Keeping a scrapbook, the common way, isn’t for everyone. All the extras, the lace, the borders, etc. can be overwhelming for many people. I like to scrapbook, I like the extras…sometimes.

Then there are those times when I don’t. I know plenty of people who have said they would scrapbook if it didn’t seem so much like a beauty contest. It shouldn’t be.

Scrapbooking is about preserving our memories for ourselves and our children/grandchildren, great-grandchildren..etc.. to enjoy…it isn’t about who has the prettiest, or the most embelishments.

Go buy a scrapbook, any kind, and some scrapbook paper. Don’t forget the page protectors. Pass up all of the extras like stickers and buttons and doilies….we won’t be needing those. We have a lifetime of beautiful things, don’t we?!

On the first page, using a regular marker or ink pen, black or any color, write your name and todays date. Make it plain at the top of the page or decorate it..whichever you prefer. Now, find a picture of you and paste it down. It’s best if you don’t use a picture if it is the only one you have. Make a copy using your own printer (most printers these days print great pictures for scrapbooking) or take it to Walmart or Target to make a copy.

Now, to the right of that picture write something about yourself or about the picture. Was it taken on your birthday? Were you sick in the picture? Did you have to go clear across town to make a copy because that crazy GenLady said you have to?

On the following pages, put anything that happens…journal if you want, or don’t. Did you go to the movies? Paste your ticket stub down then write next to it what movie, who went with you, what snacks you had, was the movie good or bad? Save your snack wrappers. When you get home, cut out the name on the wrapper and glue it down, also.

I have heard of people putting such items as these in their scrapbooks:
1. Cholesterol numbers paper from the Dr.

2. Candy bar wrapper (was given to them by a good friend..it gave them the opportunity to write about their friend, also)

3. Receipt from a favorite purchase (computer, TV, etc)

4. Broken nail (this lady had just spent a small fortune to have her nails done, then broke it only a day later)

5. Pictures (this is an obvious one)..but be creative. Don’t forget your pet when scrapbooking, how about your favorite garden spot or park?

6. Christmas cards, birthday cards, etc.

Sometimes the doilies and buttons and bows distract from the beauty that is your life and your precious memories.

Filed under: Memories, Preservation