Inspiration Elevator Reveal...Fear

In the wake of yesterday's tragedy in Connecticut...my heart is heavy and so very sad for the tragic loss of innocent lives.  All my love and prayers for those touched by this horrible act.  May Jesus wrap his arms around these little babes!  

Reveal...Inspiration Elevator!

 You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow.

Please join me in welcoming Michelle Hernandez.  We are so fortunate to have her joining us this month as we explore our scrapbooking limits. Michelle uses a variety of techniques to take her pages to the next level. You can see her amazing creations at her blog "My Analog Life".

This month, our challenger was the super talented Sue Sykes. Sue writes an ongoing article for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine called Leaving Your Legacy and her challenge this month for Inspiration Elevator was also featured in the Winter edition. This is what she wrote:

"The idea of “Leave Your Legacy” first came about in 2007 when I was sorting through some vintage photos of my parents. I realized that while I knew most of the standard information about the images, the profound information about my parents and relatives was missing - information that would give me a glimpse of what they had been like when they were younger. 

To me, scrapbooking is, of course, a means of artistic expression, but more than that, it is a way to leave a little piece of history for future generations in each layout. And so, it amazed me, in talking with friends who scrapbook, to learn just how seldom they scrapbook about themselves. All of these incredible people, and their families may not really know anything personal about them: their hopes, dreams, habits, likes, dislikes, fears and accomplishments. With this article, I hope to encourage fellow artists to scrap more about themselves to avoid that from happening.

I think it's important to document your fears as well as your happy times and accomplishments. Many times, things of which we are FEARFUL, often characterize our personalities. It's also rewarding to be able to look back, once you have overcome a fear, to realize how far you have come. On the heels of my husband's heart attack, this was an obvious choice for me, but it's difficult to put into words the FEAR that you feel when faced with the possible loss of your partner. I want to remember the fear that we both felt, so that it will help us to stick to our commitment of living a healthier, less stressful life. 

So what is it that you FEAR the most?

Not only do I want you to scrapbook about a FEARFUL topic, but I also want you to include at least ONE product that you have avoided using. Maybe it's because you are hoarding it and are FEARFUL of using it all, or maybe you are intimidated by it. Whatever the reason, spread your wings and challenge yourself to use it."

Wow!  What a challenge this was, thank you Sue for inspiring us and help with the photo idea. 

 Broke out the box from my usual Kraft or white swiss dot card stock, and challenged myself to use paint and a mask!  I love the look of paint on layouts, but somehow I always manage to flub it up. So there is one fear conquered. Actually, I am pretty pleased with how this came out!

Also, I have fear of journaling.  I always tell my kids they can make up their own stories to go with their pages. Nice, I know. I created a envelope to hold my journaling with the Fancy Pants "Family" Card.  I just added two pieces of white card stock and sewed to create the pocket. I will share the journaling with you, and know that the photo represents the long road home to Rapid City!

My biggest fear:

The distance between Aberdeen and my parent's home.  It is a 5 to 6 hour drive in good weather--much more if the weather is bad.  It is not easy to adjust to being so far away from home and my parents.  It has been quite a transition.  Their aging health concerns and worries me.  What if something happens in the middle of the night?  Do they tell me every thing, do they omit things just to save me the worry.

Yes, my biggest fear---the long road home!

My heart is forever in Rapid City!

I hope you will stop by and see what the designers on this adventure have created:

Sue Sykes

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper (you are here)

Michelle Hernandez, Guest Designer