This Is Why (Jana Scrapbooks).
| This Is Why (Jana Scrapbooks). |
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| Written by Liv Esteban | |||
| Monday, 25 May 2009 19:00 | |||
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My story begins with one evening more than a decade ago, when our middle daughter, Sara, asked me to come to a scrapbooking home party. Having no real interest in anything but spending time with her, I traveled to her home in the state next door. There, a Creative Memories consultant was anxiously waiting to demonstrate how to scrapbook and was probably hoping she’d make a sale as well. As the consultant modeled how to put together a scrapbook page for an album, my mind was busy whirring through a thousand thoughts: I didn’t have an album so where was this page going to go? Thankfully, I was told ahead of time to bring a few photos to the party; that part was easy. My husband, Bob, loves to take photos, and at the time we had lots of new photos of our two granddaughters. I had decided to bring photos of our granddaughter Haley’s first birthday party. After all, I was going to be in her mom’s home and we had just celebrated the big day, so it was the natural selection of photos to bring. As a fairly new grandma, it was not surprising that I would ooh and ahh over the cute photos of Haley eating her cake (with most of it smeared all over her face and hands) each time I would look at them. I took them out that evening, my mouth poised and ready to croon over my granddaughter's photos once again, when instead I heard a huge gasp (a gasp that came from my mouth!) as the consultant kindly suggested that I crop my granddaughter’s photo. What? Crop, you say? You mean, cut her up? You’ve got to be kidding me! What nerve! But, sighing, I resigned myself to following obediently. After all, I was there to learn something brand new. Besides, I took secret comfort from the knowledge that I had duplicates at home. So, I gulped, took a deep breath, held those scissors, and began to cut Haley, eating her cake, out of the photo. (Today, I would call that process an extraction! Ha!) Next, I added paper triangles and birthday stickers to an absolutely stark white album page, used some funky things called photo mounts to adhere the photo to the page, and then chose a matching pen color to record the name, date, and place of the event. That part, I learned then, was called journaling. Oh, it makes me gag just to think about those early layouts I made! They were primitive at best. (Do you remember all those pre-made corners and borders and ridiculously cutesy stickers back then?) When I finished my page, which probably took about 3 hours, I was just thrilled! Sara was equally giddy over the page she made too! I thought it was the best new hobby ever! My dear Bob said with more grandkids coming along and our youngest daughter still growing up, it would be just wonderful if I would scrapbook all the pictures of our family. The Creative Memories consultant probably made her biggest sale ever with me that night. After all, I had nothing and needed… well, I needed everything! One huge check later, I had it all! (Hmmm. As I write this, I’m thinking: some things never change; at least not where shopping for supplies is concerned). Well, the rest, as they say, is history. Over the next several years, Sara and I spent many hours together scrapbooking our photos. Our great delight increased in direct proportion to the progress we made in our skills and the number of albums pages we completed. However, in time Sara became busy with three kids and a full-time job. Our scrapbooking times became much more infrequent. By then, however, I had already become quite passionate about scrapbooking. I relished looking at photos in completely new ways. I began telling stories through my layouts and albums. These stories were becoming increasingly important and were born from photos that reflected important and intricate parts of our lives. Not only did these images document major family events, they also provided a source of great comfort to us, knowing our lives were being preserved for the future. Bob and I, the kids, the grandkids, our siblings, nieces and nephews, our parents, and many of our friends have perused our library of photo albums and photo books over and over again. Always, they are a source of enjoyment. Afer all, it’s always fun to look back and remember a fun trip to the pumpkin patch or to see the graduation ceremony again. It is my hope now that when I’m no longer around (oh, I don’t like that thought), each of our kids and grandchildren will find that special album or two that I made and will want to take it home with them to remember our special times and enjoy reminiscing with their own families. The connections have already been made and these memories will have a chance to continue because of scrapbooking. Lest you think this is the end, let me warn you. There’s more to this story. As technology developed, it was only a matter of time until the computer bug bit me (and boy did it bite me hard)! I became absolutely enthralled with learning how to use a computer, how to work with photos on a computer, and then finally how to switch gears and start using a digital camera. Wow! Things were moving at rapid speed and the more that I discovered, the more I wanted to learn. I wondered about a program called Photoshop but had no earthly idea how to use it. One day in the spring of 2007, I was reading through my Creating Keepsakes magazine which mentioned a new digital scrapbooking class that was coming up, to be taught by a certain Jessica Sprague. Well, I thought to myself, maybe I could take a class and learn how to scrapbook on the computer. How cool would that be? It would be another avenue to explore and a wonderful way to learn about Photoshop to boot! I found myself wondering about Jessica Sprague—who was she? Oh well, I thought, why don’t I just sign up and give it a try? So that is what I did. I waited anxiously till the Big Day arrived: Registration for Jessica Sprague's first-ever digital scrapbooking class! I was beside myself with excitement. With my credit card in hand, I logged in to jessicasprague.com, clicked on the new class and… And... And nothing happened. I panicked. I had to go to work in a few minutes. I knew there was no possible way for me to register at the school where I teach (we can’t use our computers at work for personal business). I also knew that there was only a small window of time to register or you wouldn’t get in. I grew more anxious by the minute as I pictured myself competing with thousands who wanted to get in the limited-slots course. I called our oldest daughter in another state knowing she was at home that day. I gave her all the pertinent information, including my credit card number, and crossed my fingers, hoping she could just register for me. The morning grew shorter and shorter, and with each minute that passed, my daughter kept calling me to tell me that she couldn’t get in. I just couldn’t stand it! I used the computer at school (Oh, go ahead and fire me, I thought, I just have to get into this class!) And yet, no luck! I had a dinner party at my house that very night. I languished throughout the day. I was still trying to register as my guests were walking in. Oh, did I mention I was supposed to be getting a dinner ready? At that point, I knew that if I didn’t get into this class, I was just not going to be a happy camper. No happy camper in the kitchen equals no dinner for everyone. Lo and behold, when I clicked just one more time, a miracle! I got into Jessica’s class! Woohoo! (Picture me dancing and whooping). I was thrilled and couldn’t wait until the following week for classes to begin. As most of you know, there were so many of us persistent enthusiasts trying to register that day that we crashed Jessica and Jared’s server! It is a day that I’m sure none of us will ever forget. Little did I suspect that that fateful day would end up bringing me much more than just a class in digital scrapbooking. That day was the beginning of incredible friendships with the “Beta Girls,” and the friendships just keep growing. That day marked the beginning of a new passion for the digi world and a wealth of knowledge that continues to grow, that continues to intrigue me, every day. It was the beginning of a journey that has given me a deeper value for preserving the memories and the history of my wonderful family and of our lives as we grow and change every day, every month, and every year. “Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are...” Jessica has been a tremendous inspiration and friend over the past two years. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting her last summer in Chicago. I feel the same way about Liv, who has been an incredible friend, not only online giving inspiration and help, but a friend in the deepest sense. I also had the pleasure of meeting her in Chicago. All of my “Spraground Sistahs” that I had the privilege of meeting in Chicago will remain life-long friends! They are an incredible group of women, and every time I think of how we all first met through our classes with Jessica, I am just amazed! Who would have ever thought? My life has forever been changed by them, for which I’m forever grateful, and I know there must have been some divine intervention that played a part in our coming together! So you see, the reasons I scrapbook have evolved over these past years that number to more than a decade’s worth. I now have a deep and intimate passion for scrapbooking my family’s lives and for learning all I can to take this passion to newer heights along the way! I will continue to “grow my skills” as my addiction and enthusiasm for digital scrapbooking continue to thrive. Like all of you, I love my family and my life. Like all of you, this love inspires me in my passion to scrapbook. And while this is no extraordinary story, it is my story, and I have loved sharing it with you. Trackback(0)
Comments (23)
 
Wow, Jana! What an incredible story and actually, quite close to my own humble beginnings in the world of scrapbooking
 ! Thank you for sharing your story with us - it was fun to read and very inspiring. So nice getting to know you a little better  -- kimB 1
May 26, 2009
Jana -- I was right there with you -- I still have most of those origianal supplies from Creative Memories -- thanks for sharing a great story!! It is so special to know that others share the same passion for this great hobby kam
2
May 26, 2009
Jana - What an awesome story! I know you'll hear from many of us that you captured exactly the passion and keen interest we all feel in learning new things and taking our creativity to new heights. That energy for learning and sharing our photographs and memories has culminated in this unique and wonderful community, and I couldn't agree more with you about the friendships we have made here. When you described the registration process, I laughed and nodded in agreement - I think we beta girls all had a similar experience! Thankfully, we're all persistent and weathered on through to find each other.
You are a tremendous leader and spark plug for this site, dear Jana. I love to read your posts and learn so much from you. Thanks for bringing your beautiful personality and teaching talents to so many of us. Can't wait to meet you in Utah. Our doing so is long overdue. With love and admiration, Janie 3
May 26, 2009
What a terrific article. I loved hearing how you went from unsuspecting novice to seasoned scrapbooker. As a self taught crafter, I can appreciate what you said about how your pages looked when you first started compared to pages you create now. But I also have great appreciation for your scrapbooking skills because I have seen your pages in person! Many of your pages hold special memories for me and lots of photos of my own children. I am lucky enough to benefit firsthand from your incredible skills and even luckier to be your sister. I love you very much and as they say . . ."thanks for the memories!"
4
May 26, 2009
Jana, what memories your story brings. I showed up for my first class with a brown bag that held photos, a pencil, ruler and scissors that was in 2001 and now I am like you, on the computer learning throught Jessica's classes. Hope to be able to meet you in Utah at DSE along with the rest of the wonderful women here.
5
May 26, 2009
Your story sounds familiar, although Creative Memories wasn't my beginning. But I, too, started scrapbooking with my second grandchild in January of 1998. And, I haven't stopped since. Your story is almost my story, and I can relate to it all. I wish I was going to DSE this year, but I had to choose between DSE and CPR. I chose CPR partly because I wouldn't be able to take enough vacation for the Spraground Meeting prior to the event. Perhaps next year I'll have the opportunity to meet you and the other Spraground Sistahs. Thanks for your encouragement and the sharing of your knowledge on this site.
6
May 26, 2009
This story is so much like mine. The difference is that I started out with a stack of photos that dated back to the late 1800's. I was so overwhelmed by the CM lady that it took me three years to complete that album. When I found Jessica's first beta class, I was healing from a broken right wrist and my DH bought me the computer because I could use the mouse with my left hand. I became a devoted Jessica left-handed scrapper. I love, love, love this amazing adventure.
7
May 26, 2009
What a great article mommy.
I remember that first party at Sara's house where we all became addicted. I'm so proud and amazed at all that you do. I know I don't say it enough but I really appreciate and cherish all that you do. From the baby pictures, to the college layouts..I love them all! You are an amazing, talented mommy and boy, am I lucky to have you! I love you tons. Keep up the incredible work. Love, Punky 10
May 26, 2009
Oh, I love this Jana!! I can totally relate, too. Although not a Beta girl in the strictest sense of the word (although I was beta for DID!!) I, too felt giddy beyond compare when I found Jessica's classes. Still get super-excited every time I take a new one!!
11
May 26, 2009
This is so cool Jana. I was first introduced about a decade ago too by a teacher at my school and a Creative Memories consultant. Way cool to have similar experiences with paper scrap and then digital. ~Ann
12
May 27, 2009
Oh, reading the comment from "Punky" really summed this up!! I just love you, Jana
I love your story. You are a memory keeper in every way! I hope to give the same gift to my children that you have given to yours. P.S. I totally remember my first CM workshop, too .... My how times change, huh?! 13
May 27, 2009
Love this Jana! You are such an awesome scrapping friend! I am so blessed that I got to give you a hug in person last summer at Spragfest. Thanks for your continued inspiration.
14
May 27, 2009
Love ur story!
Am lonely here in my country KSA, and no one interest in digiscrapping! I am a fan of Jessica too, and her courses tought me a lot! 15
May 27, 2009
Jana my sweet GF, thank you so much for sharing your Why... your story of your scrapbooking journey is refreshing, hilarious, and heartwarming all at the same time! (And oh the stories we could tell about that wonderfully-fateful beta day in June! Love it!
 ) I am so touched that your sis and your precious Janlyn came to our home to leave you love (yeah, family rocks!). You. Are. Awesome. Remember: to Jupiter and back, gf!  (((hugs)))16
May 27, 2009
Jana,
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I, too, started with CM and a small stack of photos; and your story brought to memory the many wonderful experiences that I have had with my CM scrapbooking friends. Now I am building a new group of digital scrapbooking friends here at the Spraground, and today I know you so much better through reading your article on why you scrapbook. This is such a great way to get acquainted. I hope that many of the "Beta girls" and other frequent posters will write similar articles over the next few months. Judy 17
May 27, 2009
I am so happy that I was one of the privileged few to meet you in Chicago! Thanks for sharing YOU with us! Love you to pieces!
BTW-I wrote a HUGE check at my first CM party, too. So glad the compy bug bit us both and brought us here! 18
May 28, 2009
Well, Jana, that trip never would have happened if it weren't for you! I really enjoyed reading your story and I love having you as a friend!
19
May 30, 2009
Thank you for sharing jana. CM was my humble beginning as well, though I wanted more and outgrew most of the supplies. I still use a few items - but have branched out in my desire to scrapbook everyday moments and stories rather than all the photos of all my events. But I found in this journey I am a storyteller and have found my groove. Well until I took Jessica's free class online. Now I am investigating this hybrid and digital landscape and am intrigued. I now think in terms of digital and am almost at the point of diving in. I need to schedule some time to do her classes as I now have the Photoshop Elements software loaded on my computer.
20
May 31, 2009
Awesome story. I enjoyed your storytelling method too. I can see you woohooing in the kitchen, too. I have loads to learn about this techy scrapland.
21
June 03, 2009
Thanks for sharing your story Jana, I really wish I could come over to the States to see all there is to see and come to a scrapping class given by Jessica. Humpf... maybe someday, for now I'll have to make do with what I can buy online
South Africa seems so far, thank heavens for computers and the internet though.22
June 04, 2009
Oh,Jana, thanks for sharing your story. How well remember trying to get into that Beta class and being SO frustrated! We both made it in, along with a number of other wonderful Beta girls and we have shared other Beta classes together...and our journey is far from over.
Pat 23
April 29, 2010
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