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Marnie Adams
Reflections
As a child of the heartland, I am fascinated by the ocean: the sights, the sounds, the smells that were so foreign to my early life in Oklahoma. Currently, we are lucky enough to live just up the hill from Monterey Bay on the Presidio of Monterey. I love that I can sit out in front of my house, relax on the porch swing, and enjoy the view of the water. In fact, we live close enough to the bay that early in the morning we can hear the seals barking from the rocks along the coast guard pier. Before dawn, I am often greeted by the unmistakable rumble of the diesel engine fishing boats pulling out for their day's work. The salty odor is refreshing and crisp as the marine layer rolls in, shrouding the land and ocean with its fine gray coating. The flowers that flourish here in the moderate climate perfume the air and tease multitudes of butterflies with their fragrant allure.
By far, what I love most about this locale is the lovely views and diverse life along the shoreline itself. Walking along the miles of recreation trail that hug the coastline, one is treated to vistas of splashing waves, diving birds and frolicking otters. There are rolling banks of ice plant, sea-carved rocks and sandy beaches. You can enjoy the kayakers, swimmers and divers that traverse the width of the bay or take a break on one of the hundreds of benches tucked in along the paths.
On the bay itself, there are so many amazing and rich textures hewn by water, wind and crashing waves. And, the colors! The colors are a beauty in itself, especially those reflected on the rippling surface with the sun and tide playing light games with the images. Attempting to capture the gorgeous reflections with my digital camera is a continuous joy for me.
Recently, I have been reflecting on my time at Scrap Girls - thinking how seemingly tiny instances are carried beyond the moment to have an impact on my life today, much like those rippling waves on the water. Initially, I became a member so I could enjoy my new interest in digital scrapbooking and learn how to use my software. Little did I know then what an influence the last three and a half years would have on me.
I've thought about how much I learned taking classes with Mandy, Shalae and Jan or being in chats with Theresa, Dee and Brandie. Those generous ladies and countless others openly shared their knowledge and encouragement and helped me go beyond my first tentative steps into confidently navigating Photoshop on my own. There is no way I can adequately thank any of them for that.
After my first application and rejection to be a Scrap Girls product designer, Erica sent me the sweetest note giving me words of support and enrichment that really brightened my day. I still have that message in my inbox. Every time I see it there, it makes me smile.
Not long after that, Theresa set up a series of layout critique sessions with members of the design team offering advice on how to improve our submitted layouts. Unfortunately, I cannot recall which of the designers participated in this, but they all have my eternal thanks - not only for taking the time out of their busy schedules and family lives to help out, but also for their spot-on advice. I count this among one of the turning points in my creative development.
I've remembered how happy my invitation to join the Welcoming Committee made me and how I cried when I received the email from Ro offering me a position as a product designer. Like a sugar addict with the keys to the candy store, I felt on top of the world!
As my design team Fairy Godmother and Design Duchess, Valerie and Brandie have offered me countless hours of guidance and support, been endless sources of artistic knowledge, as well as become my dear, sweet friends. Big smoochy hugs and sloppy kisses to both of them for everything they have done.
In fall 2007, we had the first ever Scrap Girls team retreat. What a joy to meet everyone face-to-face for the first time! I still love thinking about how hard Theresa, Amanda, Trish and I laughed one night while sitting out on the deck and how fun it was to be silly with my wonderful friends. And how we were all in the same room together, but talking online in the chat room. What goofs we were!
Over the past year, the enjoyment of making connections with more online pals, welcoming new members to our team, and congregating live with everyone at the convention stand out as highlights.
During a time of crisis in my family, the way the team showered me with support and prayers shall never be forgotten. Or, how some mysterious person notified everyone that it was my birthday and I was lavished with emails, layouts and even a couple of phone calls. How can I ever express how much all that means to me?
Since joining as a member in May 2006, my life has been overflowing with purple blessings. Regardless of where I am in life, I will always reflect upon my time at Scrap Girls with a full and loving heart.
- Marnie
Favorite Product I've designed:
Luau Collection Mini
ReMix: (Digital Scrapbooking) From Ordinary to Extraordinary! eBook
Since I design two different types of products, I'm going to be greedy and pick more than one favorite. From the digital scrapbooking supplies I've made, Luau Collection Mini currently holds a special place in my heart. We were lucky enough to be stationed in Hawaii for three and a half years. This kit is a celebration of all the joy we had living on Oahu.
From the eBooks, I'm really pleased with ReMix. Coming from a design standpoint, it was the first time I used InDesign software to created one of my books and I now have a huge crush on that application. It was super fun to work with Kim, Amy and Karen and, with their permission, use much of what I've learned remaking their original layouts. Also, I made the book's cover and am very happy with the logo I created for it.
Layout by Marnie Adams
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