Creative Blog Hop

Good Monday Morning!

Last week, I was tagged by the lovely, Emma Clark, of Scrapbooking is my life  to participate in an ongoing blog hop.  Each Monday, those who have been tagged the week before are to answer a few questions about themselves.  Then, they tag three more crafters to answer questions the following Monday.  I am honestly honored to have been tagged by Emma.  I've been admiring her crafty work for a couple/few months, now.  She has some excellent ideas and I highly recommend you check out her work.  Go ahead, you can go do it now and come back here when you're done.  It's okay.

..... I know, right?!

Okay, back to the task at hand.  Questions and their answers.....

1. What am I working on?

In the exact moment that I'm typing, I'm working on laundry.  Truly, I've given  my creativity permission to take a break.  Since June started I have completed five pages.  It's the 9th of the month.  Because of how my life rolls, that's actually a pretty big deal.  I often have months where I'll create 1 page over 28 days.  If we use math; that's going from 1:28 to 1:2; kinda like I've been in warp speed, Scotty!

IF I make another page, it will likely be about:

•  The Boy's field trip last month, or
•  I'll finally do something with a selfie; or
• Maybe we'll get to a local carnival and I'll want to scrap that memory.
• Finally establish a dedicated Easter album.

Basically, the Challenge Junkie needs a breather before she gets back in the game.  All of my Must-Do's are done, so I'm good for now.


2.  How does my work differ from others in my genre?

I only know how to answer this with self-deprecating humor.  What makes me different?  I allow myself some wild abandon as I play with paper, glue, glitter, ink, paint, sparklies, textured items, whatever strikes my fancy....and then this is what makes me different.  I pray to the High Heavens that it doesn't look like a toddler did it.  At the end of it all, I make sure I like what I've made.  When I like it, I share it; but then I quietly hope other people like it, too.


3.  Why do I write/create what I do?

Ooh!  A multi-part answer!

• I scrapbook so The Boy will know what he was like as a child.  He won't just have the pictures, but the story -- my take, anyhow -- as well.
• Actually, if I weren't so into scrapbooking, he probably wouldn't have the photos, either.  I didn't start taking photos until I started all of this.
• I scrapbook as an excuse to play with really cool art supplies.
• I scrapbook as my proof of life.  See, there's something that's actually a pretty big part of my daily life; but I'm trying to not make it part of everything I do.  For the last three years, I've been fighting cancer.  For the most part, I'm doing well in that fight, but one of the ways you can tell that my spirits are up (even if my body is down) is if I play with my supplies and create something; large or small.  It's the act of creating that keeps me going sometimes.  It provides an escape, something "pretty,"  from the everyday yuck.

4.  How does your writing/creating process work?

Actually, I've learned that writing daily in a journal helps me stay creative.  Even if I just list what needs to get done that day, it starts my brain.(my beautifully squirrel-like brain!), which will then jump topics for the day.  Once I'm started, I'll eventually ponder all things crafty at least ten times before closing my eyes at day's end.

I also list a bajillion and four challenges each month -- sketches, colors, mood boards, stash use, techniques, page recipes, etc -- at the beginning of the month.  After hours of random thoughts, notes in my journal, etc, I'll pick which ones I want to combine with the photos that are begging to be scrapped and have a good time.

If none of that clicks on any given day, I'll probably just watch YouTube videos until I'm ready. 



I'm going to add a bonus section, because I can:

• I love (just about) all thing cephalopod.  Early in my chemotherapy treatment, I began referring to it as "releasing the Kracken."  Blame Johnny Depp and Captain Jack Sparrow.  I like the image of the chemo being the kracken, moving everywhere to destroy the Good Ship Cancer-Pop.  Since then, I've begun collecting schtuff that has an octopus on it -- socks, scarves, hair accessories, crocheted items, stamps, etc.  
• I'm weird; and I'm okay with that.
• Teal = mine!

• I scrapbook everywhere in my house.  The dedicated space is in my basement, but I like to wander while I ponder (and rhyme in the time!).  Unfortunately, once I make a decision, I tend to bring the supplies to my project, instead of the more logical other way around.  
• I am always open to subscribing to more blogs and YouTube channels; especially those with a focus on paper crafting.  Reason being, I have periodic difficulty sleeping.  If there's no chance of going back to sleep, I'll read blogs.  If there's some hope....Well, I accidentally trained myself to drift off to specific YouTubers.  Their voices are just so soothing that I can't be helped.  Still, I'm grateful for the sleep -- and the inspiration! -- so feel free to post a link to your sites and channels down below.  Help an insomniac out!

And now the part that I am looking forward to, the tagging!.... Okay, this is a slight bummer.  Due to an unfortunate result of one of my chemo drugs, I have failed to acquire three more bloggers for this hop. I feel terrible about this, but I can still recommend three active bloggers that inspire me quite often.


1. Dawn of Dawn's Craft Place and More 
 Dawn has returned to blogging with... well, I can't liken someone so calming and creating such lovely things as blogging with a vengeance, but she shares something beautiful, heartwarming and all-out amazing and inspirational at least once each week.  I followed her for quite some time before my own blogging break, and I was so happy to see her back on the scene as well when I returned.  She's so sweet and engaging, too!



2.Shawn of Poetry In A Pot of Tea
Shawn is another favorite from a long time ago.  Aside from providing valuable information about all things tea -- including the most beautiful tea cups and saucers! -- she's also brilliant with ink and stamps.  Most of my skills with ink are attributed to her.


3.Mumma Magoo
Mumma Magoo is so new on my radar that I could not tell you anything resembling a given name to save my life.  Still, she's got an awesome style that inspires me to try something funky and/or fun every day.

Now, remember, these three bloggers aren't officially tagged, because my life and plans for the last week went awry.  Still I encourage you to check them out and enjoy.