It's a big deal...

While on the phone with my favorite sister today she all the sudden started squealing with delight and told me to get to my computer quick. In the middle of the day to find out that I had a layout featured...well it definitely put the perma-grin on my face. What is it that makes us want other people's validation? I think when you love this hobby and are passionate about the "story" you are telling, it just feels good to have other people recognize your work. It's like someone complimenting you on your shoes, hair or clothes...but so much better than that. Better in the sense that you created that work...and I know I don't own any clothing I made and I don't cut my own hair, so I really can't take much credit in those other departments. So there you have it...it was a big deal (to me) today when I saw this on the Sassafras blog!

In other Freehand Scraps news...the November kit is allllmost gone! I have literally a couple left, so if you are interested...seize the day! I have been working my fingers to the bone in my scrap studio as of late. I am working on a heritage album that is nearly completed and have been pouring hours and hours into making it a special keepsake. This has definitely been the most challenging album I have ever put together. It's for a dear friend of mine and so I had to learn their entire family tree. There also aren't many details...mostly just names and a few dates, so it's hard in the sense that you can't document the story of their lives. (Another reminder to write down the details!!) I have been pouring over these beautiful black and white photos for the last week or so, and find myself staring at them, wondering what their lives were like back then. To see where they came from, how they wore their hair (this is long before curling irons and straightening irons girls!) and how they dressed is fascinating. You can see the children wearing hand-me-downs and the women wearing the same winter coat year after year (gasp!) And it makes me wonder if life was just simpler back then. The "less is more" philosophy so to speak. They look genuinely happy and most of them don't look like they had much! It is a good thing to "take inventory" from time to time and keep yourself reminded that...

"The most important things in life aren't things!"

(This coming from the girl who just got J.Crew's latest catalog in the mail today and drooled all over it!) And OH how I wish I could share some of the layouts here with you! It's not everyday that you have such beautiful and OLD photos to work with! Treasures I tell you! Treasures! I am feeling so blessed! Hope you all have a great night!