Happy New Year!

2010.  Eeek!  Why the reaction?  I was born in 1970.  Go ahead and do the math; I'll wait.  Right.  This is the year I turn FORTY. 

In my head, I am still somewhere around 26.  My mirror reflects something different.  And do not get me started on that evil magnifying mirror.  Anyone who lets that near a woman they love after the age 29 should suffer a painful punishment.  My body is not sure what age it wants to be.  While playing around in the trampoline with my kids, I can still execute a pretty strong straddle jump.  On the other hand, after wrapping Christmas presents on the floor for two hours, I could barely stand up.  I shuffled forward with my back bent over like my grandfather used to while my husband attempted to suppress giggles.

Are there any good points to being 40?  Certainly.  I know more than I did at 26.  Not academically smart--I am strong in the subjects I teach and research, but it is amazing how easy 5th grade homework was for me as a 10yo and how hard it is to revisit as a mom.  What I know now is more the life information that leads to confidence and contentment.

Somewhere in this last year, I learned a great lesson:  I know who I am, and I like me.  It sounds so simple, but yet profound.  I know me. 

I know my style--simple and classic with a hint of naughty.  It holds true for clothing, decorating, and scrapping.  I know my personality--homebody with a storyteller flair.  I am more likely to stay in than go out, but when I go I see everything and love to regale my friends with the stories.  I know my career, my calling--teacher with a bit of comedian.  I am, quite simply, passionate about my work.  I know my place in this world--mom, wife, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend.   I have confidence that I am doing each role well and a contentment that they are exactly what I wish to do.

So how does this relate to scrapping?  The truth is that everything relates to scrapping when you are a scrapbooker.  A scrapper sees a bikini in Target and her first thought is not "why is that suit out in March?" but "I have a paper that matches that suit perfectly, maybe I should hit the gym so I can fit in it."  A scrapper has a rough week and she starts pulling out moody blue papers and distressing ink without even thinking about it.  After a great night out with girlfriends, a scrapper is at her desk attempting to use glitter as salt on a margarita glass card.  A scrapper sees a child covered in her new lipstick as a photo opportunity first and a mess second.  It is who we become when we take scrapbooking from an occasional hobby to a part of that central self. 

I am me.  I am (almost) 40.  I am a scrapbooker.  Who are you?

40 by Dora Phillips

Digital Supplies: Kit: Furry Stuff by Aprilouse and Hanulienka Design (Pickleberrypop), Font: Distressed Typewriter.

Design Notes: I often start out playing with my pictures as a digital layout and then move on to create a similar layout in paper.  It allows me to use that handy little undo feature which sadly does not exist in paper scrapping.

Journaling: Is it true?  Am I only months away from being a grown-up?