Monday, August 17, 2009

Change.

As summer slowly winds down, I've been reflecting a bit. I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan of change. That shouldn't come to a surprise to anyone who knows me. I'm a control freak and when certain things get out of hand, I generally wig out.

And so, last week during one of my freak out sessions, I scrapped what I was feeling--right then and there. I've never done that before--printed pictures and scrapped them immediately. Ever. Ten years of scrapping, and I threw caution to the wind...
Last October, my dear friend Jen suddenly lost her husband in an accident. The impact of his life and his loss have been felt so deeply by so many--I am simply one of many who loved him. This whole summer has been hard for Jen and her children...but also healthy and incredibly therapeutic. One of the wonderful things Jen did was hire a professional organizer to help her with the moving on process. At first I didn't understand it--that is what we were here for--to help our friend in her time of need. I can pack boxes and move furniture for Pete's sake.

The organizer's name is Andrea. I've been hearing about her all summer. Can't talk now--she's with Andrea. What did she buy at the store with Andrea? What system does Andrea prefer? Blah blah blah. I'm so sick of hearing about Andrea.

Last week when I was over at Jen's house, I took these pictures of her home, still in the transformation process. It is not yet complete...but it is beautiful. Every corner of the house will be covered by the time they finish. I still look around, expecting him to walk in at any minute. Jen was right--there is no way I could have helped her with this. One of the things I have loved about Jen from the beginning is that she is incredibly honest. She knew what had to be done.

Turns out I'm territorial and over-protective in addition to being a control freak who hates change and is stuck. Okay, so I have issues. :)

Here is what the journaling reads: "I hate Andrea. I do. I really do. Jen's new organizational guru has had more face time with her than me this summer. And together, they're productive. Her closets, the kitchen, the basement...you name it--nothing is safe. And to beat it all, she's moving on. What's not to hate? Not a fan of change at ALL."

I challenge you to scrap something going on with you TODAY. It doesn't have to be fancy or deep--just honest. It's incredibly liberating to put yourself out there and not put it off.

I think my next layout I post will be me making an appointment for a therapist. Either that or a layout of me scouring Jen's brand new kitchen for Andrea's number.

:) Have a great day, friends.

18 comments:

Laina Lamb said...

The both of you are priceless. Proud of you for saying what you felt and for Jen doing what needed to be done. She is an incredible person and mother. I admire the both of you and your friendship.

Unknown said...

Love how honest this is! I know Jen is so grateful for you and your friendship.

chksngr said...

I am at best a lurker on your blog. I love the inspiration...I have been coveting your kits but have not taken the plunge as of yet...budgets and all...I'm SO IMPRESSED with this tongue-in-cheek transparency of this post. It so struck a chord with me. I love it, love it, LOVE IT!!! Love that she was honest with you and herself about what needed to be done for her and her family...Love that you are honest about not liking it. I'm thinking about the myriad of topics I could use this approach with. I would love to see the faces of my kids, grandkids, or whomever when they read a layout like that in the archives of my scrapbooks. It would be delightful, wouldn't it? I glimpse of a real person in a real situation, being the kind of honest we try to teach our children to be. AWESOME!

justem said...

I love your layout for so many reasons. First of all, it just looks cool! But really, it's an incredible story and it does make me realize how scrapping can be very therapeutic and so much more than just a "hobby".

Ryzmomplus2 said...

I knew of you're "hate/hate" relationship with Andrea... ha ha - but wow is this touching! The friendship you and Jen share is so admirable! Love this layout and I Love you both!

jamie said...

this is so...um.....well...has so much going on for it. in so many ways. wow! i will go back again and read this today. this is truly a great post, layout, and topic. you nailed it. the insight into your relationships and honesty causes one to think and re-evaluate...and that is just what that layout is about, right?
i did just this yesterday.the scrapping right in the moment what was going on. not to the scale you did it. but i may just have to 'put it out there' to help me through what could otherwise be a very trying time.
thanks trish, for your transparency and staying true to your art. thanks for sharing your frustrations. thanks for enabling the rest of us who need to be so honest. this post will long be remembered.
p.s...i think i need the guru's phone number.

Jewel said...

Thank you for such a thoughtful and honest post. It is really making me rethink how I scrap. Your beautiful layout will be remembered and gives such a wonderful insight into your friendship.

Amy Cochran said...

Hands down your best post ever Trish. Don't jump onto that couch yet; you are one of the most self-aware people I know. And--one of the most honest and talented. Andrea may be the world's greatest organizer, but there is no way her heart is as big or as open as yours. Jen knows that, I know that and that's why we love you! (Yes, with this incredible post, I'm renewing my commitment to become your stalker!)

borcherding said...

Trish, I absolutely LOVE your layout. What I love the most is the honest journaling and how you scrapped 'in the moment.' I accept your challenge and will scrapbook tonite as soon as I can when I get home!! Thanks for the challenge and honesty Trish!!

JoesGirl said...

Trish you are one of my scrapbooking hero's, truly inspiring. I've had a lot going on emotionally as well, thanks for the challenge.

Marge said...

WOWSER!! I LOVE it - totally raw and honest -- but charming at the same stinkin time!! Thanks for the inspiration to put it out there - I think it's important for the people to know what's "real" and to be okay with dealing with it! We tend to show our "game face" way to much and the "real" us gets lost in the suffle sometimes! Again - totally beautiful - and what a lucky friend you have!

trent said...

Am I the only person who was teary while reading this post? It's beautiful. You and Jen are both VERY blessed people.

Candace H said...

So inspiring... so honest... Trish, you are one very wise and talented lady, and I am thankful to "e-know" you... hoping one day we will meet irl. Thank you.

Ady said...

Awe Trish, we are so alike. I too do not like change and I am extremely territorial when it comes to my girls. I would have hated Andrea too but I'm happy that you understand and that Jen is moving on. Friends don't always have to agree. You can both agree to disagree. That is what true friendship is all about. HUGZ...

Trish said...

Thanks so much for your sweet comments today. Jen and her daughter stopped by this morning and we had a good chuckle about it. I have received emails and phone calls about it too--kind of overwhelming emotionally for me. I really appreciate all the kind words that have been sent out to both of us--it means more than you know!! I love my scrappy friends (I knew you'd understand :))

Vanessa, Florida, USA said...

Trish, you are so amazing. First of all, this is a visually stunning layout. Second, I LOVE your honesty and your approach to life. I am not crazy about change either and I can totally get where you're coming from with this... You and Jen are very lucky to have each other! Love ya my dear friend!!! HUGS!!!

koolaidmomwannabe said...

i love u for being my friend and understanding why i needed her..it was hard to ask for help. i could never replace you. i am blessed to have you in my life...i still miss him everyday...he would love her because she made me stop shopping for a while! :) thanks for showing me how much your love us!

Unknown said...

great post and great LO- what a great way to release! Thank you for this!