband says my bins are taking over the house, and I feel terrible that I haven’t been recording these precious years for my 2 boys. That’s why I’m so excited about Project Life – such a great alternative to traditional scrapbooking and perfectly suited to me and my family. Thank you, Becky, for making it possible for me to get back into documenting our life again. Can’t wait to get started!
P.S. By the way, I have been talking about PL and your blog so much to my family lately, that my 11 year old son now affectionately refers to you as B Higgs!
Leslie Elllicott City, MD
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Dear Leslie,
I have a feeling a lot of people reading your letter are totally nodding their heads. We can ALL relate to the idea of having stuff stashed away and piling up (physical stuff and digital stuff) and feeling like we’re getting behind. Your family’s story is worth recording. Your boys will be thrilled when they see you putting their pictures and papers into a scrapbook.
I am so pleased that you know about Project Life – you will find that it is a fantastic system that makes scrapbooking easier than easy, certainly easier than how you and I did it 5 years ago, and then – even easier than that. What I also wanted to tell you is that I am also working on childhood-specific and school-based products for 2012.
There is so much that you and I can do in preparation for getting stuff into an album. You can certainly use the Project Life products! And when the childhood/school stuff comes out, you’ll have even more options for helping you to get those books caught up. Just so you know, I am working on a VIDEO right now that will outline some stuff that we can all do while you and I are “waiting” for those products to become available. I hope to share the video before the end of this month.
If you (or anyone!) have specific questions about this whole gathering, sorting, organizing process … leave me a note here and I’ll see what I can do to implement more thoughts + ideas into the video.
PS – No, I don’t have a release date for the childhood/school products yet. I do have an overflowing plate of responsibilities. And I am doing my best to make the products amazing. That takes time. ; )
I just invited you to wish my mom a happy birthday. I didn’t ask you to make me cry! You guys are so sweet, and have the nicest things to say. Thank you for helping make my mom’s day really special. Sounds like I wasn’t the only one getting weepy reading your comments. My mom emailed me last night and asked that I post this note + picture. And, like a good girl, I honoring that wish.
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Mom (Vicki) writes:
I want to thank each one of you so much for the wonderful birthday wishes you sent my way! Each and every one of them were very special to me. I DO have an amazing daughter and I feel so very blessed to have her (as well as our 5 wonderful sons!). I DID indeed have tears in my eyes as I read what Becky wrote to me. And what a total surprise that was to find it there.
My husband and I returned a few months ago from our wonderful mission for our church in Finland. (BTW … I could totally write volumes about that wonderful experience and the wonderful people we call friends, but this IS Becky’s blog!!). We are currently serving another mission for our church in Alexandria, Virginia as volunteers in the National Council For Adoption office. We love the great work we are doing and meet so many wonderful people.
Today, for my birthday, we had the privilege of being escorts to a 20-member Delegation from China … all government officials. Visiting the White House was a part of that. It has been a very rewarding and fulfilling day. Kiitos Paljon……Me rakastamme sinua!!
Becky indeed has the best ‘friends’ in the whole wide world. Thank YOU ALL for being so wonderful! This is a birthday to remember for sure!
Surprise! Bet you didn’t expect to see this on the blog today. You have been my biggest supporter since … forever. You check my blog faithfully, you are first in line to buy anything I produce (even though you totally know I’m hooking you up) and you are the first to be excited about anything I’m doing.
So today it felt completely appropriate to send you a big cyber hug since I’m not with you in person on your birthday. Plus, I kinda thought it might be fun to have a whole bunch of really kind strangers (and maybe a few familiar friends) add their birthday wishes. Go ahead, guys. Wish my mom a happy birthday in the comments!
Mom, thank you over and over for everything you do and everything you are. Thank you for always having a homemade dinner on the table when we were growing up. Thank you for serving your family, community, and church so faithfully. Thank you for choosing Dad – who also serves diligently and tirelessly. You are both such remarkable people and I will forever be grateful for the blessing of having you as my parents.
Thank you for being supportive every step of the way as I have struggled and triumphed. Thank you for never making me feel pressured in any big life decision I’ve made. I have always felt like you and Dad have completely trusted me. That’s one of the greatest gifts any parent can give a child.
I love your work ethic. You were never interested in paid work but you have worked just as hard as anyone in a high-power position. When I think of you, I think of volunteerism. I think of you holding hands with Dad. I think of you wearing that apron, and baking those awesome cookies, and delivering hundreds and hundreds of cookies to the nursing home, the city council meetings, the family gatherings.
Mom, I just made your famous Chili & Coleslaw Dogs the other day. Delish. I love making stuff that you taught me how to make — like Chicken Noodle Casserole and Deviled Eggs and sugar toast. Because every time I do, it reminds me of you. I think of you when I wear an apron or walk laps around the neighborhood or hear “We Built This City on Rock and Roll”. I totally laugh to myself just picturing you conducting that music from the driver’s seat in your Dodge Caravan when it would come on the radio.
Thank you for every sacrifice you’ve made on my behalf. Thank you for loving me through every tantrum (even though I don’t believe that I could possibly throw fits!), every mood swing (what!?) and anything I ever did that caused you worry or concern or heartache.
Thank you everyone for sharing your favorite health tips! I’m super inspired. If you haven’t read through the tips in yesterday’s comments, do. Such great ideas!
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{ tami, claim your prize }
Oh, speaking of giveaways … can you believe that the winner of the big, giant box of fun that I brought home from The Creative Connection – did NOT claim her prize?? If anyone knows Tami L. in Trabuco Canyon, California please tell her that these goodies are just waiting for her to give us her address. If I don’t hear from her by Thursday, I’ll choose another winner. Announcement was made here.
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{ reader writes }
Words can not express how stoked I am to hear from teens who love documenting life. That was so me. At an early age, I loved taking pictures, writing in my journal, and documenting my life – and my family’s life. The following is an email from sweet Emily in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is 16. And completely darling.
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Dear Becky,
I grew up loving photography and scrapbooking because I saw my mom doing it constantly. However, when she introduced me to Project Life, capturing memories took on a whole new meaning for me. There are many days when I feel bad about who I am, or doubt that I am truly loved. Flipping through my PL album always reassures my doubts and reminds me that I have a purpose in life, am fine just the way I am, and am loved by many. I am a junior in highschool and recently had to write about something that I believe in for my AP English class. I choose to write about remembering, and thought I would share. Thank you so much for all that you do.
.
This I Believe | by Emily
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I believe in cameras. My parents always went to every school event; one videotaped and the other took pictures. They constantly stressed to get the typical student and teacher picture, the awkward school play shot no one wants to see, and the chubby smiles filled with gaps. Scrapbooks filled our shelves, eagerly awaiting the curious eyes of anyone who came to visit. We plugged the video camera into our TV and laughed at the ice cream stained faces and grubby children captured on film. Mom was always there, hidden behind her precious black box.
I believe in mirror pictures. Every girl spends time capturing various poses on film in their bathroom, whether they hide the pictures or post them online for the entire world to see. Even those goofy pictures are fun to look back through and remember what you once were like. I have my fair share of awkward middle school pictures, full of braces and faces breaking out. The embarrassing school portraits you once wanted to burn don’t seem so bad when they are sitting next to your high school pictures, oozing confidence and glowing skin.
I believe in preserving your pictures. Going back through old scrapbooks, my brothers and I were transported into a past world long forgotten. My youngest brother was captivated as he saw pictures of Christopher and me growing up and was able to glimpse into what our childhood was like. He spent hours asking questions about the books and made sure mom still carried her camera everywhere with her, in hopes that one day he would have a book of his own. Cameras have become a constant in my family’s life. They’re always there, capturing the little moments just as much as the big ones.
Above all, I believe in remembering. There is immeasurable value in a simple photograph. It tells a story, gives meaning, and has multiple memories attached to it. Nothing can describe the feeling of finding an old black and white photo of long lost family, or digging out your high school yearbook and reliving the crazy hairstyles and funky trends. Pictures keep loved ones close by or preserve our memories of them. Pictures give a history. They help us to remember the bad and learn from our mistakes; they show us the good and keep us strong enough to carry on. I believe in memories.
As I’m tucking Porter in bed last night, this was the conversation.
Porter: Hey Mom?
Me: Yes Love.
Porter: Remember when you came to my class to work on the personal yearbooks a couple weeks ago?
Me: That was fun, huh?
Porter: (Carefully and cautiously) Yeah. Um – well there was a kid in my class who said, “My mom is quite a bit thinner than your mom.”
Me: (Processing, processing …) Okay. So what did you think about that?
Porter: It wasn’t really nice.
Okay, so the conversation went on … and it was a wonderful opportunity to discuss LOTS of things, including manners and kindness, as well as health. I can probably break-down my feelings like this:
5% Defensive (if that kid had a clue about what’s going on in my life that makes regular exercise a struggle…)
10% Ouch
20% Sense of Humor (Thank goodness for that)
25% Wake-up Call (I’m fully aware that I’m not my thinnest self at the moment)
40% Grateful that Porter can comfortably bring things up like this me + we can talk openly about anything.
Raise your hand if you’ve had your kids gently/bluntly/abrasively/sweetly tell you something similar? : )
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{ #2 }
This is of far more importance than #1. I want to help spread awareness about something that has deeply and eternally affected a family local to us. Please visit emmettsfight.com and watch the two short but very effective videos. You will become more aware of the tiny batteries around your home and mine. And your heart will ache for little Emmett, who is a living miracle.
If you want to pick up a cute t-shirt or two – check out THESE. A friend has designed some for this awareness campaign and profits will go toward helping with this. In fact, she is offering free shipping to my blog readers. Just enter projectemmett at checkout (domestic shipping only).
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{ #3 }
I think a giveaway is a delightful way to kick off this week! The Autumn issue of Where Women Create is stunning, creatively invoking, and simply inspiring. As you flip through the pages, you will appreciate the various styles of decorating, living, and organizing. And – you will likely be inspired to try something new in your own space.
THREE of you will win a free copy of this issue. Leave your first name, city + state … and … I would love to hear ONE health tip from YOU (see #1). : )
I’ve mentioned this magazine before – Seeing the Everyday. It’s a terrific publication. Absolutely one of my favorites. No ads. Intriguing photography. Engaging story-telling. As I look and read, I always feel uplifted in my role as a homemaker, inspired to be a better wife and mother, and grateful not only for the memories we are making today, but reflectively grateful for past memories in my life.
I appreciate their “why” so much, because it’s very much aligned with my own “why”. We’re both about appreciating the everyday stuff, cultivating healthy relationships, creating, remembering and appreciating.
This must be why they invited me to be a part of their Advisory Board. I am honored to be a part of the magazine in this teeny-tiny way. It’s doesn’t take much of my time, and yet I have the opportunity once in a while to contribute my ideas, thoughts, and experience.
It’s not a paid gig. I don’t benefit in telling you about the magazine. I don’t get royalties from anyone who chooses to subscribe. I’m not required to even tell you about my new role – or the magazine. I just love the magazine. And I wanted to share this little news with you because it gives me a good excuse to tell those of you who haven’t heard about Seeing the Everyday – to check it out.
I am grateful for your comments (your excitement is the best, thank you!) and questions. There were some excellent questions regarding the releasing of new products and I’m happy to address them.
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Q: I’m confused about what I should order. What exactly do I need to get?
A: If you want to stick with absolute basics, this is what you need: Project Life Core Kit + Photo Pocket Pages + Binder. That’s it. Those are the essentials to create a full album.
Note about Core Kits: Right now there are 2 editions of Project Life that are available (Amber + Turquoise) and 2 more editions that are coming in November (Cobalt + Clementine). No matter which edition you chose, it’s all the same contents, just different styles.
Note about Photo Pocket Pages: All of our new Photo Pocket Pages are still on their way and should arrive in the next few weeks-ish. The only Photo Pocket Pages in stock right now are Design B. The most ideal (and for sure the best value – price to be confirmed soon) way to buy the Photo Pocket Pages is to get the big pack of 60 when it becomes available in a few weeks-ish.
Note about Binders: We do have Amber + Turquoise Binders in stock but I want to be clear: These are the original binders with the black linen spine. The new & improved binders are coming in November. They are absolutely improved, manufactured by We R Memory Keepers, and will cost a bit more. I can’t confirm the price of the new binder just yet. But if you want to save a few dollars, then I would go for the binders that are in stock right now.
Back to the question – and now that I’ve clarified the essentials – everything else is just fun. The Cardstock, Scrapbook Dividers, Big Envelope Pages, and all the different Photo Pocket Pages that are coming. You certainly don’t have to have these items to complete a scrapbook if you’re trying to spend as little as possible. Remember: We love making scrapbooking affordable so more people will do it.
*** Everything – essential or extra – can be viewed on the Products page – always.
Q: What’s the difference between the Photo Pocket Pages still in stock and the new ones coming soon?
A: We have improved the quality, strengthened the seams … and kept the prices low, even though manufacturing costs went up.
Q: Why does the Cobalt edition have a title card with “2012″ on it?
A: Most of you will be using the kit for 2012 pictures + memories. It was a fun design that Kim came up with for the title page of the Cobalt edition that she designed. If that doesn’t work for your scrapbook (let’s say you’re using the products to create a scrapbook with pictures from a few years ago), simply don’t use that one card. There are plenty of extra cards in the Core Kit that you can choose from to replace that one.
Q: How fast are these new items going to move? Do I need to be worried about things selling out?
A: I am happy to keep you as updated as I can. I want you to be as informed as possible to make the best decision about what to buy, and when to buy it. Right now I can tell you that if you want to get the Amber or Turquoise Edition of Project Life, but you want to wait until the big pack of 60 Photo Pocket Pages and other plastics come in a few weeks, you should be okay to wait if you’d like. Of course there is risk in waiting. You never know if there will be a huge spike in sales randomly one day. But as of right now, those 2 editions are moving steadily, but not crazy-fast since they’re the 2011 designs that have already made their rounds this year.
There aren’t that many “original” binders left (see question above). Especially now that I’ve been clear about how the NEW binders will cost more, what’s left in inventory now will probably go fast. So if you think you want a black-linen spine binder, I wouldn’t wait. We will for sure not be making those binders again now that we’re spoiled with the fine manufacturing that is We R.
As for the other products that we just released, the situation is similar to the Project Life Core Kits. Sales are steady-but-not-crazy-fast on the Cardstock and Journaling Cards (box of 100), since most of our customers already have these from earlier this year.
The very best way to stay informed is to be sure you check my blog regularly or subscribe to my facebook or twitter updates. I will let you know if something is getting close to selling out. Most companies wouldn’t dream of doing that. I prioritize communicating well with my customers.
Q: I live outside the U.S. and I can’t view the video you just posted. Why?
A: It looks like some music is not “allowed” on YouTube videos in certain countries – probably a copyright issue or something? Bummer! Perhaps I’ll have to remove the music and re-post the video for international friends.
Q: Who is the artist of the “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” song in your video?
A: The version of that song that I used is actually by the Glee cast. I use Glee music in a lot of my videos.
Q: What about the binders – when will we see those?
A: We’re still on-track for November.
Q: Can I only use the Project Life binder with the Becky Higgins products?
A: Nope. You can use any binder you want. Our binders are the same standard sizing as just about any other 12×12 3-ring binder out there. Feel free to choose another binder. But really – ours are the best. ; )
Q: What about the Signature Black Binder and Signature White Binder?
A: We are sampling and re-sampling and re-sampling again so that we make these signature binders positively perfect. I don’t have a release date on these until we nail it.
Seriously? Yes, seriously. It just so happens that we have new products that just arrived to Amazon. Um, HELLO big news! I thought it would be the most helpful to you if I literally SHOWED you these products so that you have a clear understanding of what everything looks like. Next best thing to seeing it in person, right? Hey, you’ll even get a sneakity-peekity of more products still on their way this Fall.
Plus – releasing products seems like a great way to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of Becky Higgins LLC. It was two years ago this month that we launched our little company, announced it to the world, sacrificed a significant amount of sleep to get things going, and we never looked back. What a tremendous adventure already. Here’s to many more years. Here’s to YOU for being a huge part of the WHY behind what I do.
And here’s to shiny new products, some of my favorite music, and a cute new pair of Hoopla earrings (thanks Becki!). Enough chit-chat. Watch the video.
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{ Ready to shop? }
Click on any item and it will take you straight to the items on Amazon.
The wait is almost over. The Project Life Core Kits (Amber + Turquoise Editions), Project Life Cardstock (Amber + Turquoise Collections), and Journaling Cards (box of 100 3×4 grid cards) are expected to arrive at Amazon this week! Just wanted to give you that heads-up. As soon as they become available, I will let you know right here on my blog … and I have a video to go along with the product releases as well.
As a reminder – All of the new Photo Pocket Pages, Big Envelope Pages, and the NEW Cobalt and Clementine Editions of Project Life are all coming as well. The stuff arrives in a few batches throughout the next couple months. As always, this is the place to come for all updates & information.
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I got this note from Beth the other day. Thought it would resonate with many of you —
I had to write you right away. I am cleaning out a hallway overflowing with baskets of preschool art, old report cards, ticket stubs, and theme park maps. I hate to throw these things away, and so I put them in baskets thinking that someday I’ll get to them. Well, I think today might be the day!
This year is my first year doing Project Life, and I love it. My husband even raves about how nice it is to have a day-by-day scrapbook without all the mess all over the house. Cut back to today. I was literally – just minutes ago – sitting on my living room floor thinking that it would have been nice to have done Project Life before, so I could add those bits of our life into the album.
Then it hit me!! Why can’t I do an album NOW for those previous years?? I can put those bits in order, add a few photos to go with, and voila! Project Life for 2010, 2009, 2008 … You get the idea I can do this with any album, any page protectors, any journaling or none at all.
This project is such an incredible way to get this stuff out of boxes … it is so versatile and individual. That’s what makes it so very important. Thank you so much for the brainstorm!
The following are notes from individuals and families who have generously donated to my brother's family. There are many others who donated beyond the notes you see below and the ads you see on my blog. We can not thank you enough for your kindness and generosity during this very difficult time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Jonathan -- May god give you strength and courage in the coming months. Enjoy your family. Love you wife and hug your kids. Lean on Him. He can handle it. God Bless.
- Tricia Shelton
May you be surrounded by love, friendship and family in this difficult time.
- The Gourlay Family
Dear Jonathan, Tina and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we have never met, we felt compelled to reach out to you. We hope that through these well wishes you feel loved and cared for. Life is about our families, communities and sharing love with each other. Through Becky's blog, I know that you have a wonderful family. We hope you know that through Becky's web community, you now have many new friends thinking of you. May you find strength in God and from all the prayers said on your behalf.
- anonymous
I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- Sandra
You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless!
- Angie Murray
Thank you, Jonathan, for being there to support Becky while she shared her gifts and talents with me through the years, albeit remotely. This small gift is the least I can do to say thank you. God bless you and your family.
- With loving thoughts, Terri C
Although I've never met Jonathan, I have been following Becky's articles, books, and blog for years—even met her once at CKU Orlando. Like so many that Becky has touched, I've always admired the love, unity, and values of your large and beautiful family. I wish you all love, peace, courage, and strength for the days ahead. I'll be praying. Be blessed!
- anonymous
All I can say is that I believe God has heard your call because He certainly placed it on my heart to respond. It was loud and clear. And when He's involved, great things far beyond what you and I can comprehend will occur and I pray that gives you peace today and the days to come.
- Peggy Krantz
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
My heart is filled with love and pain and gratitude for eternal families as I have read about the challenge your family faces. Please accept my donation as a small token to help ease the significant, and often devastating, monetary burdens that come with this challenge. Thank you for a fine example of strength during the darkest times we face in life - an example that gives courage to others struggling with trials in their lives.
- anonymous
To Jonathan and family - I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
- God bless all of you, Leslie Schmitt
"Praying for you and your family." 1 Peter 5:7
- Kristina Proffitt
I'm praying for you throughout each day and asking God to give each of you the strength, comfort, and peace to get through this enormous trial. May God bless all of you in ways you never could've imagined and may His mighty and healing hand be especially upon you Jonathan.
- Much love, Lisa in Florida
May you continue to find peace and comfort knowing you are surrounded by loving family and friends.
- anonymous
Dear Jonathan and family, Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family. May you know in your hearts that there will always be someone, whether here or above, who will always be with each one of you.
- Maria
Jonathan, his family, friends, and coworkers are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us- it's very inspiring to see Jonathan's strength through this battle.
- Kristen
"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is that small voice at the end of the day that says 'I will try again tomorrow' " - Mary Anne Radmacher - The last year has been really difficult for me, but this quote always seems to help. I hope it helps you and your family, as well. Don't forget, miracles really do happen. Hang in there and keep your chin up.
- Love and prayers from NM, Stephanie Taylor
To Jonathan, Tina and your entire family: I wish there were more that I could do to help you. Becky's books have been my favorites since I first read them. Because she shared family photos and stories, I feel like you are all old friends. Good luck and I am sending happy thoughts and sparkly wishes your way!
- Jacki Samolsky
Big hugs and lots of prayers of healing and peace to your whole family.
I can do this with any album, any page protectors, any journaling or none at all.
