I'm a bit behind posting...these last few days have been busy to say the least. And while I expect to respond to each of you who have left such kind and supportive comments for Wayne and me, I want you to know how much they mean to us. We've wrapped your words around us like a warm hug and they have sustained us as we process our loss. We've spent a lot of time recently telling family stories and recalling good times and that's been good therapy for all of us.
So suddenly it's the fifth...time for some creative thinking.
The inspiration for this month's theme came from the old song "Signs." You know the one...Signs, signs, everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs. And it got me to thinking about the various meanings of the word "signs" and how they fit into our lives. Here's my interpretation:
I wanted to remember some of the reminders of Wayne's geocaching hobby so I titled the layout Five Signs a Geocacher Lives Here. I thought I had the journaling with me but apparently not but the text lists those signs...thinks like sand burrs and sticks in my laundry and the fact that we now own camouflage duct tape. This is a very flexible use of the Signs theme as we all have signs in our house of the people who live there and their interests. This theme is tailor-made for someone with a toddler or teenager in the house but I can think of plenty of other ways it would work too.
The giant "5" serves as a design element as well as a home for both the title and the journaling. You can download my pattern which will print on an 8.5x11 sheet, cut it out and trace it onto some patterned paper or cardstock of your choice. The font has sort of ragged edges so you don't have to have perfect cutting skills to use it.
Grouping the five photos close together helps balance out the large "5" and the photo grid also includes a little patterned paper for interest and variety. Photo sizes are 3.5x5, 3x3, 2.5x3, 2.5x2 and 2x3. You can print all the photos as a group using the downloadable layered template then trim around them as a group or you can print the photos individually and leave a little space between them. If you leave the space, you'll need to trim a few of the pictures slightly to make them all fit together properly.
There are lots of other ways you can create a layout using the "signs" theme. Here are five: 1. Signs of Spring...it can't get any easier than that. 2. A Sign of the Times...a layout about your smartphone, the TV shows you watch or the car you drive; anything that documents what life is like today but will change in the future. 3. Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign...from the one at the entrance of your neighborhood to those on your favorite stores or restaurants, photograph the signs that are part of your everyday life and build a layout around it. Your interest changes and so do the company logos; it will be fun to look back on them in years to come. 4. Sign Me Up...create a layout about where you volunteer or an organization you belong to and what it means to you. 5. Sign Your Name Across My Heart...write a letter to someone who has passed on, outlining how they continue to influence your life today, and use is as your journaling in a layout dedicated to them.
Every month I say the same thing but it's true: Make a layout you like that documents your life today and use a list of five things for your journaling. It's as easy as that.
I think I'll try Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign using photos of the sign into my town, my neighborhood, my workplace, my gym and my grocery store. Definitely all part of my daily life. Thanks, Brenda.
Posted by: Pat | April 06, 2010 at 05:37 AM
I am just getting caught up on my blog reading and wanted to express my condolences to both you and Wayne on the loss of his mother. My mother is 83 and I just can't imagine my life without her in it. I LOVE the layout on the 5 signs and can't wait to make one myself. All of your ideas are so cute that I can't choose just one! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Terri | April 06, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Great idea today Brenda-I think I will take some pics of the signs around my rural countryside-that song sure does take me back-ha ha!! You are dating yourself you know!!! Of course I am also going to do the sing across the heart too, as you know my mom was called home 10 days ago-had a bad day today and cried a lot-so if I do a page on this topic maybe it will be cathartic...
Posted by: Diane Standish | April 07, 2010 at 05:51 PM
Love this one. I always thought it would be fun to do a page of signs around town. But I think I am going to go with the first idea that popped into my head as I read your post..."signs of life"
I hope you are all holding up as well as can be expected during this difficult time. You have been in my thoughts all week.
Posted by: Donna | April 08, 2010 at 08:17 PM