Recently, I discovered the Web site Inspire Me Thursday: A weekly dose of inspiration for mixed media artists and creative types to nurture their muses and CREATE!

For those who read my weekly e-newsletter, you know I'm a lover of prompts. I like coming up with them, finding them in books and on Web sites and sharing them with others. (Quick, shameless plug: If you don't subscribe to the Memory Makers e-newsletter, you can sign up to get it for free, every week, here.)

What I like about the Inspire Me Thursday site is that it offers a variety of delicious inspirational information every week. You'll find related prompts for journaling and creating, as well as a "Reflect" section with quotations and notes about art, life and creativity, a "Connect" section that encourages discussion and an "Explore" section with random resources about being creative.

The prompt for Thursday, July 5 was the number 7.

Today is my first day back in the office after a few days of vacation visiting family for the Fourth of July. It was a wonderful visit, and in honor of the 7 prompt, I'm going to share 7 happy highlights from my trip:

1. Laughing with my sister.
2. Delicious food (Chocolate silk pie, fruit salad, deviled eggs, bbq chicken).
3. Fireworks.
4. Catching up with friends and loved ones.
5. Sunshine.
6. Great music for the drive.
7. A new plant for my apartment.

What's your interpretation of this prompt? If you make a page, share it with us (and leave a link on the Inspire Me Thursday site.) If you journal using the prompt, let us know.

Or, just leave your thoughts about the prompt in the comment section of this blog entry. Share seven things you're grateful for today, seven favorite foods, songs, books, people, places. Share seven things on today's to-do list, seven wishes, seven goals. As you can see, the beauty is that there are so many ways this prompt can get you thinking and creating.

And while we're talking about favorites and lists, check out the article "A Few Favorites" by Contributing Editor Kari Hansen. It will help you celebrate the best-loved aspects of your life by creating a favorites mini-album. (And why not stick to the number 7 theme?)

I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts on this prompt and getting to know seven quirky things specific to you. Also, if you've found other sites like Inspire Me Thursday, please share them here.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Katie

She’s on my mind constantly—I pray for her safety and that her experiences are life affirming for her and the people she meets there in S. Africa. Peace and love, Patty

Have you ever pursued a goal, only to have your efforts fall through when you were just on the brink of success? That’s what happened to Katie Watson.

She created a winning layout for Memory Makers’ July Reader Idea Gallery, gathered all the necessary forms and information and mailed everything to our office in plenty of time. Somehow the package arrived late. Way late. Past our photography date late. Through no fault of her own, her layout—perfect for the Fourth of July--missed the July issue.

That’s why I have the privilege of including Katie’s layout, The Good Ole USA in my blog.

Here’s what Katie has to say about her page:
“At the time I took this photo of my daughter and nieces, my husband was deployed in Iraq. The war had just started, and I vividly remember looking at these four precious little girls who I love so much and silently thanking my husband for his sacrifice. Four reasons to keep this country free.”

As the United States’ Independence Day approaches, I review mental snapshots of how I’ve celebrated over the years—weaving red, white and blue crepe-paper strips into bike spokes, waving flags and sparklers, chomping into watermelon, picnicking with friends and relatives, and, best of all, watching fireworks.

How frustrating that fireworks, the most spectacular part of Fourth of July celebrations, should be so tricky to photograph. Not to worry. Here are tips on digital fireworks photography from MalekTips.com.

Whether you live in the United States or not, I hope you enjoy the freedom to pursue happiness, follow your deepest beliefs and express yourself. Why not exercise that last freedom by sharing thoughts about your homeland or memories of a patriotic celebration.

Holly Davis

So, this is a little later than promised...but here I am to discuss our July 2007 issue, which went on sale June 19.

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Like last month, I love Executive Editor Beth Williams' Top Ten Corner. I especially like it because she mentions Diet Coke. Twice. At most meetings, we can both be seen with our cans of Diet Coke. (Anyone else out there a devoted Diet Coke fan? And although this has nothing to do with the July issue, has anyone tried the new Diet Coke Plus? I have not, but I'm skeptical and unsure if it can hold up to the greatness of the original Diet Coke.)

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Remember our Win a Dream Scrapbooking Year Sweepstakes? You can read about our winner, Olivia Sullivan, in July's Scraphappenings section.

Also in the July Scraphappenings, you'll find some great summer prompts. For example: National Ice Cream Month. "If you could be an ice cream flavor, which flavor would you choose? Why?" (If I could be an ice cream flavor, I think I'd be Mint Chocolate Chip.)

According to icecream.com, this is what my mint-chocolate chip preference says about me:

"As a Mint Chocolate Chip lover, you tend to be ambitious and confident… yet a little skeptical about life. You are a realist who prepares for the future, needing a solid plan to feel secure. While your stubbornness is a business asset, it can add a challenging element to your relationships. Nonetheless, your loyalty, honesty and dependability create lasting friendships and close family ties."

What about all of you? Leave comments and let me know what your ice-cream personality is, or even just what your favorite flavor is.

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Who isn't looking to save time? "Map & Go" by Becky Fleck is a great resource for busy scrappers. Becky shows how using page maps can not only save you time but can boost your creativity, as well.

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Have you ever wondered what makes a layout coverworthy? Check out "Got It Covered" to find out.

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As a food lover, I adore the "A Taste of Summer" feature. I find it so inspiring to see the kinds of everyday things that can influence our creativity.

When I think of foods that remind me of summer, I think of deviled eggs. (I realize that might sound odd.) My grandmother makes THE BEST deviled eggs, though, and every summer, she makes them multiple times, so I can enjoy them at all of our family picnics. (I'll be with family on the 4th, and she's already promised to make them for me!) This got me thinking about the color palette for a deviled eggs-inspired page: If I were to create a page, like those featured in "A Taste of Summer," I'd use a light, creamy, golden yellow, a bright white and spicy reds and oranges to match the color of paprika.

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"Sarah's Story" by Karen Wilson-Bonnar, is a beautiful layout with lovely journaling that touched all of us at the office. It's a great example of how to tell a story with memorable photos, eye-catching design and heartfelt words.

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I also found myself incredibly inspired after reading Sandra Magsamen's Artful Memories piece. Her writing is warm and encouraging, and it always soothes my creative soul. July's column, about attitude, is no different. It's full of great ideas like making a list of projects you want to do (a great scrapbook page idea!) and using found object art to make something that is precious to you.

A few questions for all of you:

1. What was your favorite article or column of this issue?
2. What layout in the magazine do you think you are most likely to scraplift?

Happy reading! I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

—Katie