Archive for the ‘giving’ Category
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
I know many of you are anxious to know when Project Life will be available again. An appointment is finally set for Amazon to receive the shipment on Thursday which means … Project Life is expected to be available THS WEEK, probably on Thursday or Friday.
Say hello to Candace and Ross who live in Indiana (gorgeous couple, aren’t they?):
Here is part of an email Candace sent to me:
“I got married on January 1st of this year and Ross (my husband) and I are loving documenting our first year of marriage! Ross has taken an awesome interest in the project too, taking pictures of his daily activities and journaling at least 2 or 3 of the days each week. Without fail, every weekend he asks if he can go get our “pictures of the day” printed! It’s been so much fun. Not only have we already been able to document our wedding and honeymoon during this year’s project life, but we have a lot of big milestones coming up this year too! This book will be something we both cherish for the remainder of our married life because we will be able to remember all those special moments from our first year together in such an awesome way!”
I’d like to extend a special THANK YOU to Jan in Indianapolis. Who’s Jan? Jan Gerbers is Candace’s sister and the one who gave Project Life to the new couple. Candace is just entering the world of scrapbooking and I’m so, so, so pleased that she’s entering with Project Life.
I’ve heard from many other readers who have given the gift of Project Life as wedding gifts and graduation gifts and I just want to let you know how much I appreciate that. You are truly giving a gift that will keep on giving. Project Life can start any time, any season, at any age or stage.
Here’s the thing.
Scrapbooking can get a bad reputation. There are so many who view this wonderful hobby as one that requires a lot of time and creativity and even money, right? I don’t blame them for thinking that. Scrapbooking can be that. But it doesn’t have to be. They are the reason — and you are the reason — that I created Project Life. So that anyone who would like a beautiful scrapbook can achieve that WITHOUT all the time and creativity and money.
Project Life is scrapbooking in the simplest form.
So think about your friends and family members. Think about who you know that could really benefit from knowing about Project Life and give them the heads-up that this week they’ll be available again. When they sell out, they are gone until we release the next edition later this year. My blog is the place for the most current information. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, what questions might you have about Project Life? Ask me here in the comments. Be sure to check out the Project Life FAQ section here too, as your question might already be addressed.
And remember — the digital version of Project Life doesn’t run out. Anyone can try that out for free, any time.
Tags: gift idea, newlyweds, Project Life
Posted in giving, products, scrapbooking | 17 Comments »
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
***NOTE: I have re-posted this with easier downloading this time.
While visiting Tallinn, Estonia I became especially fond of the doors in that city. Each one seemed to be entirely different than the next. So much character. I found myself snapping pictures of a few of my favorite doors and then it became kind of a game. We would walk and discover and see and shop and walk and walk and walk … and when a door stood out to me, the camera went up to my face. As I was doing this, I saw in my mind’s eye the end result, which is this –
 I’m putting this in a frame in our home office because it reminds me of a wonderful experience, and it’s a fun collection of color and texture that inspires me.
I am reminded of something I’ve heard from home decorators and organizers: Surround yourself with things that you love or things that you use. That’s all you need. The rest is unnecessary.
In the unlikely event that one of my readers may want this print too, I’m including it here in a few sizes. Just right-click on the size you want & save the image to your computer. Then upload it to your favorite online print shop.
11×14 – click here.
8×10 – click here.
5×7 – click here.
Applying this concept to your own photography, can you find a collection of things on your next trip, in your town, or even in your home? I’d love to hear what you’ve done or what you plan to do.
Tags: color, doors, estonia, tallinn, texture
Posted in DIY, giving, home, photography, style & design, travel | 103 Comments »
Friday, June 18th, 2010
Yesterday was June 17th. An “ordinary” summer day. No holiday or major event or giant task. Lots of little to-do’s. But woke up feeling like it was going to be a good day. So I decided that it would indeed be … a good day.
And it was. Because every day just is.
Today, I encourage you to pay closer attention to the little reasons why it’s a good day for you. And then – of course – record it. Whether in words or pictures. Whether in a journal or on a blog or telling a loved one over the phone. I believe that when we record our blessings, we’re just become that much more aware of them. And therefore … happier.
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There are a million reasons why yesterday was a good day in my little world. Here are ten.
1. Good old-fashioned hose-down. You go, Claire. Take ‘em down sister. Note #1: This was very impromptu; hence the fully-clothed boys. Note #2: I assure you I do comb my daughter’s hair.
2. Daily drawings continue. Today Porter drew a custom space boy for everyone. So grateful for such good friends in our community. Good families. Good kids. Good people.
3. I caught up on four loads of laundry. Very good indeed.
4. I got to do a little unexpected spray-painting to help a friend with a little project. For sure good! Spray-painting is always a good thing. Helping someone in a pinch is even better.
5. Crew stood up in the bath and very intentionally – with a smirk on his face – body-slammed into the water, creating a tidal wave effect that covered my bathroom floor. The little stink. But my sense of humor won over my frustration in that moment and I’m grateful. We all had a good laugh over that one. Unfortunately this encouraged Crew to want to repeat the act.
6. David had a long day at work so the kids and I packed up a few plates of O’Henrys and surprised a few friends with a “hello” and a hug and these. It’s always good to tell someone you’re thinking of them.
7. One of those recipients is a brand-new friend. Meet Brenda Reed. Adorable, right? She really is. So is her little family. She is local to me. I knew she frequents my blog and follows me on twitter. I knew she has been diligent with Project Life and I’ve seen many of her POTDs (posted on her blog). They’re terrific. I thought it would be a good day to stop by her house and meet her. With O’Henrys in hand. It was indeed a pleasure.
8. When I saw this picture of us I noticed far more wrinkles than I realized I had. Like … a lot more. Sometimes I still think I’m 25?? BUT … I’m okay with that. Because wrinkles are good. Don’t hate me for saying that. I think wrinkles represent evolution and growth and add character to our features.
9. This evening I was properly put in my place. Being humbled is always good, right? Porter wanted to spend his money on this dumb machine at WalMart. We’ve never done it here before, but I’m quite familiar with how these machines work. And so I firmly expressed it.
“Porter, let me tell you something. It’s your money, but I want you to know how strongly I feel that this machine steals people’s mon—-”
Literally right at that moment, the darn grabber thing grabbed a toy. The look on Porter’s face was pure elation. And I knew that moment was golden for him. Because kids need to know that sometimes Mom is wrong. Sometimes Mom needs to have more faith.
Oh, and he immediately gave the toy to Claire. Because he’s that kind of a big brother.
10. Claire told me she loved me more than the marshmallows in her Lucky Charms. If you knew what those marshmallows mean to my four-year-old you would understand why I wanted to melt into a puddle on the spot.
That moment alone made for an instantly good day.
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This is the stuff of life. This is the stuff we put in Project Life. This is why I care so much about Project Life.
(Fine print: Those of you who have been patiently waiting for Project Life to become available again … we’re getting close. Hopefully just a few more weeks. I’ll be sure to announce when those kits arrive at Amazon.)
Tags: before & after, brenda reed, friends, good day, kids' art, love, o'henrys, Project Life, spray paint, summer, trampoline, walmart, wrinkles
Posted in family & children, giving, photography | 27 Comments »
Friday, March 12th, 2010
We all know what that stands for. Random Act of Kindness.
I am sharing this experience with you because there is a lesson in here for everyone.
I was at WalMart with the kiddos the other day. As you see in yesterday’s post, I was in the market for cheap-slip-on-Crock-like shoes for Claire. Something that I don’t mind if she destroys. Out of the blue Porter says, “Mom, let’s get these for Little Abbie!” We call her “Little Abbie”, by the way, because we also adore another Abbie friend who is 19. The age results in the “Big Abbie” nickname. Funny thing is that Big Abbie is totally petite.
Back to the shoe isle. In response to Porter I’m pretty sure the word “random” came out of my mouth. Because it was. Porter spotted some fun, pink shoes and randomly thought of our 10-year-old friend Abbie.
Random? For sure. Thoughtful? Absolutely.
“You know what, Porter? That’s super nice and a super great idea. Let’s do it.”
The shoes were on clearance for $3, so I knew that even if Abbie didn’t like them, it was not a big deal. I texted her mom to get her shoe size and the kids and I talked about how fun it will be to surprise for her. We gathered up a few treats at the store and then picked up a picture at home that Claire drew for Abbie earlier in the week. I guess she was on Claire’s mind, too.
By the way, I have no idea why Abbie was on my kids’ minds, but it didn’t matter. I was totally game for playing along.
So we go by Abbie’s house. Luckily she was home. With a twinkle in her eye, she seemed genuinely delighted to see my kids. They handed her a few goodies and with a big hug, we told her it was “Random-We-Love-Abbie-Day” and that was it.
The kids and I were on a high. What a fun experience! The shoes were pretty random but the lesson is this: My kids had an instinct. A specific friend was on their mind and they thought of something specific to do for her. Out of the blue. How many of us get an instinct like this? A feeling. A prompting. A fleeting thought. Call it what you want. But it happens to all of us. We get this idea to do something for someone, even if it’s totally RANDOM. But how often do we ACT on that prompting with KINDNESS?
As we head into the weekend, I urge you to pay attention to the next little feeling you get that you should do something for someone. Whether you know them or not.
And then … do it.
By the way, the whole pay-it-forward concept is in full force. Abbie’s mom told me later that Abbie had been in a pouty mood. This little surprise turned things around. She was practically bouncing up & down, grinning ear to ear, immediately hung up the picture and wore the shoes.
The best part? She told her mom, “I want to celebrate random someone day.” She is currently planning to surprise another kid. Someone whose name she doesn’t even know.
As the old saying goes … that’s what it’s all about.
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Speaking of random … a warm congratulations to our 2 randomly chosen winners from this week’s give-away!
Renee in Williamsburg, Virginia won a copy of Pascale Wowak’s photography book. Renee, email Pascale to claim your prize. [ pascale.w@sbcglobal.net ]
Kirsten in Columbus, Ohio won the [Shey B] camera strap slipcover. Kirsten, email [ customerservice@beckyhiggins.com ] and we’ll send that to you.
Oh my. Just wait until you see next week’s give-away. This was just getting you warmed up.
Tags: kindness, RAK
Posted in family & children, giving | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
This was the note I attached to a bridal shower gift last night (click on it to enlarge):
The gift, naturally, is Project Life. And I happen to think it’s a brilliant wedding gift. Think about that for a second. How cool would that be to have a record of daily glimpses of your first year of marriage? What I wouldn’t do for that. Know anyone getting married soon?
I’m just sayin’.
PS – I just checked the inventory on Amazon and — folks, we’re at the bottom of the barrel. Like the bottom. Yes, we are reprinting more kits but manufacturing takes time and we’re expecting that Project Life will sell out before we can get more kits in stock. So if you think you want to order and you can picture yourself being really bummed if you go to order only to find out they’re sold out … I would recommend you go for it.
Just sayin’.
Tags: bridal shower, gift idea, Project Life, wedding
Posted in giving | 3 Comments »
Thursday, February 4th, 2010
So you have an idea on what to share with other families for Valentines (see “Post-it Love” below if you missed it), but how about the kiddos? Most kids will be exchanging Valentines with their friends, so here’s a simple idea for that.
Something I try to do with any of these little holiday exchanges, is make it personal. I want my kids to be involved in creating these little gifts that they give to their buddies. Plus, it’s awesome, creative togetherness time. Here’s the end result of Porter’s Valentines that he’ll be exchanging next week with his first grade classmates:
(Claire’s art is pretty darn cute too … she just needs to finish coloring it.)
And this is how it’s done. Put some goodies or yummies in small, clear bags. Check the craft store or use plain ol’ ziplock bags. I use those most of the time, but happen to have like a thousand of these sturdy poly bags, so that’s why I used those instead. Anyway, no matter what you use … give the bag some sugar. : )
Have your child create a little bit of Valentines art. Let them be creative and express their wishes however they choose. You just need to provide the paper already cut down to a horizontal rectangle, knowing that it will be a bag topper. Porter wanted to write this message and add a few hearts. Appropriate. Then … scan the art and pop that image a document a couple of times, keeping in mind that the width needs to be adjusted to be whatever your bag width is. Also keep in mind that it will be folded, so your art is toward the bottom with space above it for the folding. This is what my finished document looks like.
Then of course, you print as many as you need, cut the labels, fold them over the bags, and staple. Done.
Here’s what the kids did last year. Again, personalizing with their own creativity: “Valentines & Another Give-away”
And another idea from the year before: “A Simple Valentine”
Tags: kids' art, valentines
Posted in DIY, giving, holidays & seasons | 2 Comments »
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