Sometimes I just can't focus on my projects. I want to cut and paste and arrange embellishments, pumping out perfect pages like a mad scrapbooking machine! But I just can't seem to get from point A to point B. I am not sure what causes these mental road blocks, but in my experience I've found that a change in atmosphere will generally solve the problem. See, you can't just scrap anywhere. Just like you can't park anywhere. You've got to be in "the zone". If you stay outside the zone too long, you'll likely get frustrated or discouraged and quit; the scrapbooker's equivalent to being towed.

    So what's your zone? Do you have a specific space you like to work in? Do you have to play music? Do you prefer to work alone, or with people? Maybe you like to study your photographs before you begin, or maybe you write yourself notes. Maybe you like to browse magazines or websites for inspiration.

    For me, my zone is pretty easy. I like to have the television on in the background, usually playing a movie from my personal girly collection. I'll play the same movie throughout a project in order to keep things consistent. I work best in my own space, which could be anywhere, so long as I'm mostly alone. Just like I don't feel free to sing and dance in front of others, I don't necessarily feel free to scrap in front of them either. I also work best with snacks and cold drinks nearby. If I'm really working hard, I'll more than likely ignore the refreshments, but I think having them easily accessible minimizes the distraction of hunger or thirst, should the need occur. Sometimes I find myself bursting with ideas for my layouts and elements. When these blessed moments arise, I leave myself notes to reference later, in case I don't come up with something better when I reach that point in my project. (I find it's important to work chronologically if your project tells a story).

    The important thing about your zone is that there's an element of consistency. When you're working on a long project, it is often necessary to maintain a theme or mood throughout the project. It is difficult to accomplish this without a set method for focusing your imagination. If you've had trouble accomplishing this in the past, consider this:

    There are studies to suggest that music (or soundtracks from movies) is the best way to jog a person's memory. So try selecting a piece (a collection of pieces, really) that correlates to the mood and theme of your project. Make sure to choose something that corresponds with whatever you're working on (for example: don't pick something whimsical if your project is something edgy). The idea behind this is that your "distraction" will actually be a conductor of the creative juices you need to keep going. So even if your mind starts to wander, it will fall back on something that will keep you where you need to be. Let them help you get into the mindset required for whatever you're doing. Listen to them as you work through your layouts and designs. Then, after taking a break from this project, play the music again as you get back into your zone. You should find this approach makes returning to your project a much smoother transition than free-styling it.

Talk About It!

Visit the forum and let's talk about it. What's your zone? Have you ever tried music or movies to keep focused? What works for you and what doesn't?

That's right, Memories by Nicole now has it's own little corner of cyberspace. Through much pain and grinding of teeth, I've found a good host, which incidentally costs me nothing. Now Nicole just has to add everything to her site that she has envisioned!

    I've got a maximum of six weeks left of being pregnant. And I'm feeling an incredible variety of emotions.

    I'm afraid. I am thrilled to be getting my body back! But pushing a baby out isn't exactly something I'm looking forward to. They say that once it's over and you hold that little person, you forget about everything you went through up to that point, but looking from the starting line to the finish line, I'm still not ready to run that race. I'm not ready for the labor pains. I'm not ready to make that phone call to my doctor and to be admitted to the hospital. Not ready for all the paperwork. It's a big moment. A huge moment.

    I'm excited. I can't wait to hold my little girl in my arms for the first time. I can't wait to see what she looks like. Does she have her daddy's eyes? What color is her hair? Is her second toe the same length as her first like mine? I hope that when she cries and I hold her close to my heart, she'll know that she's safe with me. I can't wait to watch her with Kurt and see the two of them together. I'm not sure if my heart will be able to handle it!

    And I'm worried. I've never had a baby before. I know I have no idea what we're getting into, but I want to learn. I'm just concerned that I won't be any good at it. What if I do everything wrong? What if I can't get her to stop crying? Or worse, what if I can't, but everyone else can? I just want to be what's best for her. I'm worried about all the fumbling around, trying to figure out how to be a mom, how to take care of that precious little baby. What if we can't get it together?

    I'm sure all of these things are normal, but between the ups and the downs and the fact that she already makes it hard to breathe (what with the pushing up on my lungs and all), I've been having some crazy anxiety attacks. Hopefully with the baby showers I've got coming up and the weekly check-ups with the doctor, I can focus more on the excitement of it all and just sort of ease myself into the whole thing. I know I've got a lot of love and support, but all the same, I would like to be able to handle things on my own, and let everyone else focus on just spoiling my daughter.

Talk About It!

How many of you have kids? Do you remember what it felt like to be weeks away from having the first? How did post-pregnancy turn out for your family?