Back to the Basics

The world of scrapbooking has evolved into a mega market that is so big and vast that it has become overwhelming and at times intimidating.  Families, moms especially , have become “mega-busy” in this face-paced lifestyle that none of us can escape.  And just in case you didn’t know, one of the jobs as a mother and wife is “family historian”. Unfortunately as life takes control of us the first thing to go….is scrapbooking.  So how do over-booked moms keep up with the extremely important task of family historian?  It’s simple.  We downsize, prioritize, and get back to the basics!

There’s no question that our memories and stories need to be preserved, but we have to be realistic about how this can happen successfully, affordably and efficiently. We have to remember the basics first.  What is the real reason behind all this scrapbooking?  Why did we get into this in the first place?  Or in some cases why are you thinking about diving in to it?  It’s the memories.  The stories.  The people.  The pictures.  Those are the basics of scrapbooking.

Technology has evolved just as the world has, yet some people still resist the amazing tools and opportunities it offers.  Technology has brought “digital scrapbooking” into almost every home in some form or another.  By turning to the basics of technology you are able to downsize the masses and piles of product that are over flowing guest bedrooms, closets and kitchen tables, save money, and become apart of trends that are changing the face of scrapbooking.

Prioritizing your memories is a must.  Number one, you must start with the NOW!  What’s in the past….well, it’s in the past and you can go back at anytime and do the past.  But the present is right now and that’s where you need to start…or restart.  No need to rush and do your 16 year old’s baby book.  Start with the now.  Start with the fresh stories that are in everyone’s mind.  There are plenty of tools out there to help you recapture the past at a later date.  And Number two, work efficiently.  Scheduling time to working on your memory keeping is a must, but more importantly you realize that you can’t do it alone.  Bring your family on board.  Let them help you tell their side of the story.  Their version is just as important as yours.  More often than not the only version of the story is mom’s.

Going back to the basics of memory keeping is a guarantee for success.  We do have a duty to our families, ourselves and the generations that will follow behind.  This “hobby” is supposed to be enjoyable and bring happiness to us and those we love.  So get back to the basics of why you scrapbook, find things that work for you and get your family involved.

Check back in on the 2nd and 4th Monday of month to get tid-bits of information about digital scrapbooking, transitioning from paper to technology, and how journaling, traditions, and family are all apart of the memory keeping process.