Maybe it’s time for me to start telling a new story.
That was my thought my thought as I embarked on my Project Life album this year.
Prior to this year, my memory keeping had been pretty hit or miss. Even with a mountain of paper and stickers and doodads (oh my!), somewhere along the way I lost my joy and enthusiasm for it. But I missed it. I missed the connection to my photos and I missed the connection the memories.
The main problem that I was running into was – and I know that this is going to come a big shock – but I was making it WAY harder than it needed to be. Yes…I know…hard to believe.
Hello my name is Kelly and I am an overthinker.
I’ll spare you the details (you’re welcome) but it basically boiled down to this…I was still trying to tell my same old stories with photos that don’t tell that story any more. Stories that don’t really fit who I am anymore. Stories that don’t fit what my family looks like now.
I knew that if I wanted to continue keeping memories, I was going to have to start telling new stories. So in January I started subscribing to Ali Edwards’ Story kits which are designed “to encourage and empower you to craft the stories of your life regardless of your scrapbooking approach.” And thanks to her intentional, inspired products, I have found a renewed passion for memory keeping and I am learning to tell new stories…stories about my ordinary life, about motherhood, about my home and my family and my friends. Telling stories about what makes me come alive inside.
This kind of memory keeping is everything I love about photography and writing, but with the added element of crafting something. It’s sort of the sweet spot for me…a connection between my head, my hands, and my heart. And it just makes me so, so happy.
That’s why I was delighted and HONORED to be invited to be a part of the Ali Edwards 2017 creative team.
It is surreal. I seriously cannot, CAN. NOT. believe that I am included with these incredibly talented artists. Ladies whose creative, inspired creations I have been admiring for the past year.
I am so thrilled for the opportunity to continue in this creative expression that brings me so much joy. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my story. And as always, I am profoundly grateful to you for letting me share my story.
Love, Kelly
Congratulations! I haven’t had a chance to review your blog but from what I have seen, it will be fun to visit. I love your story of “her not so empty room.” My daughter is coming home for Thanksgiving. She still has her room but she has definitely moved away but she will always have a place at home.
hi lida! thank you so much!
Kelly, first of all, I am soooo proud of you but not in the least bit surprised. You are a natural for Ali’s creative team, You know you and I are sort of kindred spirits when it comes to memory keeping and Ali’s Story Kits have been just what I needed to tell my story in a simple but meaningful way. I have a question about your “not so empty room” page. Is that a 6×8 insert into your Project Life? I have been thinking about doing that when I want to tell a longer story, which happens quite often and I feel a little stiffled at those times with just having a 3×4 journal card to tell the story. For trips and big events, I usually do add inserts (6×12 either full or divided) to add more photos and journaling but I like the idea of adding 6×8 inserts too. I know Ali does that with her Day in the Life photos and was just looking at her most recent one yesterday and thinking hmmmm, I might have to try that.
Looking forward to watching you bloom and grow in this new adventure!
thank you so much terri!! i love that we are kindred spirits when it comes to memory keeping. xoxo
They are lucky ducks to have a treasure like you on their team, Kelly! I am so proud of you, so proud. Beautiful news to read.
oh pam…my project life buddy….thank you for this! xoxo