I don't like learning new things. I would rather just KNOW how to do things. I want to be good at whatever I do and the time period between just starting out and being GOOD is not something I enjoy. I love the end result of knowing how to do something new, but the time and practice involved is hard for me. There are soooo many things I would be doing if I could just be instantly good at them -- playing the piano, ballet, cake decorating, etc. But when i try something and am bad at it, I just give up.
So the fact that I started digital scrapbooking is quite amazing. It isn't something that you learn in a day. Before I started, the computer was for emails, writing papers, and searching the internet. I knew NOTHING about computer and even less about graphics. But it was something I really, really wanted and so I learned. I bought PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 3 for DUMMIES, learned my program, followed tutorials and started scrapping. I then practice more...and more...and something like 700 pages later I am where I am today. It has been almost three years and I have learned a LOT. I sure wouldn't want to go back to being a beginner.
So why do I feel like a baby again? Because I want to take better pictures. I want to really understand photography. And I am such a tiny little baby when it comes to photography. I have been spending quite a bit of time at ILP (I Love Photography) and I am blown away with how LITTLE I know. I keep reading and reading and it all sounds like a foreign language to me and yet I keep reading. I feel compelled to be a learner again...to give up my desire to be good from day one and take one little baby step at a time. And then take another step. And another. And maybe three years from now I will look back and be amazed at how far I have come. Maybe.
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Since I don't have any new LO's to share, I will share some ones I did a while back. I keep some LO's back in case I want to submit them to magazines but seeing as I haven't submitted anything in a year or so, I might as well share them.
This is an old favorite. I did it last summer. It just explains the heart behind the camera.
And here are two I did a few months back.
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MIL is coming today and I have a lot of stuff to finish up for NSD. It has been creating so much new stuff. Can't wait to show it all! Have a great day!
So funny because I feel the exact same way about learning stuff. There is so much I aspire to do/be, but I HATE learning! :) I want to be good and be good right away! :) Have fun with photography - I actually think you are already great! What great LO's again - I just love to read your journaling b/c you have such a knack for getting down your feelings! That is a real talent!
Florida - Fort Meyers is where we'll be - I need to email you with more specifics and see if we can see eachother! I have no clue how far apart we would be b/c I am just not all that familiar with FL!!! I will try to shoot you an email today or tomorrow!
Posted by: MandaKay | April 25, 2008 at 03:33 AM
SO with you on the photography thing! On my way out the door this morning I noticed the moon was still out - and it looked SO cool - so I grabbed the camera took a shot - or 50! Hoping that some combination of settings would give me a good one. I will probably end up liking the one taken in auto mode and once again wonder why I need an $800 camera and $250 lens then!
That time for me layout is SO poinent! WOW!
Posted by: Lucrecia | April 25, 2008 at 05:34 AM
Um, I would hardly say you're a photography beginner ...:)
Posted by: Kara | April 25, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Wow!!! I was totally thinking the same thing today. I am a beginner (started in Nov) and want to just get it perfect the 1st time around....don't want to take the time to learn...just want to know it. Drop shadows are driving me CRAZY!!! Thanks for your words...I'm going to practice now LOL!
Posted by: jennyg | April 25, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Good for you - I get too overwhelmed at ILP!
I love the lo's you shared, that your daughter is doing pages, and the gorgeous template in memory of Miles.
I just love visiting your blog!
Posted by: Nicole | April 25, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Awesome page! You got a "shout out" on the Best of the Blogosphere: Best Scrapbook Pages. Check it out: http://www.cardoftheweek.com/2008/04/scrapbook-sat-4.html
Susanna
Posted by: Susanna | April 27, 2008 at 04:24 AM