Then I began to scrapbook to connect with other women I met online. I scrapbooked to share in a hobby with my sister. I scrapbooked to create cool layouts using even cooler products. At one point I was asked the question for the first time, “Why do you scrapbook?” I remember giving some quick response about artistic creation and fun products, but afterwards I reflected on that response and realized it seemed somewhat selfish and shallow. I realized I needed to re-evaluate my “why” for taking part in this expensive and time-consuming hobby.
Two summers ago I planned an informal photo shoot of my daughters, trying to capture some great shots for a few assignments I was working on. The pictures turned out beautiful…my daughters looked so happy, but every time I sat down to use the pictures on a page nothing would come to me. They sat on my desk for months until one memorable night. I decided to take a break from “creating”…I was working on some layouts for a big contest and I was drained from having cranked out 8 layouts in a matter of one week. I walked into my daughter’s bedroom to find my three daughters dancing together and I realized I was witnessing an inspiring moment; a moment that I never wanted to forget. I watched my children encourage each other, teach each other and laugh with each other…a few of life’s lessons all learned within that brief moment.
It is funny how moments that seem insignificant in perspective to life tend to be the one’s that we value the most. It dawned on me that THIS is my why for scrapbooking. These are the moments that I put on my pages…these are the glimpses of the past that I want remembered. If someone were to ask me now, “Why do you scrapbook?” I would answer with this: When my daughters look back decades from now I want them to know that their mother was an artist, not only of paper, ribbon and color, but an artist of memories; an artist that can capture the essence of a single moment and make it seem like it is the most important moment on earth. People will always remember the moments that are significant but I cherish the easily forgotten moments as well. These are the moments that make us human and these are the moments that connect us to our heritage.
Although I still love the outlet that scrapbooking gives me and I love that I can get paid for doing something I love, I’m satisfied in knowing that my real reasons are much more substantial and more meaningful. Years from now I hope that my children will understand my reasons for all of the hours spent in the basement, locked away in my scrap room. Hopefully, they will appreciate my “why” for scrapbooking.
