At least that’s how I think the old saying goes. Like many people, the last 12 months have been trying times and I believe that there is a lesson we are supposed to learn or personal or even spiritual growth to be attained out of each trial. I was reminded of that when I listened to this James Morrison song today. Now, I am sure I have heard it before, since it is on my ipod, but today I listened to it.

“Oh we’re a little closer to finding out what life’s about; Yeah I know you just can’t stand it when things don’t go your way, but we’ve got no control over what happens anyway; If it’s going to be a rainy day, there’s nothing we can do to make it change; We can pray for sunny weather, but that won’t stop the rain…”

I think I am going to have to add this to my soundtrack vol. 2 Check it out, he really has an amazing voice. http://ping.fm/3tSip

I began reminiscing about watermelon on hot summer days, icees, running through the sprinkler to cool off or “getting wet” as we called it back then. The summer is almost over. Have you thought about how you will preserve this summer’s memories? Do they remind you of how you spent your summers as a child? How have summer fun activities evolved since you were young? A little something to think about when you are putting your photos together for your next layout.

I finished the Cosmo Girl Magazine poster and emailed it to my dad. I guess that was last Friday. I get a call from him on Thursday telling me he has been looking all over the magazine and wants to know where to find it! He says I see the regular Cosmo but can’t find the Cosmo girl. LOL! Now, Cosmo girl is a real magazine but he apparently totally forgot what I do for a living now. I would love to know what you think I am actually thinking of doing two more for her room. Well, off to chiro!

If you struggle with journaling, like I do at times, try quizzes. These are especially helpful with children. It’s also helpful with our toughest scrapbook topic…YOU! Yes, you! Don’t forget to do layouts about you. If you don’t tell your story no one else will. So what do you say about yourself? That’s the question that stops us from doing layouts or books about ourselves. Don’t let that stop you. Quizzes are a great way to jump start your journaling.

Let’s try this one:

What is your current occupation…

Not currently employed but working on building my Heritage Makers business.

What is your dream job…

Luckily I am working right now.

If you could live anywhere in the world, it would be…

Geez, that’s a tough one. My favorite seasons are spring and fall. If we are really dreaming here, I would have a summer home and a winter home!

The best birthday gift you could receive would be…

A full time housekeeper!

If you had a million dollars, the first thing you would buy would be…

The first thing I would do is tithe. The first thing I would buy…my house-out right!

When you were a teenager, you that at your age you’d be…

A lawyer.

The goals you are currently working on are…

Building my new book club, Memory Keepers!

When you’re 80, you hope you are doing…

I hope I am a contestant on She’s Got the Look!

The person you would like to be more like is…

My Nana. She is an incredible, loving, spirit-filled woman.

See how easy that was? Now the journaling is done. Go create a layout starring you!

Outside my window…the sun is beaming brightly on the deck that doesn’t seem to get used much lately. These little orange bugs drive me nuts. They are so tiny that you can’t seem them until you feel them on you! Anyway, the high today is 91 degrees…I will be staying in the a/c.

I am thinking…so many random things all at the same time. I am thinking I should change my degree program, pick up the phone and make some booking calls, finish the poster for your crop, I really need to start on my final exam!

From the kitchen…it’s day 3 if we eat Machaka tonight although it was very very good, I am ready for something else. I am thinking Mahi Mahi for dinner.

I am wearing…a tank top, sweat pants and flip flops. Really don’t plan on seeing the public today.

I am creating…a post for my blog, my 2008 family album, and a poster/sign for my storytellers group.

I am going…I am going to Fayetteville tomorrow to do a scanning workshop at my mom’s.

I am reading…blogs. I am in between books at the moment. I find that when I finish a good book I feel like I just broke up with a boyfriend or something. It feels like a relationship has ended. I do have Steve Harvey’s new book to read but it’s print and I am sooo into audio books these days.

I am hoping…for financial peace, for the economy to turn around sooner rather than later, to raise happy, well-rounded, well-adjusted children, so soar in my Heritage Makers business, to pass this accounting course!

Around the house…the laundry NEVER ends!

One of my favorite things…butter pecan ice cream (Hagan Daas of course!)

I am thankful for…my kids, the health of my family, air conditioning, Italian Sweet Cream in my coffee, for David.

A few plans for the rest of the week…there’s the scanning party in Fayetteville, I have custom storybook to finish for a client, finish my final exam by Sunday, do something fun with the kids (it is summer time ya know), rotate more laundry and try to find some quiet time.

Hmmm…I rather enjoyed this. Thanks! Now, go make a memory!

My presentation was actually on why and how you should write your own personal stories. I got to witness the manifestation of my mission in the business. It was such an amazing feeling!