Under the Influence

Our immediate family members have certainly had great influence on us. But, maybe think beyond those lines. Was there a teacher, friend or mentor that provided guidance and advice that you won’t ever forget? You may have had a coach that pushed you to succeed and taught you about much more than just sports along the way. Aren’t those stories and memories worth sharing?

Take it a step further and think about an author who changed your world. I have a stack of books that made me think more deeply than any person in my life. Those writers had great power over my decisions. Do you have a person, actor or even idol that made influenced you during an important phase in your life? Sometimes a person or even a group of people can make an everlasting impression. When you journal be sure to share how you felt as a result of this impact. You can even include examples of what decisions this influence spurred!

Writing about an influential person should allow you to freely tell a story. You have lived it, after all. Now, just make a page about it. One you will cherish throughout time.

Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life by Suzan Hutter

Digital Supplies: Kit: You Make Me Smile by Lorie M Designs, Shadows: Me and Mye Shadow Styles by Mye de Leon (both from Gotta Pixel), Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 7, Fonts: Arial, Script MT Bold.

Design Notes: Using the large photo as the background really makes this layout pop.

Journaling: The 4 most influential persons in my life, apart from my parents of course, are the Backstreet Boys. I became a fan when their first single came out and still am a huge fan. That’s 17 years now! And counting… They mean the world to me as they have helped me through loads of difficult times. I always listened to their music because it made me happy and when I felt like crap, because of my chronic illness or because my parents had a fight or whatever the reason was, after listening to their music, I always felt so much better. When I heard that Alex (AJ) went into rehab my world crashed. I cried my eyes out at that moment and kept praying he would become better soon again. Years later, I felt that same pain again, when he had gone down again. In the meantime, I had met them several times and he was always such a sweet and nice guy to me, joking around with one of their bodyguards, there seemed to be nothing wrong. I started to doubt if it was the real Alex then or not… But again listening to their music made me feel better. I cried to some of the songs, to some of his solo songs, wrote him a letter (which I would never send) and felt better again. I hope that their music will always have this effect on me. Another reason why they mean so much to me is that thanks to them, I met my best friend. She and I haven’t known each other for a very long time (3.5 years now) but it feels like I have known her all of my life. For that, and for all the joy they gave me, I am forever grateful.

Life Is Not Always Nice by Melissa Elsner

Supplies: Paper: October Afternoon, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Die Cuts With a View, Chipboard: BasicGrey, Alphabet Stickers: Making Memories, Title Card: GCD Studios, Bling: Zva Creative, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Doily: Little Yellow Bicycle, Specialty Ink: Tsukineko, Pen: Zig Memory System (Kuretake). Tools: Electronic Cutter: Silhouette SD, Border Punches: EK Success, Fiskars, Martha Stewart Crafts.

Design Notes: I loved the delicate texture the doily brought to this layout. It fit perfect with the subject matter but the bright white was too much so I used some walnut ink spray to help it match the cardstock. I also made the title card work for me by adding two more words with the alpha stickers.

Journaling: When I think of someone influential in my life, it doesn't always have to be the obvious. There are many in my life that stand out as people who have affected my life for the better. One person in particular is Kirsten. She has taught me through her vulnerability that even though life isn't always nice, that there is an inner strength that comes from depths we can't begin to comprehend. And through that strength, we can continue and grow from all the difficulties life brings us.

Honors by Stacey Michaud

Supplies: Paper, Stickers: Bella Blvd., Alphabet Stickers: October Afternoon, Alphabet: American Crafts, Pen: Zig Memory System (Kuretake), Buttons: Autumn Leaves.

Design Notes: I almost didn’t make this layout due to a lack of photographs. I was able to scan one from the yearbook and include shots of me. I used school based papers and embellishments to compliment the theme.

Journaling: I remember…it was my sophomore year. I was asked to move to the honor’s track, but was not really into it. My first class was Masterpieces of Literature. Dante, The Iliad, Canterbury Tales…all taught by Mr. Bittner. He was sarcastic and in your face honest. I’m not sure if I liked him or not most days. But he taught me to push, to have high expectations. I fell in love with the classics. Loved to write. He was a great influence. 1987.