The aftermath of LOAD…

I’m not done with LOAD. Yeah, I took a break. But I still want to scrapbook, still want to tell stories. Still want to talk about what is going on in the world, even if I am part of the problem. Knowing I’m part of the problem, I’m working now, but not posting until June 9. That way social media can be used for those whose voices need to be heard. That’s not mine.

I noticed that my 2016 album is quite light. It’s not that there weren’t stories, it was that I was in mourning for my life. For my family. I didn’t want to participate. Like this virus. I don’t really want to document it either. The protests are a different story. I want to document the protests, but it’s not my story, and I don’t want to tell it wrong. I’ve been watching for stories that speak to me, that show the good in the world, the way I had hoped I was teaching Sean. Now, I’m not so sure I did it right. I guess I could talk about that. About teaching color isn’t important doesn’t solve the problem. It ignores it. I hate that I didn’t realize that. I’m so sorry I didn’t realize I was doing it wrong.

But, it’s not about me right now. It’s about those poor protestors in Washington DC who are being used by Trump as pawns for his base. It makes me sick. All these people who don’t see this man for who he is. They even call out other people who are Republican who want a different republican to vote for. Oh, the Kool-Aid. Yes, we seek out voices who tell us what we want to hear. Oh, the racists in our nation. It makes me sick. I can’t believe they want this. Sigh.

scrapbook layout of Sean in the pacific ocean

This layout was inspired by Scrap Academy teacher Jenny Cavanaugh-Bond. When I saw her create a scrapbook layout by starting with a photo hanging off the edge of the paper… Just amazing. I’ve never thought about doing something like that. I was instantly inspired. I started with some Simple Stories Summer Vibes and just kept going. I used scraps again. I felt like it needed some blue, and the little hearts and ball worked so well. Adding the blue water seemed to be exactly what it needed. I added some Nuvo Dots in grapefruit. It just connected it all together.

The prompt was to use your favorite tools. Hm. I used my little 6 inch metal ruler, my mechanical pencil, my navy Zig marker, my trimmer, and my favorite fussy cutting scissors. They really are the things I reach for each and every time. I also used my half height pop dots. I don’t have many, and I LOVE them. I bought them when Beverly’s was going out of business. If I had more, I would use more.

This day was Brissa’s birthday. The party was at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The kids played laser tag and ate cake. They played in the arcade. They had a great time. But, Sean wasn’t truly happy until he got to the water. He just loves the water. It’s not the best photo. I didn’t even use the photo from the party (maybe another day). But it’s the joy that makes it so striking. I just love it. January 3, 2016.

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