Friday, February 22, 2013

Happy Birthday Shloime...

Every single day
since you were born
you have added something so amazing to our world.
I can't imagine our family without you in it...
Happy Birthday, my beloved son.



I love making little books that flip open to reveal a bunch of pictures.
It tells a little story all on it's own.




I love this passage so much.
“We’re so caught up in our everyday lives 
that events of the past, 
like ancient stars that have burned out, 
are no longer in orbit around our minds. 
There are just too many things we have to think about every day, 
too many new things we have to learn. 
New styles, 
new information, 
new technology, 
new terminology … 
But still, 
no matter how much time passes, 
no matter what takes place in the interim, 
there are some things we can never assign to oblivion, 
memories we can never rub away. 
They remain with us forever, like a touchstone.” 
― Haruki MurakamiKafka on the Shore




Sunday, February 17, 2013

When I am being creative, I am happy...

I finally finished my sweater.
Lo and behold it's actually cold enough to wear it today.
How crazy is that?
50 degrees in Miami.
So it took me 30 hours to make this and I get to wear it for an hour or two.
That's how quickly the cold weather passes through.
But I couldn't care less how long it takes.
Because it's the process I enjoy.
Why rush it?
The fun and the healing benefits are in the process.
And the satisfaction...
Oh the satisfaction...
of making a sweater without a pattern.
What a great mood booster.


I cannot understand how anyone can live without a hobby.
There are a great deal of reasons that having a hobby is important to your well being.
Relaxation, pleasure, discovering your talent, connecting with people
are just a few to consider.
For me
the most important benefit would be
exploring myself through my hobby.
Whether I am reading, playing piano, jewelry making, baking, knitting, or scrapbooking
i discover something new about myself in the process.
Especially as I get older.
Discovery taps in to my youthful spirit.
It's new.
It's fresh.
It hasn't been done yet.
I am the only one who can do something uniquely me.
How exciting is that?
(oy, do I need a craft room...)

Do you know what else boosts the mood?
Great friends.
I am dedicating this layout to my wise and loving friend.
As I was struggling with some choices
she simply said
"Just show up.
That way,
when opportunity knocks
you will be there to open the door!"
When someone says the right thing
at the right moment
it's worth remembering.
Thanx  Arlene.


And last but not least
here is my newest love of my life.
Each child adds dimension to your life you can't imagine being without.
On weekdays I can watch little video snips I receive from the kids
but on Shabbos
I need my scrapbook pages.
To sit quietly
peacefully
savoring each little picture
as they deserve to be savored.
Appreciating all my blessings
in a conscious, present awareness.


I really wish you could all share in this amazing hobby.
Try it.
I've said it before and I'll say it again -
there is no wrong way to do it.
There is only YOUR way.

8 years ago I was a friend at Rochi's Bas Mitzva.




Now I am an AUNT invited for lunch!
It's crazy.
And it's wonderful...

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Gotta have a camera to blog a good post!

How can I blog if my camera broke?
No post is fun without pictures.
Com'on
how many of you really read...
most of you just look at the pictures and move on to the next blog!
So I'm a little bummed out right now.
(What does bummed out even mean?)
Can't take pictures of my projects
so I guess I'll have to borrow a camera
(which I won't do
because my luck
it will drop and break
in which case I will have to buy a camera anyway
and give it to someone else to replace the one I broke
so I guess that leaves me with one option)
find money and buy one.
Rochelle
any suggestions which one to get?
Should I just get an iphone instead?
Anyone out there who posts great scrapbook layouts
I NEED YOUR HELP HERE.