I was so lucky to receive a copy of Michelle Skinner's new book Your Words, Your Story: Add Meaningful Journaling to Your Layouts.  I read it cover to cover several times and fell more in love with it with each reading.  It really gave me a new perspective about how I have been scrapbooking lately.  Michelle's book, besides being filled with gorgeous layouts, will really encourage you to tell your story.  There is tons of great advice on different journaling techniques and ways to get your story on the page.  Michelle's writing style makes you feel like you are working with a friend.  I guarantee at the end of reading her book you will feel a little more courageous with your journaling. 

After reading her book I decided to attempt to scrapbook photos of my husband.  I really wanted to tell the story of my journey to finding him BUT I wanted to keep it a little bit private.  The book's advice to use envelopes for intensely personal journaling was the perfect choice for me.



Michelle also writes about finding the perfect title for your layouts.  Her advice was helpful here.  I used some of my favorite song lyrics that matched the mood of my journaling for my title.



Without going into full detail my journaling focuses on my life before I met Brandon.  I had difficulty in college but there was nothing that seemed like the right path for me.  I have spent many years lightly kicking myself for the mistakes that I made. It wasn't until a year or so ago that I realized that this long road only led to Brandon.  Brandon and I were on completely different journeys.  Cities apart and completely different worlds, if it hadn't been for the mistakes that I had made we would have never crossed paths.  Of course when I met him I didn't know that I would marry him but I did know that he felt familiar.  He felt like home. I was a tired road weary traveler and I am so blessed that he was my destination. 
Thanks to Michelle for making me feel brave enough to tell my story. 
Have a great week! Enjoy! Love, Melissa