SOCIAL MEDIA

Another Marks Paper Co. Layout!

2.20.2009
Us...

Another layout using patterned papers by Marks Paper Company. I am really loving the earthy tones of these papers, so rich and the look of texture only adds to the richness! Other supplies for this layout include: K & Company; metal bracket, Making Memories; brads and stickers, Doodlebug Designs; letter stickers

The trim that is tied in a bow is from Stacy Marks...she was so sweet when sending my first package of papers to include some special personal little touches and this bow was one of them so I thought it only fitting to include it on one of my MP layouts! That and it goes perfectly with this layout's color scheme!

Close-Up of Photo



The past few days I've been thinking a lot about where it is that I came from (history-wise) and how it has or has not affected the me that I am today. For some reason I always associate country music with my past (could be that we used to listen to it all the time as kids, I grew up along the Mississippi River where fishing and camping and cruising those old back roads with friends was an every day occurrence)...it used to embarrass me to admit that fact (that I listened to country music that is, and still sometimes do), but not so much anymore. So funny how when I look back now I can see different points in my life where I definitely pulled away from my roots just for the sake of getting away and being different or at the very least, appearing different. Life is so crazy with all the changing and growing and the constant moving forward...or being stuck, there has been that too. One thing is for certain, time is time and it keeps ticking away. I want to make sure that I don't one day look back and discover some great heartache of a friendship lost, or relationships with family that haven't been as celebrated as they should have. I want to make sure that the decisions I am making are decisions that I am making for myself and that they are not being governed my some outside source...that it is my pulse that I am aware of and continuously checking, not that of society's... It's interesting, this business of becoming a mother. A parent. It's not a role or situation that I can say that I fully embraced right off the bat...I wonder though if there is anyone that can say honestly that they were able to. I mean, there is absolutely nothing in my mind that can even begin to prepare you for this experience. Half the time still, I feel like I'm bumbling about aimlessly, sometimes hitting things right on and other times, missing completely. Now though, at the very least, I feel as though I am forced to be more genuine. There isn't time for falsities or sometimes niceties even (sorry mom and dad!). I am more aware of what it is that I am doing now though, and what others around me are doing. What it is that I am allowing into my life and likewise what it is that I am putting out into the world. And how can anyone express in words what it is to love your own child? It's the most unbearable yet wondrous experience ever. Maybe that's why there is no way to prepare for it, too contradictory of a thing to explain. Perhaps enough rambling maybe for one day...



Tomorrow I am off to my local scrapbook store for an all day crop! My first ever crop and I am beyond excited to get to be a part of it...hoping to share more about how it goes after the weekend is through.
Mireille said...

lovely layout!! lovely paper.. unfortunately I haven't been able to work with it yet..
wishing you tons of fun on your crop! ENJOY!

Nathalie Kalbach said...

such gorgeous gorgeous layout!!!! Love it!

Sarah said...

Oh, I love your layout. It's beautiful!
And, I totally agree about the mothering part. It's so complex, but so wonderful. Those are two of my favorite songs ever!

vtpuggirl said...

Love 'tina. It's a joke between my family and me. Everyone in our small town calls Martina tina, like they know her or something?! I know what you mean, I too want to make conscious choices and not have them made for me. I think it's hard, as a society in general, we are so selffish, and there is no place for that in parenthood, and it all often runs contradictory.

Lori Gentile said...

Jen, the layout is gorgeous! I love it. I have a hard time finding balance in parenting, too. I think I'll always feel like I'm bumbling. ;)

I can't believe you've never been to a crop! You'll have to post about it. I know you'll have a blast!

Susan Beth said...

Sounds like you are taking to living purposefully and genuinely, and girl, as hard as the transition may be, there is no better place to end up. And what a gift to your child for you to choose that path! Hope you have a great time as the crop tomorrow!

Patty S said...

first off - LOVE the layout. i literally clicked over here and said "awwwwww i LOVE it!".... and stacy and her fabric - she is something, isn't she?
i had to wipe my eyes and blow my nose after watching those two videos, btw.
*life* is something i've been thinking a lot about lately. especially when it comes to my kids. they are growing SO FAST and it bothers me because i wonder if i'm doing enough and doing right by them. it's the hardest job in the world.
but, from one mom to another - hang in there! remember, it may be the hardest job in the world, but the payment is pure love.
hugs, patty ;-)

audrey neal said...

lovely layout Jen -- the texture is just incredible!

Stacey Michaud said...

Lovin your layout--you are really rocking the Marks paper! I am so jealous that you are going to a crop--have a blast and enjoy some me time!!!

Kerry McKibbins said...

Beautiful layout. Love the papers. Terrific pic!
I actually cleaned off my work space yesterday - you know, that's the first step in scrapbooking, clean up.
I think I'm ready to get crafty again. It's been a long time.
You're inspiring me!

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous page :)
I too, love both of those songs and I'm from NY. lol
p.s. I've never been to a crop either, I would need to bring every scrap thing I own with me, and I have the world's simplest pages!

Rachael said...

Your layout is beautiful!!!

Lori Gentile said...

Jen, that's a gorgeous page! I know what you mean about motherhood and that balance between giving to them and giving to yourself. Too much of either is bad. The trick is to find that balance. I'm still trying. ;)

I can't believe you've never been to a crop. I hope you post about it. I'm sure you had a blast.

Lori Gentile said...

I'm such a dork. I forgot I had already posted. Bwa ha ha!