... Big Picture Scrapbooking ...

[ Annette33 ] Hello!
[ Annette33 ] how does the progress go?
[ MelissaTX ] Hello from Texas!
[ ljr3kids ] Hello from WA! I am getting so much done with memorablilia and older I feel great!
[ Annette33 ] I'm not hitting that until this summer,love the extras
[ AmySJ ] Hello from Dry Texas :( Just a few drops today.
[ MelissaTX ] Here too Amy - sounds like it is starting to rain now though.
[ ljr3kids ] Raining here--want some!
[ AmySJ ] Slow- my computer is hijacked LOL. . .
[ MelissaTX ] We could use a little rain to settle the pollen down around here!
[ AmySJ ] Please send me rain! Need to knock the pollen down again!
[ ljr3kids ] Found all of my kids proofs from senior pics can't bring myself to throw away--might have to send them to the kids
[ AmySJ ] I'm prepping for A Week in the Life- gonna try to join Ali this year.
[ ljr3kids ] I am going to try but my life is boring--I don't even see my hubby 3 days a week except sleeping
[ MelissaTX ] ljr3kids - what about a mini album with some of those proofs then send the rest to them?
[ sftbalrcks ] Love to do that -- just don't have time right now
[ MelissaTX ] I read Ali's posts about the Week in the Life and think I might try it in a few weeks. Next week is too busy for me.
[ ljr3kids ] I don't think I need a mini--I will send them the mini! :)
[ scrappyknitter ] ok, I think this is only the 2nd chat I've been able to get in to
[ ljr3kids ] Easier when you live in the time zone like I do!
[ nessa b. ] hello everyone! glad to be here
[ AmySJ ] Not sure if I have time myself. . . but It's life right. . . I can capture it surely. .. gotta live it anyway
[ MelissaTX ] You could save the minis for little Christmas gifts for stocking stuffers, too.
[ ljr3kids ] Hi Stacy!
[ AmySJ ] Plus, DH is taking a new job in two weeks and life's going to change. I want to capture the goodness that has been working next door to each other before it ends.
[ stacy julian ] "Yay. I'm so happy to see people here. Forgive me for my miss on April 3rd. I'm so sorry. 
 
Please tell me how it's going? Which extras are you choosing to implement now, if any ... what problems are you running into?, etc..."
[ scrappyknitter ] yeah EDT kind of throws me off
[ AmySJ ] No problem Stacy
[ ljr3kids ] Oh stocking stuffers along with a wedding album! :)
[ sftbalrcks ] Hi Stacy-- was just listening to you on Paperclipping Roundtable.
[ stacy julian ] Oh, and memorabilia too -- how goes the stuff?
[ ljr3kids ] I am using the drawers but only have 4 but is working so far!
[ AmySJ ] I'm going to implement Memorabilia- both special and everyday when my computer and I can. . . Working to recover from a hard drive crash
[ MelissaTX ] Hi Stacy - I started my square punch drawers this week! I can already see a ton of uses once I get a supply going.
[ Annette33 ] will be doing the square punch idea soon, the rest I am saving for summer break
[ AmySJ ] Planning to do Ali's week in the life and going to get immursed in stuff there next week I'm sure- already told DH to keep all receipts.
[ stacy julian ] paperclipping is so fun. i listened today too, I'm always a little mortified by some of the things I say and the fact that I talk too much and talk over others -- but it is fun!
[ micheled5 ] Hi Stacy!
[ andypandyw ] Memoriabilia is overwhelming - there are so many types. I would love to see a separate class on memorabilia.
[ scrappyknitter ] I've got 2 drawers set up so far - hope to get more set up this week
[ ljr3kids ] I have tossed a bunch of stuff--found the most imprtant stuff is the writing they did that tells what they were thinking
[ AmySJ ] Love the paperclipping roundtable. . . it really inspires me.
[ stacy julian ] ljr3kids -- when you say drawers, which drawers?
[ micheled5 ] for my memorbilla i used those file folder boxes
[ micheled5 ] like the ones stacy uses for school of life
[ ljr3kids ] I have put some in a file drawer to revisit in 5 years and pulled some of the best to make pages now!
[ nonnysbooks ] I've been using the square punch on the duplicates from our Hawaii trip. Sorting memorabilia is something I feel I need to wait on because I already have so many ideas for pages and so little time
[ ljr3kids ] I have the memory dock drawers that I got last year
[ micheled5 ] my son is almost 3 and i already set up his chool of life file box. I also added stuff in there for his birth and bdays. so easy to find stuff now
[ Cynthia362 ] Today I set up the School of Life folders for all 4 of our kids. One has already graduated. One is in high school. One in Jr High. And one just starting first grade. So, I have kids in all ranges (LOL).
[ stacy julian ] MelissaTX -- I use my square-punched pictures a LOT and I LOVE them. Sometimes when I have pictures leftover after a layout and I'm not sure about triage -- I just square-punch them immediately and skip the cold-storage stage.
[ MelissaTX ] My memorabilia was pretty well organized - I have a file box for the stuff I want to scrap in folders by year and the stuff I want to save (but not necessarily scrap) is in folders by year with my cold storage.
[ scrappyknitter ] Have all our travel memorabilia sorted & in a rubbermaid tub by trip
[ ljr3kids ] One for grandparents+ cuz we are old one for parents one fro childhood and one for our family. Works for now
[ sftbalrcks ] I'm saving most everything for summer break and next year, but I knew when I signed up that would be the case.
[ stacy julian ] andy - we totally need a class on memorabila. I agree! Must work on this (meaning, get someone else to teach it!)
[ Cynthia362 ] I have a ton of boxes, drawers, 3 ring binders, etc., to clear out and gather into one spot - the SOL file folders so I can feel comfortable tackling a SOL type album for at least the two olders kids without worrying that I'll miss some key piece of memorabilia.
[ stacy julian ] micheled5- great idea to include a birthday folder in the school of life file -- SMART.
[ ljr3kids ] I also added wallets into the sq punch drawers cuz I order or print those a lot
[ andypandyw ] I look forward to a memorabilia class. I have years and years of it, some chronologically in boxes.
[ micheled5 ] I think you can also do a class on school of life!!
[ stacy julian ] sftbalrcks - and that's OK, I'm so glad you know this and you're here!
[ AmySJ ] Family Files- I kinda already do this but won't use the same org you do. . . Being totally into genealogy, I'll keep my genealogy filing system
[ scrappyknitter ] trying to figure out how to add school of life for us - no kids
[ stacy julian ] Cynthia, that is the first step. Gather everything into one spot and then work in 30 minutes chunks. Once you have a SOL file, you will be well on your way!
[ AmySJ ] I'm skipping School of Life for now.
[ nonnysbooks ] I've kind of taken a step back from the memorabilia and the sorting,because the big event pictures I've gotten sorted out keep screaming at me to get them scrapped. So I'm trying to quiet the overwhelm by getting a couple of the big events scrapped.
[ AmySJ ] No kids. . . when I get back in time to DH's childhood, I might start tackling it.
[ andypandyw ] My kids are 19, 23 and 26 and I have partially finished school books for all of them. When my 26 year old got married a couple of years ago, I offered him the school book to keep and he told me to hang onto it. Maybe when he has kids of his own, he will be more interested in having it. I sometimes think these books are more important to us as parents than to the kids.
[ ljr3kids ] AmySJ me too cuz my kids are grown.
[ Becky C ] I'm skipping SOL for now too.
[ Cynthia362 ] I don't do well in 30 min chunks (LOL)! I work better in "days" with an intense focus... (LOL)...
[ MelissaTX ] A Memorabilia class would be fun so to teach - I love using it on my pages. I just "surveyed" my pages for this year to see how often and if I'm really using all that stuff I save. I'm happy to say I use quite a bit and "process"/toss the rest.
[ cgull1 ] We (dh and I) listened to about 10 different episodes of paperclipping on a recent trip. He came up with a long list of present ideas for me. I think I'll need to steer him in a little more direction to what I need (like time to scrapbook) rather than just the fun tools he likes.
[ stacy julian ] wallets can totally be dropped into the square-punched picture drawers, so can loose school pics and any other small picture--like the ones you take in those photo booths.
[ AmySJ ] I'd have to get the stuff from my mom. I'd rather get the pics scanned and organized so I can scrapbook them than worry about a school of life type project for us.
[ ljr3kids ] Oh photo booth ones that is a good place for them
[ Cynthia362 ] I took LOM last year so my basic system is in place. THis year I'm concentrating on the memorabilia so I can get piles of clutter cleaned up from around the house, sort through it after it's all gathered, then scrap/toss what's left unused.
[ nessa b. ] I've put school of life on a back burner too, although I'm considering doing one for my 6yr. granddaughter. working with 3 heritage boxes and have found a cute little "suitcase" for my memorabilia. not sure about the square punch drawer yet
[ hcc73 ] LOVE paperclipping roundtable!!! So glad you are on so often Stacy
[ Meggie ] I too have years of memorabilia which I'm working on. Its been interesting seeing stuff again
[ micheled5 ] I too took LOM last year and spent a lot of time trying to figure out the system and was behind. This year I have been so sick most of the class.
[ Annette33 ] I am going to try to tackle everything this summer as I organize my new scrap space. Lots of sorting to do.
[ stacy julian ] andypandyw -- I think it's really important that we recognize we are scrapbooking primarily for us. When we embrace this,so much of the obligation falls away and we don't have to deal with as much disappointment when a child doesn't seem to appreciate our efforts. He will "someday" be very grateful --I think you are right, when he has children!
[ micheled5 ] once you get your memorbilla under control it will be so freeing!! trust me that was something hanging over me for years.
[ ljr3kids ] Getting memorabilia in order is also cleaning my closets!
[ Annette33 ] Just getting everything in one place will be nice
[ cgull1 ] micheled5--I also went ahead and did folders for the first year, preschool and such for the kids. I'd like to have all their memorabilia mostly in one place. I added a folder for my husband and myself (and I think I'll do one for family) for a yearly storage and then transfer to a larger grouping.
[ Cynthia362 ] andypandy, What you experienced is what I'm afraid of. Our oldest has already moved out and she didn't want to take the 4 albums I already have finished for her. She did, however, like the 2 mini albums! so, I'm glad I'm not "caught up" because it allows me to really take time looking back to see what's really important or not...
[ AmySJ ] I want to go ahead an implement the memorabilia now. I don't have much and I need to see how I'll use it since I'm wanting to incorporate it into my scrapbooking. And, I can get a system in place before I collect too much more.
[ stacy julian ] AmySJ -- agreed. Prioritize pictures and stories from you mom first. I'm flying to Seattle tomorrow to spend a day and half with my mom. We are going to go through pictures and letters and I'm going to just record her talking!
[ micheled5 ] for my memorbilla i just put folders of like florida, disney etc and put all the stuff i saved from those trips.
[ Annette33 ] saved my slip of paper from my fortune cookie today,lol
[ stacy julian ] cgull1 -- good to see you making adaptations for your family!
[ Cynthia362 ] Annette33, I agree. Everything TOGETHER is huge. I spent ALL DAY long working on setting up folders for each of our 4 kids and then started grabbing boxes, piles, and 3 ring binders and started sorting. I made it through about 4 big piles/boxes of stuff, but it literally took me a good 8 hours.
[ Candace Ann ] I noticed in the Forums that Kayla said that the digital stuff won't be available after class is over. Is there anything else that will be going away that I need to make sure I get copied beforehand?
[ ljr3kids ] My ids don't want their albums yet they move too much! ONe daughter will move from LA to Boston for Residency and is glad not to have a lot of stuff
[ andypandyw ] It's interesting with memorabilia - as years pass, some of it seems to not really matter anymore, while some of it is more sentimental than ever!
[ micheled5 ] since we go to disneyland a lot i put the date
[ ljr3kids ] Andypandyw--Stories matter little certificates don't
[ Cynthia362 ] Stacy, Speaking of Seattle. My friend and I met you two years ago at the convention in Seattle. We're from Montana if that rings a bell and we stayed after class to chat with you for quite awhile. I'm sure that's the story with everyone though so I sure wouldn't expect you to remember. We corresponded with you afterwards because we came home and did a Finish Line class with our friends.
[ stacy julian ] "Cynthia -- really, 8 hours is nothing! Think of the years of stuff you sorted that is NOW at your fingertips. YOU GO!!! 
We forget that it takes us years to get buried in stuff -- really, it doesn't take that long to make order of it!"
[ MelissaTX ] Having everything together in one place also lets you see how much you really have. I think it makes it easier to let some of it go when we can see how much there is. We can chose to keep the most meaningful items.
[ andypandyw ] I have many letters from friends written during my childhood and teen years and I am so glad I saved them. I just don't know what to do with them. Right now they are just in boxes.
[ stacy julian ] "from andypandy: 
It's interesting with memorabilia - as years pass, some of it seems to not really matter anymore, while some of it is more sentimental than ever! 
 
SO TRUE! 
use time in your favor and leverage the perspective it gives you."
[ AmySJ ] Family Words- I've adapted this to my Iphone. Next week I'm planning to do a Week in the Life. I'm going to try the voice memos to capture our conversations
[ LCC ] I have especially noticed the connections I had never seen before. For instance, while sorting I noticed one grandson has a lot of different expressions. I have a whole section now just for those.
[ Annette33 ] I am taking over a shed that used to be an art studio for the previous owner
[ micheled5 ] andypandyw - I too had lots of those. I put them in my memorbilla box under misc or called it childhood.
[ stacy julian ] "Oh, hello Cynthia -- I do remember you. Thank for the memory trigger. 
So nice that you are in class!"
[ scrappyknitter ] Melissatx - so true I got rid of quite a bit of memorabilia from the trips - it was like - ok so why did I keep this?
[ Cynthia362 ] I think it's really important that we recognize we are scrapbooking primarily for us.//// I sure agree with this stmt.. we just don't know what our kids will want or have room for... and I find that our young adults are more apt to LIVE IN THE MOMENT rather than reminsce about their bygone school days....
[ nonnysbooks ] Tomorrow is going to be my camera day. One of the projects I decided I wanted to do through this class, is pages about the keepsakes that have been stored in my china cabinet for 25 years. DH and I both decided they are important things, and we want to capture the story behind them.
[ cgull1 ] Cynthia362--that's what I like about all this--corralling the clutter that's all over the place in bits and pieces. Hopefully I'll be able to find things now!
[ stacy julian ] Ohh, I have a class I want to develop specifically for letters. Just need MORE time and energy, hey?
[ Cynthia362 ] I haven't been very active until just recently since I felt like I had the first part down pretty well and knew memorabilia and digital is what i wanted to concentrate on this year.
[ AmySJ ] LOL ya'll I had some tickets stubs (like teh little ones you do for raffles or fund raisers) and have no idea what they were too! Talk about a perspective on time.
[ AmySJ ] LOL ya'll I had some tickets stubs (like teh little ones you do for raffles or fund raisers) and have no idea what they were too! Talk about a perspective on time.
[ andypandyw ] Also, young adults use technology mostly for their memories. Facebook, blogs etc.
[ cgull1 ] Hope you're feeling better, Cynthia326.
[ MelissaTX ] nonnysbooks - I love that idea too and have made myself a note to record the stories behind some of our possessions. Thinking that will be a summer project.
[ stacy julian ] AmySJ - love the idea of voice memos 4 Week in My Life. Very cool.
[ Cynthia362 ] BTW, thanks so much for getting the digital content extended for awhile longer. I really appreciate that since I want to work on digi this summer right after I get the memorabilia under control.
[ AmySJ ] I think one advantage of not having kids is that I can only really scrapbook for me! But I totally agree that must be the case for all.
[ andypandyw ] Wow Stacy - a class for letters and stuff! I'm in!!!
[ AmySJ ] Thanks Stacy- it came from the fact it's hard to take pics at work because the stuff each of us deals with is very confidential. . . so I was trying to figure out a way to capture it- we talk a lot at lunch or on the way home is more general terms about cases etc.
[ Annette33 ] It is rare that I scrap about me, only me. Gonna do more of that
[ Cynthia362 ] cgull1, feeling better? Do I know you? (LOL). Did I post that I wasn't feeling well?
[ andypandyw ] Amy SJ - I love reading about how you use all this technology - iPhone apps for notes and voice memos - very cool. Gives me lots of food for thought.
[ sftbalrcks ] Stacy, did I miss your response to CandaceAnn about digi going away?
[ stacy julian ] "nonny, 
just scrolled to find your project idea. this is such an important thing to do--attach stories to specific keepsakes, so they will have added meaning if and when they are passed down. love it."
[ Cynthia362 ] I know 8 hours seems like a long time when I started this a.m., but it sure is a NICE feeling to have made such progress today. And, yep.. it took 21 years for that stuff to accumulate. Once I ever get this monster under control I sure don't plan to let it get behind again.. and so I think I can manage upkeep in 20-30 min increments, but for the bigger projects I need DAYS devoted or I'd never get anywhere in small chunks of time.
[ AmySJ ] I really relish that today's cell phones let you go so much of your stuff in one thing. I guess likely I didn't scrapbook much if any when I had my last smart phone except this year as it started dying.
[ Cynthia362 ] I missed the info about the smart phone apps... what is that all about?
[ stacy julian ] I must have missed a comment from Candace Ann. Please re-post.
[ just jeani ] love that the digi parts of class will linger. I'm taking a digi-bootcamp class next weekend so I'm hoping to come away with enough knowledge to make good use of the wonderful stuff you and Kayla have provided.
[ AmySJ ] I really like to make technology work for me. My old smartphone would have done much of this back when it worked. (Windows Mobile)
[ MelissaTX ] Cynthia362 - me too. I love having long chunks of time to work. But I am getting better about doing a few short chunks when life gets busy.
[ cgull1 ] Cynthia362--I thought you said you'd been sick most of the class in one of your posts. :-)
[ Candace Ann ] Kayla said on the Forums that digi stuff will go away after the class ends. Is that true and if so, is there anything else going away?
[ micheled5 ] cqull1 - that was me
[ Cynthia362 ] Oh. I might have said I was gone or had the winter blues, but no real "illness." We were traveling quite a bit this winter. Thanks for asking! What a good memory.
[ AmySJ ] Cynthia- I posted some ideas on the threads about Family Words and Story Cards and the way I'm using my Iphone for them. Like that I can have my notes and inspirations with me wherever I need to make a note or wherever I scrapbook- cause I'll have my phone with me.
[ MelissaTX ] Stacy I think the question you missed was is there anything besides the digital stuff that will go away after the class. And thanks for getting that extended until next Feb.
[ Cynthia362 ] I'll have to check that out. I just bought a smart phone 3 weeks ago. LOVE the notes feature!
[ cgull1 ] Sorry, wrong person. Micheled5--Hope you're feeling better! So hard to keep up with the scrolling sometimes. ;-)
[ scrappyknitter ] Still learning about my blackberry & what it can do - hope I can use it to keep track of stories & words.
[ micheled5 ] cgull1 - thanks!! We are all on the mend. this sickness kicked our butts this year.
[ just jeani ] yikes, now i'm confused. Is the digi stuff hanging around after class or will it end right away. I'm read contrary comments and now I'm not sure.
[ AmySJ ] I've spent the last hour adding checklists for things to capture and notes for things I want to write about/capture for A Week in the Life. Using the apps ToDo and Notesmaster.
[ stacy julian ] Kayla's digital content will be available through Feb 3, 2011. She has been very gracious with her ideas and time, but we've learned that provided the mechanics of digital may be beyond the scope of LOM. This is something I have to take a hard look at for future sessions.
[ scrappyknitter ] I'm with you just jeani - confused about what's happening to the digi stuff.
[ dalex ] so glad the digi stuff will be around longer as I decided to hold off on doing that as I'm not a digi scrapper
[ nessa b. ] I'd just like to say that the stuff in the gallery has been very helpful and inspiring! you guys do great work!
[ cgull1 ] How have people personalized the features mentioned in the last couple of weeks? I've noticed I haven't wanted as many "things" around, so I plan on combining a few things with already existing structures--word families in All about us, story card supplies in the desk drawer, etc.
[ AmySJ ] Stacy- I think I would have taken this class with or without the digi instruction. But, I do think a place for classmates to discuss how they implement it digitall would be helpful. The mechanics is so different but the concepts are the same.
[ Candace Ann ] Gracious indeed! Her input and content has been IMMENSELY helpful....invaluable.
[ just jeani ] Awesome about the digi stuff. It is a lot to learn while doing LOM. If you're already conversant, no worries, but in addition to the content it was a real stretch. Totally worth it though, so I'm glad we'll be able to access once we're ready. Kayla you are a rock star!
[ stacy julian ] Sorry, I meant "providing" not provided. It is simply too much work to expect a trainer to create content for 5 software programs, when digital applications change so frequently. We are very lucky we all got to be 'guinea pigs' this session and learn so much from Kayla. I will continue to welcome and embrace digital scrapbookers, but will likely not be able to provide the level of detail that Kayla provided. It was simply too much for her to do.
[ scrappyknitter ] So glad that Kayla was able to share her digi knowledge - it's beeen great.
[ AmySJ ] I'm going to add memorabilia and cultural things right into my LOM highlights and categories. (which for me is digitally) So, it's all one system. Just instead of uploading, I'll scan and then store some.
[ cgull1 ] For me, I would like to get to the digi eventually, but feel I need to get the basics down. However, having at least the basic structures for managing pictures and such online are essential to this class. I look forward to perusing it more once I have a handle on the others.
[ Candace Ann ] Totally understandable. Glad I got IN on it!!
[ nessa b. ] I agree. Kayla did a GREAT job!
[ stacy julian ] AmySJ -- you too have been a Godsend in this class. I have so enjoyed your expertise and watching you make adaptations for digital so quickly and then share what you are doing so readily. Three cheers for Amy too!!
[ LCC ] I'm very glad I got to be a "guinea pig" I learned a lot and it has broadened my whole scrapbooking world.
[ ljr3kids ] I think I need to become Amy's friend in real life!
[ nessa b. ] hip, hip, hooray AmySJ
[ andypandyw ] Stacy - I agree, I love Amy SJ's expertise and knowledge of what the technology can do. I got lots of ideas from her. Thanks so much Amy!
[ AmySJ ] Ah Shucks! Just loving this class and scrapbooking these days! I'm always glad to help. . . just hope I haven't overwhelmed anyone.
[ nonnysbooks ] All of the coaches have been very helpful, not only in digital,but in providing varied adaptations of LOM.
[ just jeani ] "hate to ask you to backtrack but I'm still struggling with the division of layouts into respective albums. Stacy 
while I understand that our albums will have to be structured in a way that works for us, it would be so very helpful to understand your thought process. 
For instance. In Things We Do Iâ€™ve broken out my layouts into Everyday Life and Celebrations: including birthdays, weddings, life cycle etc. I have scores of birthday layouts, so many they could easily fill an album in and of themselves. 
Am I correct in thinking that one [and eventually more] albums will be nothing but Celebrations? 
Or do I make multiple Things We Do albums and have two sections within the albums that are part Everyday Life and part Celebrations, grouping layouts from the same decades? I also have enough layouts on Softball and on Performing to fill separate albums. Again, to divide or not to divide?"
[ JeriP ] I really appreciate the digi info that has been provided for this class. I understood enough coming in that I could use it. I can see how Kayla might felt like a tsunami hit her when everyone had questions particular to their own software and circumstances. Thank you for all you have done.
[ Cynthia362 ] Last year I worked on some digi stuff while setting up my physical category drawers because I knew I didn't want to keep printing and printing more pictures just to print them. I'm more of a visual person than a kinesthetic person so it's not as important to me to "feel" the pictures... So I had a fairly good start on digi last year, but I'm very anxious to read all the digi info before it goes away in January.
[ ljr3kids ] The digi stuff was great from Kayla but I love the flow cards too..I have adapted them for my small cute orange binder!
[ MelissaTX ] I'm glad I got to a be a guinea pig this time. :>) The digital stuff is really new to me. I love the paper and glue and don't think I'll ever do a lot of digi scrapbooking, however the digital workflow for for digi photos really helped me start printing and using my photos.
[ stacy julian ] No kidding, speaking of the trainers-- have you read the blog posts from just this past week? They were SO GOOD. I haven't posted to my blog in weeks -- can't keep up, but I have ROCK STAR trainers for sure!
[ cgull1 ] I've enjoyed seeing the gallery and posts to see how others have made adaptations that work for them right now and/or just to be inspired by what they are doing.
[ Cynthia362 ] When I say pretty good start I should rephrase that to say barely a start (LOL)... I didn't want to get too far to find out that it would have been better to do it differently so I quit (LOL).
[ AmySJ ] I think the digi stuff is relevant also to paper scrapbookers who prefer to use different sizes of pics etc. But honestly, most of the digi steps wouldn't seem worth if I scrapbooked like Stacy. (Too much work when really you're working with printed stuff)
[ andypandyw ] The digital workflow stuff that was included in this year's LOM was extremely helpful. The cards and just the suggestion to HAVE a set workflow is so important.
[ MelissaTX ] I agree - the trainers blog posts have been excellent. They've all adapted to their own needs and we are able to see new ideas working within the same system.
[ AmySJ ] I did have a digital advantage- as in my hiatus from scrapbooking I really focused on Photography and the increase in pics meant I had to get all of that workflow under control. . . I just needed to find a system for scrapbooking pics vs others etc.
[ ljr3kids ] Been working on a written flowchart that I can keep in front of me to keep me on track--got sidetracked last year with a wedding!
[ just jeani ] I love that digi was part of LOM this year and am so grateful for the little I was able to use. I'll use more as time goes on for sure. whether we prefer paper or pixels, the reality is that having a working knowledge of digital can only enhance our overall experience.
[ AmySJ ] I look so forward to the blog posts.
[ dalex ] I am just sooo glad I took this class! Stacy, you are amazing and the trainers are awesome too!!! The advice and ideas from all the participants has been fantastic too. Whilst i haven't been overly active on the forums I have been reading and doing.
[ micheled5 ] stacy - i know you have said in the past that you restructured this class from last year what are some of the main differences?
[ MelissaTX ] I do want to say, Stacy, that I LOVE the LOM system. I read PhotoFreedom last fall then signed up for this course in January. I have been so inspired to scrap that I've created 118 pages since January!
[ ljr3kids ] I am amazed what more I gleaned this year--I am sure I will be an alum next year too to get some more stuff done
[ Cynthia362 ] I have a pretty good workflow in place, the problem is the volume of pictures and theni get behind! I take photos for 3-5 sports teams each year and it's nothing to come home with 1000 pics to sort in a given weekend.... I can stay on top of my regular family photos, but when you throw in a vacation or photos for a club of some sort then I get so far behind with everything...
[ Cynthia362 ] I think next year I will only take photos of clubs that my kids are in and that will help reduce some of the volume.
[ micheled5 ] i use memory manager for my photo organization. I love it
[ nonnysbooks ] I've been "enabling" one of my co-workers, she has an interest in scrapbooking and we've been taking turns enabling. I told her about how great the class was, and it was too late for her to register, but she found a copy of Photo Freedom and between reading that, and some break-time conversations, she's getting her own LOM set up.
[ Brenda in Sunny So Cal ] I stopped taking poictures at every game, tht cut down on the ammount of Pics, I just took at first and last games of soccer.
[ AmySJ ] I'll echo the so glad I took this class! And for BPS. My scrapbooking love had returned, thanks to DYL I've scrappped more pages this year than any year, and now LOM makes scrapbooking faster and easier!!! Super Glad Cathy Mentioned LOM in DYL
[ Cynthia362 ] Stacy, I'm SO glad that alumni were able to come back this year. THere is SO much to absorb that one time through just wouldn't be enough, for me anyway. I may not have actually gotten up the motivation to tackle memorabilia right now if it hadn't been for coming back as an LOM alumni this year.
[ ljr3kids ] Cynthia262--I understand about large ammount of pics! I have over 1000 from the week of my daughters wedding and that is not the professional ones! usually I am in the 100 club!
[ Becky C ] Stacy, last year did you have coaches too? or, was this the first year?
[ Cynthia362 ] I cant' reduce the # of photos I take because I'm the main photographer for these clubs and we have to have a certain # of good pics of each kid for the year book. I have to be sure to take enough that I know I'll have at least a dozen good ones...
[ stacy julian ] Darn- I keep losing the post about growing albums, so I didn't see who posted it. This is NOT backtracking at all. So, what I do (and you can do this differently) is let sections within Things We Do grow and eventually fill an entire album and then multiple albums. So, for example I have two albums of just Everyday Life layouts. One is not full yet. I'm not upstairs where I can double check this, but I think my original Things We Do album has the Sports and Recreation section and the Accomplishments section -- I've moved Holidays and Seasons and Everyday life out into their own albums. So eventually there could be multiple albums for each of my main sections -- I'm not there yet, so I don't know if I'll create sub-sections. I think I might (just so it's easier to find layouts) but I really don't know. I think the most important thing to keep in mind is that most of these questions work themselves out as you grow your library and that the overall ordering of things is very flexible and easy to change if needed -- does that help?
[ AmySJ ] Oh I always take way more pics that I should. . . but I delete. Since I shoot Raw, the files are just too large not to. It was when I got my DSLR (and at the same time started shooting RAW) that I learned how to purge pics! I knew I had to- or else I've have 50 TB worth of pics.
[ Melanie71 ] Can I toot my own horn to say that today, I uploaded my Q1 highlights and sent them off for printing - and ordered my backup DVD. I'm starting 2010 on the right foot!
[ AmySJ ] Way to Go Melanie!
[ Cynthia362 ] AmySJ... I'm at that point now. I'm going to be forced to spend time purging digi photos because it's either that or buy another hard drive which I don't want to do. Kind of like what Stacy says about the storage binders... to keep the flow going you cant' have more than 15 (LOL)...
[ nessa b. ] ljr3kids, any advice on those wedding pics? my son just got married last week and the 1.400+ proofs I just viewed online make me think there's NO WAY this can all go in one album!
[ stacy julian ] "Becky, 
I've had coaches for three years. Essentially what happened this year is I "graduated" several coaches to the "trainer" position and gave them a blog where they could more easily share personal adaptations that are so helpful!"
[ MelissaTX ] Melanie71 - that's exactly how I felt when I uploaded my Q1 photos a week or so ago, wanted to toot my own horn that I finally got my digital workflow working!
[ just jeani ] stacy, I posted the album growing question and yes, it answers it so well. I think I'm now ready to take the plunge and give my layouts a home. Huge sigh of relief!!
[ Cynthia362 ] Did I miss the blog addresses for the trainers?
[ AmySJ ] Uploading my digi layouts this week saved my bad back-up self's butt. . . I only lost two layouts completely this week. I'd uploaded those I did this weekend. . . so I printed and ordered a CD. .. might not be the original file but it will be the jpg version.
[ andypandyw ] My son got married in August 2007 and I had 1400 photos from the photographer. In addition we had our own pics from family and friends as well as pics from all the events before the wedding - showers, rehearsal dinner etc. I am still working on these albums. I pared the phtographer's 1400 down to about 600 and put them in a photo album for now.
[ Brenda in Sunny So Cal ] Cyntha362 where it says blogs on the menu, there's one for Stacy (class only) and one for trainers
[ Melanie71 ] i'm digi - so i don't need storage binders, but i do want physical photo albums for my family to look though. it was a surprisingly small number of photos - but that's OK!
[ stacy julian ] Three cheers for Melanie -- WOW. I still have to print Summer 2009. I'm working like mad to empty two storage binders. Moving from 15 to 10 storage binders has been a bit challenging, but it's all part of my effort to be more intentional about printing and decrease the excess!
[ ljr3kids ] Nessab I am going to make books from snapfish of my very favs! I put all of the proofs on a mem stick and they are playing in my kitchen on a digi frame!!!
[ Cynthia362 ] OH.. duh.. I guess I should have looked before asking.
[ stacy julian ] just jeani -- oh good!
[ AmySJ ] Please do keep in mind that you need or should make sure you have two copies of your pics at all times. If you're hard drive crashes, you'll lose what you don't have duplicate copies of. Please do it for me! Back-it up!
[ stacy julian ] Cynthia -- to read the trainers blog, click on the "Blogs" button at the top of the classroom and then click on "Trainers Blog" There is a TON of helpful content archived there. I'd love to add a comments area to these blogs -- maybe next year!
[ scrappyknitter ] AmySJ, thanks for that reminder - I just uploaded a bunch yesterday & forgot to back them up (DUH). Guess what I'll be doing when the chat finishes.
[ Cynthia362 ] Backups.... I have two external hard drives. One is backed up nightly at midnight. THe other is in the safe which is rotated with the one on my desk every month or so depending on how much work I've done since the last backup was put in the safe. I'm actually thinking about adding a 3rd hard drive off site...
[ andypandyw ] ljr3kids - for wedding photo albums work for now and I plan to eventually print a bound photo book. Digital frame is a great idea.
[ cgull1 ] I was just thinking of a comments area on the trainers blog as I toggled over there. :-)
[ ljr3kids ] Stacy--I only have 4 binders to keep it simple, plus an old album of my kids baby photos---It is great!
[ Melanie71 ] I had an EHD crash 2 years ago. I didn't lose any photos because it was a secondary location - but I did lose (if only temporarily) all my digi supplies
[ ljr3kids ] Just backup up my EHD this afternoon--thanks for the reminder!
[ just jeani ] for those of you still not backing up your photos onto a seperate and off site system may I suggest Carbonite? It's cheap, reliable and you don't have to actually do anything once you're signed up. Carbonite.com seriously, check it out
[ Brenda in Sunny So Cal ] Backuos- I backupo the whole computer, not just the photos, that way everything is safe
[ nessa b. ] thanks andypandyw. I have a 2up album I'm considering using but then there's the vertical picture problem. is nothing ever easy?!
[ andypandyw ] For back up, in addition to EHD, I just started using Mozy as online back up. It is about $5 per month and it makes me feel better that everything is backed up offsite.
[ AmySJ ] Melanie- I'm there at you. Last I backed up was 3/15- I automatically back up pics to a second location on import- so I didn't lose that. . . but I did lose my supplies downloaded since 3/15
[ Cynthia362 ] I also backup everything because we also have our business stuff on this c omputer as well as photos.. neither of which I can "afford" to lose.. so I'm a bit over the top when it comes to backups.
[ stacy julian ] Coach Margie just had an EHD accident recently. You can read about this and what she learned on the coaching forum (I think that is where its at) Kayla has a great post about backing up on the trainers blog right now!
[ Melanie71 ] Today, I was eying the 1TB Seagate (sp?) on sale at Costco for $130.
[ AmySJ ] I lost my second WD EHD last week- it was the free replacement to the one I bought last August. So two since August. I made some changes to make it easier.
[ nessa b. ] "ljr3kids- lightbulb going on... 
thank you! I've been wanting to try making one of those books and now seems like a good time to do it! thanks again!"
[ andypandyw ] It worries me that EHDs seem to fail so often and unexpectedly. That's why I feel better using Mozy.
[ Melanie71 ] That freaks me out - the one I'm using is the replacement from 2 years ago
[ scrappyknitter ] About memorabilia - I've got some really large documents that short of framing & putting on the wall I'm not sure how to store (1 is my GF's masonic membership & it's on sheepskin)
[ stacy julian ] Time is running out. Any more questions about recent lessons?
[ AmySJ ] Melanie- do you have a home network? Laptop or desktop? I just bought a Lacie Network 2 which is 1 TB- which was like $150. It hooks up to the network so I don't have it attached to my laptop. And it allows me to add another EHD.
[ ljr3kids ] Nessab--watch for sales--I made one for the bride about the week before the wedding--she loved it!
[ nessa b. ] ljr3kids- I'm writing that down now and starting to plan ahead now as far as how many pics will go in one of those books. I'm so excited!
[ Melanie71 ] I'm multi-tasking here ... working on my Colorful You mini-album ... thank you Stacy! (LOVE Paperclipping Roundtable)
[ Brenda in Sunny So Cal ] Online Backups: My issue with them is price, most services are about $100 a year for 200 GB, that does not cover nearly enough for the ammount of stuff I have. It's cheaper to get 2 1 TB drives and rotate them.
[ AmySJ ] Mozy would be so nice. If only I could get DSL here! I'd use it in a heartbeat if I weren't on Satellite Internet- half the speed and itty bitty limits compared to DSL.
[ just jeani ] for multiple photos like a wedding I created a hybrid album. It's a combination of traditional layouts, full size 8x10 photos and divided page protectors for 4x6 and 5x7 shots. they all live very happily together. Not all of the wedding photos are there of course, [you wouldn't be able to lift the album], that's where a digi-frame saves the day.
[ Melanie71 ] no, i don't have a home network - but I probably should set that up. I'm mostly working from my laptop these days (my desktop is atrociously slow)
[ AmySJ ] Stacy- do you have a lot of Places layouts that aren't from trips?
[ just jeani ] Carbonite it 55 per year. Sorry I don't recall the size of the storage, but I know it was more than enough for my needs
[ AmySJ ] We have the home network to allow wireless internet- aka a router. So this was an easy addition.
[ stacy julian ] scrappyknitter, I would store this kind of memorabilia in large, shallow archival quality boxes. I would also take photos, or scan them or even make color copies. You can use the copies/scans to scrapbook and note where the originals are kept. If you think about it, it will be difficult for anyone to appreciate this stuff if there are no stories attached -- so make sure they are safely stored and then focus on collecting and recording stories for the MOST important pieces. Anyone else have additional ideas?
[ AmySJ ] I think I'm right there with you Stacy. Plus, pics are easier to back-up etc so that in case of fire or flood you'd still have something of the items you lose.
[ stacy julian ] AmySJ -- Hmm, Places layouts not from trips. There's a good blog post. I'll go count and report back on my blog. I have definitely gotten better at expanding my "places" horizons over the years -- but I've never done a true comparison. Will do!
[ just jeani ] re: the memorabilia, I'm all for using a shadow box and displaying it. The value of memorabilia is directly related to the ease with which we can share it. Hang, stand it but let others see it!
[ scrappyknitter ] Stacy, thanks - I wish I had the stories but the last of my Dad's generation (my Dad himself) passed away 6 years ago - long before we thought to ask him questions about things or to tell us stories about the family. Please everyone talk to your family about family stories
[ stacy julian ] Melanie -- so glad to hear you are making a "colorful you" mini book. Yay!
[ andypandyw ] I would keep the archival boxes of large memorabilia in one room or closet. We had to evacuate because of brush fires a few years ago, and I just froze when it came to loading up the car with important stuff. Luckily, no damage to our house or houses around us. but now I have a list posted of important things.
[ AmySJ ] Thanks Stacy- The thought occurred to me, I might be better off doing Every Day Life and then not every day life for Places/Things rather than Places and Things- Not making any moves yet, but a thought I'm wondering if would be better for me.
[ Becky C ] I have been interviewing my parents to get their stories..
[ Meggie ] scrappyknitter if you know any of his Masonic friends they possibly can tell you stories behind the items. My father was a Mason
[ MelissaTX ] scrappyknitter - there's a page for you! Put a photo of something you wish you had asked about and journal about how you "wish you knew." That could be the title page of an album about some of the things you want others to know about your stuff.
[ just jeani ] so here's a good lesson for all of us. We all see comments from time to time about how as people pass away we regret the unasked questions. To ensure your kids don't have that heartache, begin NOW to record your own stories. It's never too early!
[ ljr3kids ] Thanks Stacy--off to eat dinner with my hubby!!
[ AmySJ ] My brother and I try to set up his video camera when we're all together to capture the stories- even if they aren't in the shot. . . we just set up where we think they'd sit and leave it- they eventually forget it's there.
[ nonnysbooks ] I've started my own journal, and am calling it "Nonny's Random Thoughts". When a memory pops up, I just start writing (hot pen theory). If that spawns another unrelated memory, it goes on the next page. Then starting on the last page in the notebook, I'm writing a single line topic. These will be memory joggers, or journaling starters when I get to some of these stories.
[ Melanie71 ] my MIL was a faithful journaler ... unfortunately ... she (purposly) burned them all! Our last years with her - she developed alsheimers. Ugh. The thought of all that history just GONE! (although, I DO understand she likely had some very personal info in there)
[ scrappyknitter ] Meggie, that won't work my GF would have been over 130 by now as my Dad was almost 100 when he past away.
[ AmySJ ] Nonny- I'm trying to capture the weird things I wonder and want to blog about them eventually or do a series on them.
[ stacy julian ] OH, speaking of family stories. PLEASE print the family information sheet posted in the classroom this week and send it to ALL living relatives. You'll be surprised how quickly these come back and what you learn. There's another blog post I should do. I cannot stress this enough. I am SO GLAD I sent these out when I was a young mom -- I have one from all of our grandparents except one (my grandmother on my mom's side who passed when I was in high school) Promise me you'll do this very soon. And ... send these to your siblings too!
[ scrappyknitter ] Great idea melisaTX Thanks!
[ Cynthia362 ] Will the trainer blogs be ongoing after the class is over or are they only for the duration of the class? Just wondering AmySJ since you just mentioned something would be a good blog entry.
[ stacy julian ] Nonny-- this is wonderful!
[ nessa b. ] just jeani, another good idea- thanks!
[ AmySJ ] You can go to the courthouse for older members in your family and often find gems. . . Like wills that list the stuff they owned. Disputes that might have arised. etc.
[ andypandyw ] Speaking of blogs with family stories and current everyday stuff, how do you archive that so it stays available for many years to come? I don't have a blog yet, but this is something I think about it I was to start one.
[ nonnysbooks ] I'm just gonna have a truckload of ideas to scrapbook when I retire in 7 more years and have more spare time, but at least for now the memories are getting captured, even if they aren't paired with the pictures yet.
[ Leora ] Hi all! I am way late. Prom night here and I got distracted. EGADS!
[ AmySJ ] Cynthia- I was talking about on my own blog. . . the poor pitiful neglected thing. I actually have a couple of blog posts nearly ready to go but computer havoc here has prevented it.
[ stacy julian ] The trainers will not be posting after class ends, but the content they've created on the blog will be archived as part of your forever access.
[ Cynthia362 ] andypandy, archiving blogs seems to be quite the question in my circle of blogging friends. There are services that will print them for you, but they're quite pricey.
[ andypandyw ] prom night = lots of photos!
[ Cynthia362 ] So, how do we find those personal blogs? Is there a list of them somewhere?
[ just jeani ] Stacy I loved the family info sheet. I printed up one for practically everybody in our family. they now have their own and we're hosting a series of family brunches over the next few months where everyone [from a section of the family tree] is asked to bring theirs, finished or not. sharing the stories is bound to result in even more memories being triggered.
[ AmySJ ] I love having a blog and really wish I'd blog more- I can capture stories quickly and I love looking back on my thoughts AND sharing them with family etc.
[ Leora ] Yes, lots of photos. I sat down to upload them, and then I remembered the chat!
[ Ann in FL ] I'm going to TX in 2 weeks for my daughter's graduation. My brother, sister, son, 2 nieces will be there: I have printed one out the fmaily info sheet for everyone to fill out for me. I've also gotten about 400 picture digitalized that I will share and hopefully get some memories on them that are different from mine.
[ MelissaTX ] Stacy - a question. I am working on a blog post about LOM and was going to take a photo of each of the items in my system (albums, storage binders, category drawers, story cards, etc) with a very brief explanation. Wanted to be sure that would be ok - I'll be crediting you, the LOM workshop and BPS for the ideas and inspiration to set it up.
[ stacy julian ] I got an email from blog-back up service. I will look for this information and link and share it (hopefully I can find it in my black hole that is my inbox!)
[ AmySJ ] Cynthia- there's a thread in the Chit Chat Section with a Blog Roll
[ stacy julian ] "Melissa, 
I would LOVE for you to blog about LOM. In fact, send me a link and I'll add it to my blog -- let's spread the word!"
[ Cynthia362 ] AmySJ, blogging is great for me as well.. I can do it quickly and easily and record/preserve the memories/thoughts until I have time to actually go back and scrap them. So, in keeping with Stacy's thought that anything related to photos and memories is scrpabooking, I consider blogging scrapbooking!
[ micheled5 ] melissatx what is your blog
[ MelissaTX ] Great! I'll do it!
[ Cynthia362 ] Ok. I'll check it out. I've posted a few LOM entries on my blog.
[ stacy julian ] just jeani -- I'm so glad to hear this.
[ AmySJ ] My goal is to take blog posts and incorporate them later into scrapbook pages.
[ stacy julian ] Ok, time is up. Any last-minute questions?
[ nonnysbooks ] Have a great week Stacy.
[ MelissaTX ] My blog is fairly new, just been blogging for a couple of months. Should have the LOM post up early next week, but I've mentioned LOM and BPS a few times already. (www.melissagross.blogspot.com)
[ scrappyknitter ] I've been getting my blog printed yearly via blurb - it's pretty good & I have a print version of what I've blogged for that year.
[ stacy julian ] blogging is totally scrapbooking!
[ AmySJ ] Will you come do the dishes for me? LOL I need to do that before I go to bed.
[ Leora ] Thanks for everything, Stacy!
[ cgull1 ] I just did several blog posts from a recent trip. I could quickly pair pictures with some memory triggers and journal. If I want to "scrap" it, it will be easy to pair embellishments and paper. I even tagged them with album categories!
[ scrappyknitter ] Thanks so much Stacy.
[ MelissaTX ] I just quoted Stacy on my blog this week and explained that by blogging I was scrapbooking!
[ stacy julian ] scrappyknitter -- would LOVE you to post a few pics of your blurb books to the gallery!
[ Brenda in Sunny So Cal ] Thanks Stacy!
[ dalex ] Thanks Stacy
[ micheled5 ] k melissatx i will check out your blog thaks
[ MelissaTX ] Thanks Stacy & everyone for sharing ideas!
[ AmySJ ] Yeah- I love that I can quickly share and capture thoughts on my blog and then have it there when I get to create scrapbook Layouts to refer back to.
[ just jeani ] have a great week everyone. Glad you forget last Saturday's chat, as i could make this time slot and not that one. Life does have a way of working out.
[ scrappyknitter ] Will try & do that tomorrow Stacy(while hubby is doing garden work, lol).
[ stacy julian ] "Thank YOU all for showing up (last minute) I really appreciate your efforts to interact like this. I think it is so valuable. 
 
Bye!"
[ italgal ] Thanks, Stacy. Goodnight, Girls!
[ AmySJ ] Thanks all! Thanks Stacy! Off to do the dishes, since Stacy won't come do them. And then off to bed.
[ AmySJ ] Good night everyone!
[ scrappyknitter ] Night all!
[ nessa b. ] until next time . . .

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