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January 15, 2009

The Archivist

Archiving family photos haunts me especially when I fall behind..like now…I’m really behind. First, let me say that I am NOT a person who actively participates in the art form of scrapbooking photos (However, I do appreciate and admire those that can keep up with beautiful scrapbooks!) In years past, I managed to get a pretty decent ‘first year’ Creative Memories type scrapbook completed for child #1 and #2 (I am so sorry little #3!) with fancy layouts, papers, type, stickers and all. But, I quickly jumped off that boat. Despite being the artsy/craftsy type, scrapbooking is not for me. I think it was the pressure to make every page a work of art coupled with the falling behind feeling of drowning in photos that I personally couldn’t handle. Although here I am, all guilt ridden and drowning even with my simplified scrapbooking system.


Since the year 2000, I have been putting photos in chronological order with a short caption. I use photo books like the above which have a 4″ x 6″ photo slot and a space on the side of each photo for captions. Compared to trying to really scrapbook, this seemed more manageable. My system is as follows:


1) transfer photos from digital camera to computer
2) upload photos (every month or so) from computer to Kodak Gallery
3) add captions to each online photo
4) digitally share album with family and friends
5) order actual prints (every few months) of all digital photos
6) place actual prints in the above type of photo book in chronological order
7) hand write identical captions that appeared with online photo
8) breathe sigh of relief and enjoy feeling of MAJOR accomplishment

My thought is that with this system, I have both an online record (that I’m assuming is safe in the hands of the big K) and actual books that our family can hold, look through and reminisce. I can’t tell you how much my family enjoys our photo books. Completely worth it, but still time consuming especially when I fall behind. This morning I managed to catch up so that all pix have at least been through step #2. The bad news is that I have pix from September ’07 that are still stuck on step #7 so I’m over a year behind in my process (even though I managed to find time to make matching throw pillows for my office…see top photo…hmmmm). I’m pledging right now to myself and anyone reading to spend AT LEAST 30 minutes per day on family photos until I am caught up. You heard me…30 minutes per day. Archival guilt be gone.

Thanks to Cuteable for doing a write up on my Frustration Pencil kits last week. Also thanks Amy and Gary from the Cincinnati Enquirer who came to do a photo story on my new studio space. Stay tuned for that article coming soon!
Filed Under: family
December 23, 2008

A virtual Christmas card from us to you…


open to…

Finally, I got all of the printed versions in the mail yesterday. I still have a few hand delivers that are awaiting a tray of cookies to go with. This card idea came to me after finding yet another vintage Scrabble game (favorite) at a holiday flea market. At home, as I stared at and moved around those gorgeous wooden letters, I saw XMAS. When I discovered that I could fit MERRY XMAS on the wood rack, I completely geeked out and went at it with full force. Using a Photoshop trick or two, I turned our family into scrabble tiles adding a point value to correspond to ages. (okay one age is slightly questionable…I wanted to see who was paying attention ; )

With several design projects happily at the printer, cards mailed and presents wrapped, I’ve officially put myself on vacation. My hubbie and I purchased a rug pad for my office rug, installed badly needed new blinds and completed little odd ball fixes around the house that have been crying out for attention for many, many months. Projects that give me tremendous JOY now that they are done. Me and my little cooks are planning to heat up the kitchen with cookies and a feast for Thursday. We have family coming into town for Christmas day and several days after so we’re looking forward to entertaining and enjoying our time together.

I’m taking some time away from here, but I’ll be back after the new year. ‘Til then happy, safe and cozy holidays to you along with lots of PEACE, HOPE, LOVE and JOY.

December 9, 2008

The one

Every year, we go through the routine. They all look rather similar, but that never stops us. We have to spend ridiculous amounts of time searching for the one.

Every year, five different perspectives of “perfect tree” wander around the tree farm or in this year’s case the tree lot. We take our time debating which tree deserves a shot at being our Christmas tree. The height, prickle factor, branch sturdiness, shape, price (hello recession), bare spots, trunk posture and overall ‘look’ are all factors that go into this monumental decision. Does it matter that much? After the decorations, don’t they all kind of look…well…the same?

maybe. However it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the evergreen ritual and getting to finally say, “That’s our tree.” And if we’re all still speaking after the annual outing, even better.
Filed Under: family, fine art

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