Julie Magerka

I'm not able to do the Text Workshop this time, but I enjoy seeing the output from others who are. I don't actively look for photos online, but if they happen to appear in front of me, and they touch me somehow, I grab them as a layout possibility. National Geographic is a good source, and I get plenty of emails from them (even though I don't pay for a subscription to read the articles). This one is from their Photos of the Century collection, and I just loved the face. So many of the pix they present are sad and reflect the steady decline of wildlife species and flora of the world. Since 2005, this photographer has taken pix of over 10K species to document their peril and to encourage people to be aware. I think Nat'l Geo is preaching to the converted, unfortunately. I did an extraction of the image since it had a black background and was straightforward to do (but not perfect I fear). Anna Aspnes and Katie Pertiet design elements used. Font for 'cheetah' is Stardust.

H = Hymn

C = catafalque (just love that word)

Either the layout just seems to fall into place and quickly or I'm labouring over it and changing it continuously! Never a happy medium! Nice bit of wordart!

It takes a bit of time to unzip and organize into folders, but it's so much fun to explore!

My budget is almost non-existent now. I have to resist and desist!

My canvas was 3600x1900 b/c the photo was horizontal. I am using aA's supplies a lot b/c I can't help myself! I got more of her art with a recent sale she had.

I think you're right. White-washing history is not the best plan. We need to remember and learn from it.

That can perhaps be a problem, as we've discovered here in Canada. Some of the names have become associated with unpopular behaviours and there is a trend to rename them. Hope that doesn't happen with the bridge. But I still prefer TZ.

I did another layout for cemeteries. This one is an early settler burial ground for those early folks who lived along the Thames River in the area of Chatham, Ontario. In 1959, many of the markers had been vandalized or had fallen into the river. So an effort was made to retrieve and rehabilitate them and place them in a row. That's how they stand today. Ontario history of settlement is not that early, 18th or 19th century. Not like Europe or elsewhere. This cemetery is named for an early family who donated land for burials, as was the custom back then.

I watch those episodes over and over to admire the background scenery.

I wasn't even aware of such a thing as a scrapbooking retreat! Sounds like a fun time.

So they replaced the wonderful name of Tappan Zee with Cuomo? Why? The name was both Native American and Dutch. Pretty spectacular photo!

Your project to document the month is a wonderful idea. It's something all those family members you've lost would be proud of. They are with you, in your heart and your memories.

I really understand how you feel Rene. After my mother died, holidays were very difficult for such a long time. I hope it gets better for you over time.