why i scrapbook.......

that above layout.....that's why i scrapbook.

when i make something that is really, truly a part of myself....that to me is ART. some of my best work has been done when i have been struggling with something in life. when i am hurting, when i am going through something tough...it's almost instinct. i reach for the camera. the paper. the glue. i make something. something real. something tangible. my feelings and emotions documented on a page. ah. it's my own personal therapy. and that my friends, is why i scrapbook. i scrapbook for ME. 

the above layout is about my struggle with depression. the words are actually a poem i wrote. i journal. every single damn day. i fill up a composition book in about two weeks. i write poetry. i write random thoughts. and some of what i write turns into a scrapbook page. thus this poem.

depression is something that's almost taboo to talk about. there is this stigma attached to it. i know so many friends who deal with the same thing. yet they are afraid to talk about it. like it's a dirty word or something. i say bullshit! let's talk about it. and as women share our stories and struggles. an astonishing number of people in our country are dealing with depression. it's nothing new. it's almost the norm nowdays. which is something that intrigues me in and of itself. why? why so many people. but anyways.....i struggle with depression. and i am not ashamed of that. i am dealing with it. and this poem is about things that have been brought out during my therapy and in gaining a clearer understanding of what exactly this disease is and how to overcome it. 

i have never been a part of that "judgmental, look down your nose at others" clique. i have always been someone who tries to understand. i love meeting new people and hearing their stories. there is beauty in everyone's own personal story. and one of the best things about life, for me, is when someone opens up to me and really shares a part of themselves with me. i love connecting with others. i feel we are all the same. all struggling to make it in this life and what we all need is a little more understanding and a lot more LOVE!!!!!! so many people have emailed me in the past just to tell me that the little pieces of myself that i shared in my scrapbooking helped them in some way or another. and that's why i share what i make. to connect. to share my story. in the hopes that someone out there on the other side of the computer screen will relate. and will say........damn. i know exactly  what she is saying.

 

Comments

[shaina]

amazing page!! you are truly an inspiration. <3

[Jessi W]

I write in a journal too! But mainly late at night to help me sleep better...i always seem to sleep better if I write and get things out..

[Brittany]

Kate! It's so good to see ya blogging again! I have missed seeing your great layouts & minis and how I can always count on you to keep it real. It just so happened that I was diagnosed with depression yesterday (and started meds today). Thank you soooo so much for sharing this. It really helps to finally be at a point where I can be OK about saying that I'm not OK. And sharing this layout, your words and thoughts... it gives me courage. Hopefully, I'll be up to blogging soon and then I can link you up. ;o) Oh and I hope you are living it up in Seattle. I hear its great! xoxo.

[Kate O'Brien]

thanks for stopping by ladies.

brittany.......i am so so so so happy that my layout and my words meant something to you. maybe helped you in some way knowing that someone relates. and i do. you have a friend in me and if you ever need to "talk" email me! you have a non judgmental ear here in me.

[Sasha Holloway]

girl you and I are on so many levels of being the same .. I feel you on the journaling, the writing and just getting it out and letting go through art .. I am going to get over the years of abuse and molestation but when I feel like writing is going to help me get it out .. not just that slapping down some paper, podge and masking tape is going to have me smiling ..

I love it .. and so glad to see you back girl .. like I told you BOUT DAMN TIME .. missed all of it.

xoxo

[Penny Smith]

OK, how is it that I missed where your blog lived!
It is so refreshing to see your stuff again!

Email me to we can touch base!

[Michelle Rydell]

Beautiful layout and beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. Love that Brother Ali video too!

[Laura Solomon]

thank you for being SO honest. We are only as sick as our secrets. The fact that you are speaking openly about an issue so many have, speaks volumes to you being a genuine-compassionate and REAL lady. xox

[Kate O'Brien]

awww. thanks so much laura! that means a lot.