Whats in a definition?

So what is in a definition? A LOT apparently.

My definition of trim would be: to lightly cut and shape, to bring order, to return to former state

My definition of annihilate would be: to remove any living thing, to render useless

Now apparently my definition of annihilate is the same as my husbands definition of trim! So when he said to me that he was going to trim the vines on the pergola out side of our bedroom. My heart did not stop, it did not even quicken, little did I know.

You see I had been growing vines, a variety of vines up and over the pergola for about 9 years. In that time I often trimmed it. And trimming it made it grow thicker.

 This was the before photo, taken about two years ago. Look at those vines....

 And these are the after photos....Just look at those poor bare wires, not to mention that the cherub is now going to get sunburned!

 These were taken about a week before the 'trim' just some of the wonderful flowers in the pergola. And now....

I loved the dappled light, perfect for taking photos. In fact I have taken lots of belly shots of my daughter and daughter in law during their pregnancies in this room, near the window, with the lovely dappled light and the lush green vines in the background.

It also made the perfect place to take brand new baby photos.

It was my secret garden, keeping the neighbours eyes away from this room.

It was cool in summer

It was a haven for the little blue wrens that made their nests in the vines each year.

It was but it is no more....

So a note to self, check our definitions are the same.

Family History a scrapbookers way

Thursday 12 April was a lovely clear day, a day for exploration, a day that held possibilities a day ripe for a trip into Sydney to explore what resources I could uncover to help me with my quest to further my knowledge of my family history.

Really as a scrapbooker I think I have left this far to long, I have not before now delved with any depth into my family history. For a few reasons, that are complicated and I won't bore you with them. However that changed this year when I decided to teach a heritage album that basically steps you through your family history.

So on this particular Thursday in April, young Sam and I went forth into the deep dark (actually brightly lit) gallows of the State Library to uncover the wealth of microfilm that is housed there. Looking for answers and finding more questions and then leading us on to more information.

The first thing I found out is that we could have just gone to our local city library as they have a family history section and the micro film there.

The second thing I found is that I do not do 'quiet'  well. And it is deafening "quiet" in the library lol.

And the last thing I found was some interesting and surprising information on the section of family that I am trying to explore.

I think I now need to re look at the information uncovered and decide what and where to go from there. We also took in the land titles office for a bit more information. And then it before we called it a day we were inspired by the amazing history of St Mary's Cathedral which is across from the land titles office.

Australia is young in terms of the rest of the world, but really we have some amazing history here.

I love the traffic lights in front of the Cathedral, its a reminder that our modern world and history sit side by side in some instances.

 The first stone for the Cathedral was laid in 1821.
As I had been, to steal a quote from a friend of mine "walking in the steps of my ancestors."  the history of the building hit home, I had been looking at a time in history when this building would have just been started. I wonder if it was cutting edge back then? And yet here it is all these years later, as I am trying to trace my family from that time, still standing a commanding presence with its wonderful stone work.

If you have not yet explored your family heritage I would urge you to start, it takes way longer than you think. And as scrapbookers I think we will give family history a whole new twist. How wonderful to have an album/s that give you a sense of the times that your great great grandparents were married in.

I would love to hear if you have explored your family tree and any tips you would be willing to share would be fantastic!

Scrapbook haven and photo tricks

Hi everyone, I have been looking at peoples scrap spaces and feeling that mine is a bit neglected. I really want to change it around and give it (and me) new life. Not sure how though as what I really love about this area is that I can sit and watch tv as I scrap......

The best thing I ever bought for my scrap room is this wonderful tv cupboard, because it is so deep I can put paper holders on the shelves and then put other things in front. not to mention the baskets it can hold. The double doors in the front fold back so that the whole area is open, and then closes back to be nice and neat.

My original idea was that there would be heaps of framed layouts, mini albums and off the page items on the top of the cupboard, instead it is piled high with unfinished items, things for inspiration and probably a good layer of dust.

Inside however is a whole other story.

Shelves and baskets, my tool box storage and behind them more baskets. the baskets are sitting on an inner shelf that is removable, I think the original purpose would be to put the video player in there, but for me it works for my trimmers and extra mats!

then my favourite part, the extra deep drawer at the bottom, probably to house a mountain of videos but for me it houses my punches, I can open the drawer up and see them all, I love it!

While I love this cupboard I know that I need to change the room around, where I can put it not sure yet but will be considering all options.....

The cool photo effects here are not done with photoshop ( I know gasp horror) a friend sent me a link to check out this cool website and so now I am sharing it all with you.

If you are looking for easy to use, extremely cool photo tricks then this is for you: http://pixlr.com/o-matic/

Have fun!

hugs

L