In the Map

Since yesterday this silly little ditty has been running through my head. "I'm the map...I'm the map...I'm the map." Okey I know that wasn't really helpful but readers with toddlers should be able to recognise that as the Map song in Dora the Explorer. Talk about LSS. And I'm talking about "last song syndrome" not "local scrapbook store." (Wink.)

So which particular map am I talking about? Why, Page Maps, of course.

Late last December 2007, on a whim, I sent Becky Fleck an e-mail saying I would like to contribute an LO to her site. Becky keeps all the names of "applicants" in a jar and she randomly draws names to choose contributors. Knowing her newsletter is very popular, especially since she has a new book coming out, I prepared myself for a long wait. I was pleasantly surprised (and sufficiently rattled) when on February 20, I received an email from Becky asking me to contribute to the April newsletter. What a wonderful opportunity to work on a fresh, never before seen Page Map.

I have been a follower of Page Maps since Nita introduced me to it. But it wasn't until recently that I fully utilised the easy to follow sketches. I love that it cuts my scrapping time by helping me choose and print the right size photos for my layouts. While some people might think it removes the originality and creativity from scrapbooking, I assure you, it doesn't. You still have to choose your photos, write your journaling and match your papers, which I believe are the very heart of scrapbooking. I scrap to preserve my memories. I do not have to reinvent the wheel each time so I appreciate any outside help I can get.

This month, I am lucky to be featured in the April Page Maps with other very talented scrappers and Pinay scrappers Khei and Mich.

Here is my LO which has me singing..."If there's a place you want to go, I'm the one you need to know, I'm the map...."

SEPARATION ANXIETY...NOT!

I have scrapped this photo before and while I love the original layout I feel it didn't quite tell the whole story of Sarah's first day at school. The Map provides room for more photos and lengthier journaling so it was perfect.


Journaling:
While you may look vulnerable and uncertain in this photo, you were actually excited to be going to school for the first time. You saw how much your Kuya Diego enjoyed school so you couldn't wait to find out what wonders awaited you, too. With Teacher Ana looking out after you, you settled right in. I knew I didn't have to worry. But can you blame me if I felt a little bit anxious? At only 2 years old you were just a baby! But there you were - bravely and happily exploring a brand new world called Nursery. Without me. - Mama (3/22/08)

P.S. You are 8 years old today. Just about to finish the second grade. And you still love going to school. But I know now, wherever you may be going, I am always with you.

Materials Used:
PPS - DCWV, Making Memories; Diecuts - Craft Express, Fancy Pants, American Crafts, We R Memory Keepers; Ribbons - Unknown; Stickers - Provo Craft, K & Co.; Paint - Making Memories; Template - Coluzzle; Pen - Staedtler; Adhesive - Saunders; Paper clip.

This was in the Page Maps April Newsletter. Does this mean I'm "published" now? :-)