Circle Journal. . . Part IV. . .just a bit of PINK!

 

The time is just flying by. . . .I can't believe our Circle Journal group has just finished creating:  our own journal basics and two-page spread (HERE  )  PLUS two pages for three other participants (click  HERE to see  Kathy's of Writer's Reverie) and  (HERE for Grace's of Pink in the City) , and here today...the one I'm sharing NOW. . .   belongs to our very own Queen of Pink. . . Beverly, of How Sweet the Sound!

Just like me, THE STONE RABBIT is a real Christmas nut, so he was super excited when Beverly's journal arrived.  He thought he would "inspire" me if he put on his Santa hat and beard. . .and I do believe he did just that!!

The theme of her journal is CHRISTMAS PAST!  We were to "tell a story, share photos" that represent our Christmas Past.  Since I don't have old photos of my childhood Christmas times, I decided to represent some of my memories through vintage Christmas images.

I started by writing a "story" to Beverly of some of the memories that I cherish of Christmas time and events when I was small.  Of course, being the wordy gal I am, my story was reaching novella length when I realized I needed to "edit". . . a lot, because if I didn't, she would have a journal full of ME and, while I'm sure she would find that fascinating, I'm certain the others, who still needed room to share their own Christmas Pasts would not!  :)

SOOOO. . . I just took a few of the special moments I treasure about Christmas and shared them in  little snippets. . .illustrated, somewhat, by the graphics I'd gathered.

 

 

This process of really thinking about past Christmas times was truly a great journey, Beverly.  I knew I had always loved that season. . . and now I realize it was because my parents seemed to make it so magical for us.  Even though we did not have a lot of material wealth, we were taught to enjoy the spirit of the season through church activities and family time and communtiy events.

Creating with our hands kept us busy and brought us closer as a family unit. . .we prepared special decorations, gifts, and food.  Both of our parents were always "making something". . .so they instilled that "love for creating" through example.  Particpation in programs in school and church was a given.  I count my blessings to have been in that environment during my younger years.

 

I didn't add a lot of "embellishment" to my pages. . .maybe it was the lack of room because of all  of my words.  However, I think I held back because of the simplicity of my pages.  They just represented a really simple and sweet time in my life.  

Of course, I did glitter up the pictures a bit, because my mom (who was way ahead of Martha Stewart in that department) would have liked that.  Also, I added a few old buttons here and there.  They are from her button tin.

 

Then when I took a long, hard look at my pages I realized something HUGE was missing!  I hadn't PINKED them up. . .at all!  SOOOOO. . . 

 

 

I just HAD to put a little PINK sequin on the gift tag I placed on the second page! :)

Working on these individual jounals has been such a great experience.   With no two alike. . .it's a totally new start each time. . . taking me on such a surprise trip from beginning to end.  I am in awe of the creations the other journal members have shared and how incredible each book will be the time they are finished in October!!

 

You will also be on an incredible journey when you visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, this weekend.  There you will find lots of bloggers who are ready to share their PINKS this week.  You never know what you will find. . .just a click away!

 

Happy Pink Saturday!!

 

DANA

Comments

[Janet Kay]

Dana, reading this sweet story about your parents, your childhood, and Christmas got me choked up and teary eyed. Your parents were terrific. They gave you many, many gifts......love being the greatest.

[Marydon]

Spectacular creation, love the detail. Oh,my, Christmas is JUST around the corner, isn't it?!
TTFN ~
Have a beautiful weekend ~
Marydon

[jeanne, backyard neighbor]

Hi Dana, I am loving your Christmas Past pages, right down to the pink sequin. I am trying to imagine five sisters and one brother staking out our space under a way to small tree. HA! Out Christmas party at church always was a box of candy. We never really had candy in our home when we were small so the impact of a whole box (not very big) of the stuff was awesome. I am sure you liked books but Evening in Paris??? Sigh, I would have been bummed too. I enlarged your pics so I could read what you wrote. It was all very loving and sweet. It is very much like our Christmas memories, wonderful in every way. So are your creative pages. You came by it honestly with a mom like yours. Another blessing.

Have a happy sunny weekend.
Love, Jeanne

[Beverly]

Happy Pink Saturday, dear Dana. My heart went pitter-pat when I saw TSR all dressed up in honor of my circle journal. I am so glad you liked working in it. I can hardly wait to see all of the treasures all you girls are adding. My journal is going to be a treasure, and I will ensure it has a special display each Christmas.

Your pages and memories are perfect, and you brought back memories of my own. Ooh, and that little pink stone. ♥♥♥

[Grace]

Pink Stone Rabbit Ho ho Ho to you! Your pages are great! I love all your stories they are precious just like you! It is so much fun to play in these books but it it is so much fun looking at what everyone does after us. Luv it! Happy Pink Saturday dear friend. Grace xoox

[shelia]

Hi Dana! Oh, how sweet your pages are! Love all of the graphics and I wish my olden eyes were sharp enough to read everything! :)
Tell Stone hi.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

[Nancy]

You did a fabulous job, Dana. I enlarged the picture and read every word. I laughed when I read about the newspaper - that is so funny. I've been thinking about what to do and like you I don't have any pictures and thought...hmm...since it was all about Sears I'd use some images from there! Great minds think alike. Loved everything about your pages and I'm anxious to get another book to work on. I already handed off my May book to LaVerne! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care of that runners foot! xo Nancy

[Sherry]

Hi Dana Sweetie...
Oh you ladies are having such a wonderful time with these lovely journals. I would so love to have participated in something like this. Maybe I can get some ladies to join in with me. What fun that would be. A treasure to last a lifetime. I love it. Any help on getting started would be wonderful.

Your memories are so wonderful sweet friend. The newspaper is the funniest. LOVED it.
Loved see Stone Rabbit get into the spirit as well. Isn't he just the sweetest at participating and getting involved. I LOVE it when he does.

Many hugs and much love, Sherry

[marti]

Hi Dana, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the posts from a number of participants on your Circle Journal swap. It has been so fun to watch the progression. The creations are all amazing! Happy Pink Saturday. ~Marti

[wendy]

Oh man, speaking of Christmas got my hyper-ventilating......!!!!
Your scrap book/journal is lovely. I can imagine there was a lot of love that went into every page.

When I think of your Stone Rabbit...it makes me think of my sister who has a stone GOOSE on her deck. And it has cloths to match the seasons as well.

[Linda @ A La Carte]

These journals are amazing. I love what you did for Beverly's Christmas past...memories are so important. Hugs, Linda

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

Dana I love this! Pretty sweet pink touches.

Happy pink Saturday, Happy Derby Day and ¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Please stop by and enter my celebrate spring/moms giveaway.

[Diane]

Your journal is really looking more beautiful each time I visit!

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

The is so pretty, Dana!

I came by to tell you the history of our name. It is German. The spelling has varied over the years. J's family came to America during the mid 19th century and started farming in St Charles County MO. I think that is when the spelling changed. The family has been traced back to Germany and a little church in Westphalia. They found the name spelled differently but it was the same family. I hope you get your crocheted piece framed and show it on your blog. You will love it framed. We've had ours about 25 years. A woman in her 90's crocheted ours.

[Lynn @thevintagenest]

I am in awe of this whole process Dana....each and every page such a treasure!!!!!

I am traveling out today to go get my Mom and spend the day with her. It's our Mother's Day since I will be gone on Sunday. You have a wonderful week and create something sweet. xo