Can a photo speak a thousand words?
They say that a picture can speak a thousand words. If you are lucky enough to have a picture like this, you simply need to fill in the details. You can write "Jennifer and Geoffrey at Yosemite Falls. June 1989." You can add more personality to the page by adding more facts and including a short story or anecdote.
The 4 W's
Who
What
When
Where
Why
You are going to remember this photo. But how about the next generation? or the next?
Journaling is important so your photos and scrapbooks don't end up with the kids saying, "Who is this?"
I am heading out to my first Christmas party of the season, so I will write more later. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Common Punch Tips
Last year, if someone told me I would have time to start blogging, I would have laughed. I find myself getting more and more busy -- but what is the saying? If you want something done and done right, give it to a busy woman! So, to start off, I want to share some common but important tips to keep your punches in great condition.
1. Punches sticking? Punch several times with waxed paper. This will lubricate your punch and it will stop sticking. Do this regularly to maintain your punch. Intricate designs (snowflakes) are more prone to stick than basic shapes (circles).
2. Punch hard to use or ripping your cardstock and paper? Punch several times using aluminum foil. Believe it, this actually SHARPENS your punch! This maintenance does not need to be done as often as the waxed paper.
Punches are quite durable, but to keep them at their best, they must receive proper care. Store your punches in a dry place to avoid rusting. You don't have to use fancy containers or hangers from your scrapbook store (although they are very nice). You can simplify and use a fishing tackle box or an embroidery floss box.
This next tip may be age related 
, but if you are having a similar problem, give it a try. If your punch will not compress, don't be afraid to stand up and put some weight on it. I eventually went out and purchased a Power Punch. This is really nice as it gives you lots of leverage on the punch. Mine is by Marvy Uchida and is pretty old now, but it still works great. Standing up, use the palm of your hand you will see how much easier it is to use your punch. Or (I do this) place your punch on the floor and gently (GENTLY) step on it until it punches (of course, not with the Power Punch!: ). I have a lot of problems with the larger punches and the Creative Memories punches, so I do this all the time. You might also try switching a thinner paper. Some of the more intricate designs will break if you attempt to punch through heavy card stock.
Have you been punching away and your paper gets stuck up inside the punch? You can try compressing it again to see if the shape comes out; but, if that doesn't work you can take a screwdriver to press on the protruding design and that may help release the paper. DO NOT USE YOUR FINGERS!
Okay, this is the end of my first blog and it was painless : ) See you next time!
(this was copied from my first blog at another site)
Being Thankful
Today is Thanksgiving. The day when we celebrate and give thanks for family, friends, and our way of life. Although it is an American holiday and not celebrated around the world, I am remembered by my friends in India who emailed me to say Happy Thanksgiving; even at a time when they are living through the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai. They are safe and for that I am thankful. My prayers go out to those who are not safe and to all their families. I am thankful I live in a country that has been kept safe and thankful that I and my family are safe today. I am thankful that I still have my Mom and Dad to celebrate with. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for my son and daughter , their families, my brother, my nieces and nephew and their families. I am thankful that it is a beautiful, sunny (but cold!) day here in Montana, so that my niece will have a nice drive up to the house. I am thankful that I have the freedom to worship in my chosen faith. So, despite not having a job and despite the economy, I do have so very much to be thankful for. I want to focus on the blessings today.
What are you thankful for today? Your family? Your inlaws? The weather? Grandma's boysenberry pie or Jennifer's mashed potatoes? Your place of worship? Football? Big or small, think of at least one thing you are thankful for today.
Welcome
Please check back soon for new entries.
See you Soon!
