inspired...

...by Ali's new book.

I finished these layouts of my parents vist this past June. What would have been 10 layouts (at least) ended up being only 3. I am working on capturing the stories instead of using every single picture I take and turning the journaling into a history class. I want to capture the stories. I am also experimenting with tools and techniques that I like and work for me instead of trying to create something new every single time. Ali likes using a square punch on her layouts- it allows using lots of pictures. I had only tried that once before and it was hard, I don't like cutting my pictures. I don't know why but I feel as if cutting takes away from the story. But it isn't true, sometimes half of the picture is the sky or a sidewalk-who wants to see that. So using a punch was hard but very liberating. I am also experimenting with my handwritting and not worrying about it not looking perfect. small steps...

Portland Japanese Garden

My mom, dad and grandma arrived Saturday morning in Portland. We got to see a little of the Rose Parade, had some lunch at a restaurant I can't remember the name of right now, but it was good and visited the Japanese Garden which is stunning. It was raining but I had read that we should still go visit with the rain and we did, I took all of our umbrellas just in case. The garden didn't have too many visitors. We were able to take a walking tour as soon as we got there. It was so peaceful and beautiful.