A BETTER MOTHER?

I made this page because some of my recent encounters with my (now grown and flown) daughters have been nothing short of wonderful, and I was full of a need to record how proud I am of them.

I had already made a simple background with Caran d'Ache crayons and added these Washi Tapes and one or two other bits and bobs, including this wonderful picture of a little girl.  She reminds me so strongly of my youngest daughter ... I think its the way her bottom lip sticks out!

And then I simply wrote down what I was feeling - I am trying not to be such a straightist so although I did write in more or less straight lines, I did make the lettering lots of different sizes, which is progress for me!

It didn't take much to finish the page off, just a few extra touches of shading and the obligatory decorative dots!  Well you've got to have those.  I suppose this is quite a simple page, but then it was a fairly simple thought.  I did worry a lot about being a good mother (mine was awful) when they were little, and then I came across the concept of a good-enough mother, which liberated me from trying too hard.  I made lots of mistakes but can only believe now that I did some things right as well!

I find it exciting that I've just started work in this, my 7th journal.  Hard to believe I've been journalling away since August 2010, and since I discovered it have only occasionally done anything else!  My journals come with a white gesso cover which allows me to decorate each one differently.  This one was painted metallic black (I was in a slightly steampunk mode at the time) and I added metal effect studs and hinges, with a Tim Holtz plaque to finish it off.  I always tie ribbons and all manner of bits and bobs to the journal spine, including a numbered tag.  I used to date my pages but don't bother now, but I do make a  note on the inside cover when I began and when I finished.

And here are the other six sitting on my shelf!  I love going back to them and musing over the journey I've made, and how far I've come (or indeed not come).  I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered this wonderful art form which fits me to a T (although I do still sew, scrapbook etc etc), and it gives me much joy and delight to share them with you ....

Rosie