I have been guilty of assuming there is no time to create because I have children. I blame my youngest mostly (6 years old) (wild) (into EVERYthing). I can’t get anything out because he’ll use it; destroy it; lose it.

A little over a year ago I made a trip to Idaho. I stayed with one of my aunts and my sweet sister-in-law at the Rock House (RH). It’s an older home, located on the Snake River on Ridder Island. It’s furnished and plumbed and ready to be used. So we use it. And how wonderful it is to have breakfast every morning with Ranger Dave (my oldest brother).

On the first trip I watched in amazement as they scrapbooked. It wasn’t something I had ever taken on. I wasn’t all that interested. Photos in album sleeves are okay by me! But I watched them create and my own creative juices started to flow. We scheduled another weekend to get together and this time I brought the few supplies I had and made some scrapbook pages of my first trip to the RH. We quickly decided that we must make it a priority to get together every 2-3 months.

I have been back to the RH several times. We had a Christmas party and made our holiday cards. We have celebrated each of our birthdays. We recently made greeting cards and I came home feeling fairly proud of myself.

Allowing myself alone time on occasion is vital. I have discovered that once I come back home I am a better mom and wife than when I left. I’m rejuvenated and buoyed up by recognizing sparks of talent that I never realized I had. I enjoy my time with the other RH Ladies and I enjoy the creativity that each of us discovers each time we’re on the island. I am by no means a diligent scrapper. I am hardly mediocre in my projects. I do, however, feel better about myself when I see my finished product… no matter what it may look like.

I one day hope to have another room in my house finished for crafting. I am interested in sewing, card making, beading, etc. I would love to have a place for just that, locked behind a door so HJ can’t barge in and help himself.

Thanks Scott for this opportunity to share. I hope you have a huge response in the future!