AYM 2012 Draws to a Close

I am so proud of these gals!! They started the year being new to storytelling---and some, new to scrapbooking altogether. They end the year with having found their voice. Each month I was amazed at how their writing skills improved. Really, by month 3, they all seemed to be old hat at storytelling. For some I even darn near had to set a timer during class! You know who you are!! LOL!! Better too much of the story than too little---I always say!

 Starting from back left to right: Barbara, Charon, Erna, Shara, Jan, Beverly, Kathy, Linda, me, Jennifer.

Linda took the first picture and I took this one so she could get in it. She's front left.

What a gift you are leaving for your families, but also to future generations. Who knows what life is going to be like 50 years from now? By then, anyone who happens upon your scrapbooks will be thrilled to see how we lived in 2012---and before.

As we wind down the year, the assignment for December was to tell a story about your Christmas traditions. Although many have not finished their pages, they did at least get the pictures down and the story told.

This workshop is not about design. This workshop is about finding your voice, developing your writing skills, telling your stories and preserving your photos along with their memories. My goal is to challenge with thought provoking topics---those things that might seem ordinary or not worth talking about---the every day.

Remember what I always say---"a picture may be worth a thousand words, but you need to write them down. Otherwise, they're just pictures on a pretty page. Memories from those photos---without you---are lost forever. When you write down your stories, you provide yourself with a little bit of immortality!"

I hope you all have enjoyed the ride as I have. Thanks for that.

I can't wait to see what AYM 2013 holds for each of you!! See you in January.

Oh, and here's the recipe I promised. It's an "oldie" but a "goodie":

Seven Layer Dip
Layer in order:
1 can of refried beans (spread on to a platter or 9x13 dish)
16 oz. sour cream mixed with one package of taco seasoning
1 pkg. Wholly Guacamole (or you can make your own from scratch)
2 cups shredded cheddar
2 tomatoes, diced
1 can black olives, drained and chopped
1 bunch of green onions, chopped

Serve with tortilla chips or Frito scoops.