Each time we reach for a photograph to add to our scrapbooks, and each time we search for the words to accompany that photo, we choose to focus on a moment. Today's prompt, however, is not about journaling just any moment -- it is about journaling THIS moment. What is happening right now? Take a moment to think about what is on your mind, and translate that to a layout, truthfully. Don't worry about whether the topic is "worthy" of documentation -- in committing it to the page, it becomes worthy.
At the moment, I am going out of my mind as I attempt to navigate the college admissions process with my daughter. It is, to put it lightly, excruciatingly stressful. Rather than pretend it away and focus on a peppier or more saccharine topic for my layout, I faced my feelings head-on and created a page that is honest, heartfelt, and cathartic.
I did not simply "use" the newly-released Treasure Map collection here; I am indebted to it for inspiring the page's central metaphor and unifying motif. The imagery of the ocean, of ships and maps, of journeys and destinations helped me to find the language to talk about what happens when the course one has set does not lead to the expected destination. After composing my journaling in a word processing program and using the ruler tool to align the text, I printed the journaling on some Treasure Map label stickers.
Each time I take on a difficult subject on a layout, I try to write my way toward the bright side, which is a challenge, but a necessary endeavor. In times of hopelessness and frustration, we will only grow stronger if we can adapt and find ways to reinvent ourselves. This page is about one of those times.
The items in the Treasure Map collection help to reinforce those ideas on this page. The background paper ("Skull Rock") features intersecting lines that make clear that there is not just one route to follow in life. This is echoed in the map pattern on the title letters (as well as in the title itself). Many of the accents relate to finding a sense of direction, such as the compasses, the globe, and the stars. Even the chipboard lighthouse image is a hopeful little touch. She'll find her way.
Now it's your turn: focus on the moment and let your next project follow from that. If you wouldn't mind sharing, I'd love to see where this prompt leads you. Share a link in the comments or post your project in the October Afternoon Flickr gallery.
Good luck!
-- Jill