We are mid-way through the big birthday week and today I want to focus on my online class – Project Real Life – which starts tomorrow, if you can believe that. Aaand give away 3 seats in my class! So keep reading.

{ being clear about a few things }

1. The purpose of this post is not to try to twist anyone’s arm into signing up for my class. We are not hungry for registered students. In fact, the number of students already signed up very much exceeded ALL of our expectations. And we are so very thankful and excited about that.

The purpose of talking about this class one more time before it actually begins is this: There are many of you still uncertain about whether or not this class is for you. You have questions. You are seeking for a little more information. I am more than happy to address those questions so that you might feel more informed about your decision. If you end up registering, that’s super. See you in class tomorrow. If not, I totally understand that this isn’t the right time or the right fit for you.

2. If you’re wondering about something that perhaps I do not address in this post, it’s quite likely that I’ve already answered the question in another post. I strongly encourage you to read this one.

3. I have poured my heart and soul into the content development of this class, and I have done so (and continue to do so) with great joy. But this is not a solo act. Please keep in mind that the value of this class goes beyond what I’ve prepared for you. Big Picture Classes is the platform and the infrastructure in place that allows me to focus on what I’m doing as an instructor. They are the logistics + the designers + the tech support + the editors + customer service + the classroom management pulling out all the stops behind the scenes. And I love them for that.

Persnickety Prints is my other amazing partner on this huge project. They graciously and enthusiastically accepted the invitation to provide each of my students with a set of exclusive Project Life cards (which Lili Niclass designed). And I love them for that.

But it’s just not that simple. Because the number of students grew and grew and exceeded our expectations, they have worked triple overtime – even brought in extra help – to make it possible for all my students to receive the set of cards. It has been an enormous undertaking and I am so very thankful to them. And, hello. Guess what they did!? They made this quick video to give you a little behind-the-scenes look at pulling off the project.

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{ your questions }

Will your class work for all formats of Project Life – digital, traditional & Shutterfly?

Yes. It’s more “conceptual” – so no matter what your format or style, you will certainly be able to adapt the ideas to whatever you’re doing.

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What will the class offer for someone who is already doing Project Life and is in a groove?

Putting together a Project Life album doesn’t require much instruction, so that’s not what this class it about. If you’re already doing Project Life, you will simply find yourself (I hope) thinking more along the lines of how you can cultivate a better life and document it … and this of course will fit right into whatever you’re already doing with your Project Life album.

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I have all the Project Life materials but am unsure where to start. Will this class help me?

For absolutely sure.

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Is there a lot of downloading involved?

A couple handouts each week is the standard downloading in my class. So no – not much downloading.

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I’m holding out for the Baby Edition. Will I be lost without having any Project Life items?

So you’re taking the class, but not actually planning to do any pages along the way? That is perfectly fine, and I think you’ll still feel like you benefit from the content. Warning: You will likely get the itch to document your “everyday” life in addition to your plans for documenting Baby’s life. Just sayin’. Bottom line: You do NOT have to participate in any actual activities or assignments or challenges or anything of the like. You can simply sit back and read, watch, and enjoy the content if that is what you prefer.

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I’m single with a very active life.  I have done Project Life for 2 years but each time I stall around April, mostly because I don’t have enough time.  If I sign up for PRL I think I am just asking for more disappointment – convince me!

I don’t want to convince you because then I feel like I would aid in setting you up for disappointment. Do not force this if it doesn’t feel right for you. That said, this is my convincing argument (*wink*): Forget about what you have done, or haven’t done, or wish you had done. Start with right here, right now. Come along with me on this journey to document your here & now, instead of focusing on the stalling that happens in April each year.

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What all do we get for the $99 price?

It’s all listed on my class registration page.

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I don’t take a picture a day, or even a week. Will this class help me with my kids’ baby books or something else that is not a “365″ project?

As I said above, you totally don’t have to go along with my daily and weekly prompts and challenges for documenting your life right now. If you are strongly interested in focusing solely on using the Project Life products for your kids’ baby books or some other theme, I do touch on that – but it’s not a huge focus. I won’t be talking a lot about my products, actually. I mean – yes, I recommend using the Project Life system for organizing and keeping your photos + memories, but I’m not digging in deep about how you can use this product and that product – because they’re really so self-explanatory.

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How fast does your internet have to be? I live in a rural area and still have dial-up.

Our classroom area was designed with simplicity and load-time in mind so that everyone can enjoy these classes. We will include an option to view transcripts of both the video files and live chats, in case load-time is cumbersome with your connection speed. All downloads are saved at a manageable file size. All students will be able to view the classroom pages quickly & easily.

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Can you share more of the content your class will cover?

Each week is a little different. Some weeks are very philosophical with my own thoughts on cultivating a good life – and how to go about working on specific areas in your life. Some weeks I’m way heavy on the video or slideshow content and give you lots of visuals. Some weeks I’m really tip-driven and you’ll get loads of tangible ideas to apply in your life. Some weeks I’m fun. Some weeks I was moved to tears as I pulled together my thoughts for you.

My class is less about my products and more about cultivating a good life and recording it.

I came across a blog post that someone published just yesterday. She is a recently-divorced mother of two who felt compelled to share why she signed up for my class. This is a quote from Maughansters, Inc. (that’s the name of her blog): Part of what actually spurred me to just sign up for the class is I want to create the life I’ve always wanted. I fully recognize that a class and/or another person cannot create the life I want for me. That is something I need to do for myself. But I hope that through this class and learning and recognizing how to prioritize and organize, that I’ll recognize ways to create the life I want. -Stacey May

I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’m not pretending to be a life coach or therapist. But I do sincerely hope that my class (including the interaction with fellow students) results in some introspection for each of my students. And of course more thoughtful picture-taking.  ; )

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Does religion makes for a big part of the class?

Very interesting this came up, and I’m happy to address this. Great question. Depending on how long you’ve been familiar with me, my brand, my blog … most of you know that my faith is at the center of who I am as a human being. I most definitely consider myself a religious person. However, it is not my style to shove religion down anyone’s throat. So much of my personal happiness is because of the principles I’ve learned in my life as a Christian – but I don’t expect everyone to share all my same beliefs. And I’m very respectful of the fact that probably every religion (and the lack thereof) is represented in my readership here. I love that.

Short answer: I focus on principles – not religion. Once in a while you might hear words like “blessings” or “prayer” or I might even quote a scripture. But I’m not your Sunday School teacher in this class.

My goal for you in taking this class is that you feel enriched, motivated, and inspired to cultivate a better life – and truly liberated in the way you approach the documentation of that life. You will get a healthy dose of my personal real-life insights about both of those areas – creating and documenting a good life.

I should note that if anyone genuinely wants to know more about my beliefs, I’m always happy to chat about that and will gladly do so. But I don’t use my blog or my classroom to get preachy.  : )

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Does BPC offer a payment plan?

Unfortunately, BPC does not offer a payment plan for classes at this time.

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Will I still get your exclusive cards if I sign up this late in the game?

Today is the last day to register for the class if you want to receive the happy mail (package of Project Real Life cards) from Persnickety Prints. If you sign up AFTER today, you will have access to the digital files for these cards inside my classroom. Just to be clear, all PRL students will have access to the digital files. BPC is officially closing registration on the class October 17 so you still have a couple weeks to decide if you want to be a part of the class … and you can always “catch up” on the first 2 weeks of content if you join us late. That’s not a big deal.

Everyone already registered in the class should have received an email explaining about the shipping times for the set of cards. Some of you have received them. Some of you will get them really soon. Some of you have another week or two because you registered later, or you’re international. Please know that it’s so not the end of the world if you don’t have the cards this week. I promise. You can slip them in later. It’s truly okay.  : )

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I want a Project Life edition that isn’t back in stock yet. Do I need to have this in time for class to start on Thursday?

Nope. You’re going to be just fine. Everything that can possibly be done behind-the-scenes to get the Cobalt and Amber Core Kits back on Amazon, is happening. (The Cherry, Turquoise, and Clementine are all in stock.) Cobalt & Amber are very, very close and I think it’s safe to say we’ll see these become available about this time next week.

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I understand you will have video presentations. But I’m deaf. Will you have transcriptions available?

Yes – BPC provides transcriptions in the classroom.

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I don’t know if I have enough time for the class each week. Can I really add one more thing to my life?

The beautiful thing about how my classroom is set up, is that anyone registered in my class has access to the content indefinitely. It’s yours to refer to over and over and over. You don’t have to “keep up”. You don’t have to sign in every week. You just do what you need to do, prioritize what you need to prioritize, and when you have a few minutes to pop in and check out what’s been added since you last checked – super. If you don’t have time until after the holidays, that’s A-OK. Of course you’ll miss all the timely tips that fit with the week we’re in … but there is plenty that is still totally applicable year-round.

There is no set “time” that you have to be anywhere. New content is added to the classroom every Thursday – but you’re not obligated to be there that day. Know what I mean? We’ll see you when we see you. This is a NO PRESSURE classroom. I will be doing 3 live chats, but we’ll share more information about that as the class moves along.

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{ 3 random testimonials }

The awesome thing is that you do what you do with love. While it can be super time consuming {and all consuming, I’m sure} it is clear that you are passionate about every aspect of your business and that shows to everyone you have contact with. You can tell by reading through comments on your blog and Facebook that your customers continue to be amazed at your willingness to respond to feedback and your desire to provide them with the very best products – from thoughtfully designed packaging to completely versatile designs. You are not only a remarkable individual but you truly stand out in the business world. If more business owners ran their companies the way you (and David) do and cared just a portion of what you do for your products and customers, the world would be a better place … true story. -Kari

I love and adore Project Life. Almost every Sunday as I finish up the previous week, I find myself looking back through prior weeks. Little things I’d forgotten about are remembered and usually bring a smile to my face. I find myself almost every day searching for some small aspect of life that I usually overlook. Something to document because those are always the things I always find interesting about my grandparents. From the new TV stand, to the price of gas, to my breakfast of DD glazed donuts and coffee, these are thing little things that will never make it into my scrapbooks. But, now they’re here. And they’ll be here for my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren to see. -Amy

Project Life is impacting our quality of life! What I realized is that PL motivates me to get off the couch and do things! It makes for a more interesting album, and a more interesting life. So on weekends or special days, I’m constantly thinking about what we could do in our home or community that will make me look back and say… “Wow, we did a lot of things.” It makes my kids more rounded and healthy, and it makes me feel like a better mom. PL motivates me to get out of a rut and really live. Thanks! -Beth

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{ giveaway }

Finally: The really exciting part! BPC and I are giving away 3 more seats in my classroom – because we love you. Simply leave your first name, city, and country in the comments. Enter for yourself or a friend. This is open to anyone in the world.

I will announce the 3 winners that will be awarded a FREE SEAT in my class. I’ll add those 3 names right here at the end of my blog post this evening – at 7:00 Pacific / 10:00 Eastern. Very tight turn around. Class starts tomorrow, after all. Check back later to see if you won!

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{ winners announced }

Congratulations to …

Niki Moss in Lexington, Kentucky  |  JanRay in Kent, Washinton  |  Jo in Wellington, New Zealand

Winners: Please shoot an email to kari@beckyhiggins.com and she’ll get you all set up as a registered student in my class! Congrats!