When I was in Atlanta for CKU two weeks ago, I bought three new idea books. I got Big Picture, Elsie's Book, and Cathy's new sequel to Clean & Simple.
I'm pretty wishy-washy when it comes to scrapbooking idea books. I usually flip through them, then turn around and sell them on eBay.
Except.
For.
Cathy's.
Books.
When I read her first Clean and Simple, it rocked my writing. It really spoke to me. Maybe because her mind works a lot like mine does when it comes to scrapbooking. She thinks like I think (I'm older, that's why she thinks like me instead of vice-versa!). Anyhow, after reading that book, I cranked out some of the best layouts of my life with journaling that really meant something to me. I even stepped out of my comfort zone and emailed her some reallly personal journaling that her book had inspired me to write...a story that most likely would have never made it out of my head without the inspiration and courage that I found in her book. Graciously, she answered my email, having read my journaling and I'll never forget her kindness in her response. Thanks Cathy!
So anyhow, I bought her new book two weeks ago and I hesitated to open it, because I knew that reading THAT book would rock me to the core again and open those flood gates of emotion and inspiration. I'm on vacation this week and found myself with some available time to kill yesterday so I cracked it open. Yeppers ~ wow, wow, WOW! I haven't finished it yet, but it's a good thing that I'm on vacation because I'll probably be up all night writing and scrapping.
Ironically, there was one thing in there that I read that really stuck with me. She suggested "take a photo that you've been wanting to scrap and just do it". Well I know which photo that is. It's my favorite photo of my husband and I. We were in Rotorua, New Zealand in 2005 at the Maori Culture Center posing with some native Maori people. I LOVE that photo. Sadly, it used to be in a frame and now that frame has gone missing. I MISS that photo. I have no idea where it went or disappeared to. I wish it would reappear. The irony is that in reading Cathy's blog yesterday, she posted photos from that very same place ~ the Maori Cultural Center in New Zealand. What an odd coincidence, but really cool!
So I thank the fabulous Mrs. Z. for giving me so much...inspiration to write, much better graphic design and typography lessons than I got from my high school yearbook editor [grin], for enabling me to buy all things Apple, for getting me hooked on men with eyeliner, but mainly for being so kind and generous with her time and her spirit.
Photos from CKU-Atlanta. My friend and co-worker Laura is a big fan too ;-). Then there's Ali. She's certainly blog worthy as well!
Never met CZ but you know what I think of Ali! She ROCKS!!!!
Posted by: Anna Aspnes | August 11, 2006 at 12:24 PM
I have to seriously agree with you. I am not an idea book collector and to be honest, I don't think I have EVER bought one. Then I saw Cathy's books. They are awesome! After all of the magazines that seem to be more like art magazines to me, Cathy's books are how I REALLY srapbook for myself when I'm done with all of the design work. LOVE IT! She is AWESOME!
Posted by: Heather D. White | August 10, 2006 at 01:14 PM
Barb you rock, I love those two ladies with all my heart!! Ali and Cathy will always have a piece of my heart after Vegas. Hugs and I hope you are having fun!! Hugs Wanda
Posted by: Wanda E. Santiago | August 09, 2006 at 04:32 PM
these 2 gals are SO SO inspiring.. and so are you barb! you rock! :-)
Posted by: danielle | August 09, 2006 at 12:20 PM