I decided that I wanted to created a journaling based scrapbook this year. It is full of more private feelings and thoughts with a spiritual focus. Because these are more special to me, I have blurred some of the journaling.

Every month I am doing a new chipboard cover- then I will bind them all under one yearly cover in december.

I opted to do sort of a mission statement detailing the purpose of this small journal. My focus in keeping this is primarily to help me see the hand of God in my life, to remember the moments of faith that I might otherwise forget and lack gratitude for. Because I have a set of pages to fill each month, it also helps me to remember that I should be spiritually focused enough to make a few entries. Of course, I do not expect that every entry will be Earth shattering- many will be small impressions, gratitudes, inspirational quotes and comforting scriptures that stood out to me. I feel it is important to record these things, as I have been very blessed and should be more grateful. Keeping a closer watch on my gratitude does a lot to improve my perspective and sense of well being.

I used a variety of supplies and mediums on this project. Inque Boutique stamps, Quickutz die cuts and Prima papers are the main elements.

I plan to add just a few photos each month, as they add to the overall design. The focus is primarily on the journaling though. Love this Quickutz font on the transparency.

I am using a variety of smaller tags and coordinating elements to give the book a more scrapbook feel, and also to allow more distinct spaces for different thoughts.

I bound them all together with spiral binding, but plan to eventually bind them all together with a large black ring.

I was really pleased with how January came out- I have already begun work on February’s pages. Here’s a peek:

If you or a loved one has or has had breast cancer, I Am Not My Breast Cancer is an invaluable tool. The book is written off of message board posts from an internet online support group, so you get the ebb and flow of conversation as women from all different walks of life weigh in on how this disease has and is affecting them. With over 800 contributing voices, the book has much to say. It covers topics from the obvious fear of the diagnosis to the less obvious discomforts and challenges that many women with breast cancer face alone.

It is a very personal crash course in medical procedure, patient emotions, and resoundingly lets the reader know that there is a very real, resilient, tired, loving human being underneath that scary diagnosis. The book does not presume that everyone will share similar emotions, but lets the voices of the many tell their stories, that those who read them might find a common voice, support and validation. I would hope that this book would be in the collection of anyone who works with women who have experienced this disease first hand or through a loved one. It is a wealth of knowledge.

I have had friends who have both passed away from and beaten breast cancer, and there are parts of their stories that I have never known. This book was a real education to the total upheaval that breast cancer causes. It increased my fear of the diagnosis, but also reassured my heart that we, as women, as mothers, daughters and friends are tough enough to survive.