With a bit of friendly arm-twisting, I managed to finagle myself (with an encouraging nudge from *happy sigh* Melanie Louette) an invitation to join host, (another *happy sigh*) Katrina Simeck, and her uber-creative friends in a fun project: Traveling SMASH. I'm honoured, privileged and way intimidated to be included in this wonderful journey with this tremendous group.
Beyond everything, this has been wonderful just to have the creative opportunity to focus on something outside of Project Life and the simple miracles of my every day life.
Wonderful AND scary!
What is this SMASH thing? Not only was it hard to find, it was something with which I was completely unfamiliar. I had heard murmurs, but it didn't sound like something I could do. Which, of course, made me want to try it out!
So, I went on-line and found a local (aka Canadian) retailer and had had an "International" SMASH book sent to me and went to work. Or so I thought. I had it all opened and ready to go. I knew where it was to be sent - Katrina organized things wonderfully. Then I froze. FROZE.
Fear is a terrible amazing thing. In this company, what if I'm not creative enough? What if I'm not deep enough? What if I disappoint someone? What if I disappoint Melanie? Katrina? Holy smokes. What have I done?
And then I figured it out, I think:
Start with a nice simple cover.
[Edited to add this participant page - photo taken just not posted!]
Say "hello" in different languages! I added in one of my favourite quotes in hope of setting the tone of the album.
I didn't realize how "fuzzy" this turned out when I took the photo, so here is the original .jpg, the theme of my Traveling SMASH:
And with that, the traveling has begun. My book is started and has been sent and received in New Hampshire. I've received Melanie's book, from Montreal, sent to me to add my creative stamp and pass along. I'll only share here what I add in each book as it travels through suburban GTA.
I am totally jazzed by this whole idea!
I am so incredibly happy and thankful to Melanie who convinced Katrina that Canada is not so far away, and though our postal system STINKS we can still participate :)
What do you think of the whole SMASH book phenomenon? Have you created one? Found a good source of inspiration? Please share in the comments.
