Rozanne Paxman

Mistakes Do Not Define You

After dashing off a few sentences in an email to my partner about an issue we were managing, I hit the Send button on my email client. Immediately, I was hit with a sick feeling. Something didn't feel right.

"No. That couldn't be right. I couldn't have done that."

I looked around the room for something to do so I didn't have to be brave and face the mistake I made. I wanted an escape hatch.

Gingerly, I clicked on my Outbox and peered inside. Whom had I sent that email to?

When I opened the email, I wasn't quite sure, initially. The name in the recipient's field was my partner's name. "Good," I breathed. "Whew!"

But then, I noticed something odd. The actual email address didn't belong to my partner. It was the email address of an individual we were working with.

Grateful that my email was kind, I sent a follow-up email explaining that I didn't realize I was sending my email to her, that my email was meant to give my partner some information she would then use.

I received a reply from the individual I had emailed by mistake, and from her tone, I was unable to ascertain whether she was offended, if she thought I was a complete nut, or if she was okay with the mistake.

While considering why I was so upset at myself for making such a simple mistake, I realized that public mistakes worry me most. I have heard on multiple occasions that the single thing every human being wants most out of life is to feel loved and accepted. When I make a public mistake, I risk losing acceptance, and then I begin to mind-read.

I sometimes think such things as...

"She must think I'm a dork."


"I'm sure she thinks I'm unprofessional."


"She won't want to work with me."


"She will tell her co-workers how rude I was."

When mind-reading, I sometimes work myself into a state of despair and hopelessness. I feel that I might be unable to win the approval of others.

But here's the truth: As I am working towards my goals and dreams, I will make mistakes. If I move so carefully that I don't make mistakes, I am not living.

I finally realized that all I could do was to let my misdirected email disappear into the big pot of personal mistakes I have made in my life. The pot gets bigger and bigger as I go along, but I am learning more and more, as well.

I have learned that...

When I am hard on myself, it is difficult to let other people's errors slide off my back.


When I forgive myself for making mistakes, it is easier to other people's mistakes slip away without a second thought.


People are generally too concerned with their own lives to worry about my mistakes.


If other people become overly concerned about my mistakes, it is symptomatic of their own issues.

Mistakes do not have to define who I am. What I choose to do following a mistake can.

Free download of this saying here. Print it out as a reminder!

Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.

Would you like to earn a $20 Gift Certificate? Send your own muse to [email protected]. If it is selected for publication in the Scrap Girls newsletter, you'll get to have fun shopping!

SCRAP GIRLS CLUB

Join the Scrap Girls Monthly Club and you can have fun with the newest traditional digital and printable scrapbooking looks while saving! (A $27.94 value for $9.99 or less!)

The Scrap Girls Club contents are released on the 1st day of the month (or the closest business day to the 1st).

With the Scrap Girls Club, you will receive:

1 Collection Biggie
1 Paper Super Mini
1 8.5x11 Sheet of Word Art
1 Embellishment Set
1 Assemble Your Own Zoom Page Set
1 Designer's Choice Item

Layout by Brandy Murry using March's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Brandy Murry

If you prefer not to join a club, the Scrap Girls Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The Scrap Girls Club contents are always available for sale elsewhere in the Boutique at their regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never seen before product releases for each month!

SCRAPSIMPLE CLUB

Join the ScrapSimple Monthly Club and you can enjoy the newest ScrapSimple looks while saving! (A $13.95 value for $6.99 or less!)

The new ScrapSimple Club contents are released on the 15th day of the month (or the closest business day to the 15th).

With the ScrapSimple Club, you will receive:

1 ScrapSimple Paper Template Set
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment Template
1 ScrapSimple Embellishment or Word Art Template Set
2 Designer's Choice Items

A commercially licensed version of the ScrapSimple Club is also available here.

Layout by Armi Custodio using February's ScrapSimple Club
larger view

Created for you by Cherise Oleson and Syndee Nuckles

If you prefer not to join a club, the ScrapSimple Club contents are available at regular prices in the Boutique. You can easily find them right now by checking the What's New? section of the Boutique.

Note: The ScrapSimple Club contents are always available for sale in the Boutique at regular prices once the associated club month is released. But all club contents are totally brand new, never-seen-before product releases for each month!

The Original

Here is a layout I made in the very beginning. I love this photo of my two boys, and I remember very well that I tried a lot of techniques with brushes on this layout. Learning by doing and pushing all the buttons and seeing what happens has always been my motto. But all in all, I am not fond of this page design. That's why I decided to redo it.

Original layout by Caroline Kaiser

The Do-Over

First of all, as I do for all my do-overs, I picked the 12x12-inch format because I love it. I used a plain paper for the background because the striped paper is too busy to journal and I tried to use embellishments and brushes which work better with the colors and elements in the photo.

I placed my photo on my new blank file. A simple and very effective technique I use on my photos is to adjust the levels (the blacks and whites) under Image> Adjustments> Levels (in Photoshop CS3). This is a quick fix to adjust the lighting.

I added an orange background and a yellow paper strip to match the colors of my boys' t-shirts.

I added a frame and some circles. There are circles in the background of the photo, and I used the Eyedropper Tool to match the colors of my brushwork to those in the picture.

Instead of using a big title for the page, I decided to use word art along the right side of the page. I placed it on my layout and erased parts of it with a grunge brush set to Opacity 50%.

Finally, I added a spot for my journaling, along with various stars, which always work great on boys' pages. I added more circles to the left under the journaling to add balance to the layout.

After adding drop shadows on all the elements and a slight bevel to the circles, here is the final result.

Layout by Caroline Kaiser
larger view

Commercial license versions of Brush Set: Circles Couture Biggie and AMC_Friendly Font are also available.

Designer Do-Over by Caroline Kaiser

Love tutorials? Then check out the incredibly clear and helpful tutorials on Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed and MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

FREE STARTER KIT

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Scrap Girls' Refresh Collection Biggie offers you free samples of some of our most popular product types. Try making a layout, your own paper with a ScrapSimple Paper Template, a fast layout with a ScrapSimple Digital Layout Template, or experiment with a brush.

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Ready to Take Off? In-depth Tutorials Help You Become a Great Digital Scrapbooker

Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop
NEWLY UPDATED! Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements
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Find out what tens of thousands of people have already learned: Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed is the fastest way to learn how to create digital scrapbooking layouts. And because this series covers so many topics with one purchase, it is a bargain!

In the tutorials, you'll see Ro working on her computer and hear her talking about why she is doing what she is doing. It's like having Ro come to your home and give you private scrapbooking lessons. You can create digital scrapbooking layouts today!

Download and CD versions available.

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users receive:

30-31 movie tutorials
Companion eBook(s)
Collections
Other supplies

Paint Shop Pro users receive 31 movie tutorials.

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed!

MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop
MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed! for Adobe Photoshop Elements

Now that you've learned the basics of digital scrapbooking with Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, you are ready to learn advanced skills for having even more fun while you create digital scrapbooking layouts!

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eBooks

Scrap Girls offers a large catalog of eBooks covering topics that will expand your digital scrapbooking abilities to new heights. Here are just a few samples:

Scrap Girls 2009 Digital Scrap Link Class:
Creating a Painting With Styles

Learn how to create the look of a painting with your digital photographs using simply styles and some filters. You can create the depth of an oil, acrylic, or watercolor painting with various style textures and techniques. You will also learn some other fun techniques to use styles to create real looking embellishments such as a rusted frame.

Ten Basic Design Principles eBook

Learn to design digital scrapbook pages like a pro! Learn to use a grid and understand 10 basic design principles shown through examples with grids and detailed explanations. Includes a 12x12 Grid in png format to get you started.

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 3rd Quarter

Subscribers to the Scrap Girls Newsletter have one thing in common: they love to learn new techniques! Each issue shares ideas, tutorials, and new ways to use Scrap Girls quality digital scrapbooking products. Now you can have all those past tutorials and Way Cool Stuff articles of the 3rd Quarter of 2009 in one convenient PDF format.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PSE: Making a Just Because Card Using ScrapSimple Card Templates

Nothing could be simpler than learning to scrapbook digitally with Scrap Girls Start to Finish eBooklets. Step by step written guidelines and detailed screenshots will help you learn new digital scrapbooking skills. Included with the eBooklet are the actual digital files you need to create a finished project!

See more titles

Layout by Brandy Murry
larger view

Designer Freebie by Brandy Murry coordinates with her
ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Basic Buttons and Brads Biggie

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Basic Buttons and Brads Biggie and Brush Set: Playful Swirls are also available.

* There is a "free download" button on the details page for each gift. You don't need to put them in your shopping cart unless you are shopping for other items. Also note that if you are slow reading your newsletter, you may find this freebie has already been retired, as the freebies are only available as gifts for about two newsletter cycles.

CROPS AND CHATS

ATC Swap Chat
Tuesday, March 2nd - 5:00PM MT

Please join Sherry_Lynn and Elisha (elibar) in the chatroom for our March ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap Crop/Chat on Tuesday, March 2nd at 5pm MT. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Creative Cards Chat
Tuesday, March 2nd - 6:00PM MT

Do you use your digital supplies to make cards? Do you want to? Instead of going to the store every time you need a card you can save money and have fun making cards with your digi stash! Make a note of any cards you might need for the upcoming month, and join Michelle (Shelbi) and April (April Showers) for the monthly Card Chat on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6pm MT. Can't wait to see you there!

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, March 3rd- 10:00AM MT

Join your host April Showers for the East Coast High Noon Crop every Wednesday at 10am MT. These crops are designed to allow you to work on your own photos and themes, simply giving participants a one hour goal, and a fun, new challenge each week! On March 3rd, we'll do a font challenge! Create a layout on any theme, any topic, and any colors - using multiple fonts - at least 3 different fonts! Mix it up! You'll have one hour to create a layout and upload to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'd be amazed what you can get done in just one hour!

What's New Chat
Friday, March 5th - 9:00AM MT

Join Michelle (Shelbi) and Sherry (Sherry_Lynn) at 9am MT on Friday mornings to chat about all the cool new things in the boutique. You never know who else is going to show up! What are you getting? What did you kaboodle? And most importantly show us the layouts or other projects you made with your new goodies! There's a thread every Thursday, and now there's a chat too!

Back-Up Party & Chat
Friday, March 5th - 2:00PM MT

Need a little extra motivation to back-up your layouts and stash? Join April Showers in the chat room on Friday, March 5th for a Back-up Party and Chat. We'll also go over several different ways to safeguard your files. You won't want to miss this one!

Quote Challenge Chat
Sunday, March 7th - 6:00PM MT

Come join Pat (PBarnes) for the Quote Challenge Crop at 6pm MT. Including a quote on your layout can be a touching and meaningful addition, especially if you use the quote to create your own word art. Here's how it will work. On Sunday, Pat will post a thread on the Chat section of the board, giving you the quote that you can use to make your own word art. It's not hard, and she will have a layout with a Word Art example in the gallery. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout! Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there!

Aussie Chat & Challenge
Monday, March 8th - 9:00PM Australian Eastern DST

Come join Karen (kazbar73) & Jo (scrappingjo) for an Aussie Quote Challenge Crop! Here's how it will work... On Sunday, we will post a thread on the challenge board giving you the quote which you will use to make your own word art. It's not hard, and we'll even have a layout with a Word Art example. Then we'll meet in the chat room to have fun, chat, and create our Word Art layout! The chat will start at 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Daylight Savings Time. Everyone can participate and create a layout, even if you can't make the chat. Hope to see you there! For our International ladies, the chat will start at 5am New York time or 3am MT on Monday 8 March.

Photography Focus Club Chat
Monday, March 8th - 7:00PM MT

Do you want to challenge yourself and improve your photography? Check out the Scrap Girls Photo Focus Club. No membership required - everyone is welcome. If you are looking for tips, techniques or inspiration to help you take better images, this is the chat for you. Join Mary Elizabeth O’Toole (NS_Scrapper) and special guests for a monthly conversation about photography. Each month, we’ll have a theme and post a photography challenge. The challenge will be posted on the message board a week before the club meets to give you a chance to plan or practice your 'assignment' - and consider some of its challenges. Note that this is not a class but an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and try something new.

Baby Album Chat
Tuesday, March 9th - 2:00PM MT

Do you need some motivation getting those baby albums done? Children grow so fast; Let's get those baby memories scrapped! You can scrap your children, grandchildren or even your own baby album. Join Carla (CRS) and Shari (Shari PV Mom) in the chat room on Tuesday, March 9th at 2pm MT to work on those albums! You can start from fresh on a brand new album, or jump in where ever you are in your project. We'll provide an optional challenge each crop for motivation if you want one. For this month's challenge, let's scrap Baby's Favorite Things!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, March 9th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) and Carol Ann (Zaz) for the New Member Chat at 7pm MT in the Live Chat room lobby. This is a great place to ask questions about getting around the Scrap Girls site or about digital scrapbooking in general - and a great place to make some new friends. All are welcome, new and long time members included. You do need to have Java installed on your computer to access the Live Chat.

MARCH EVENTS

March Message Board Game: Posting Contest!

It's that time again - Posting Contest time! This is where you are rewarded for your flying fingers and chattiness. The contest will run from March 1 when we post the thread to March 31 at 12:00 midnight (MST). We are doing things a little differently this time, so here are the rules:

1) To enter the Posting Challenge, reply in the game thread with your CURRENT post count. This is the number under your Avatar that shows when you post. Do not post the number found on your profile; it is a different number that is calculated differently.

2) During the month, chat your fingers off!

3) On March 31, BEFORE midnight (MST), go back to your original post in the game thread (the one with your starting post count) and take a screenshot of it. Send the screen shot to [email protected]. The screenshot is your contest entry! We will calculate your post count based on the numbers on the screenshot. (Directions for taking screenshots will be posted in the game thread.)

Prizes: The top poster gets a $20 Scrap Girls gift certificate. Everyone over 250 new posts will be entered in a random drawing for a $10 Scrap Girls gift certificate. Everyone over 100 new posts will be entered into a random drawing for a $5 Scrap Girls gift certificate.

Layout Contests:

March Monthly Layout Contest: Smile! The month of March includes Smile Day. Does seeing someone else's smile make you smile? For this month's contest, we want to see your layouts featuring a smile. Create your layout and post it in the March Layout Contest Gallery by Midnight MST on March 31st. Be sure to list your credits in the description or under the EXIF Properties. If your layout is one of the two chosen, you will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Club Concepts Layout Contest: Post your new layout using the current club selection (either the Scrap Girls Club or the ScrapSimple Club) in our Scrap Girls Club Members Gallery or the ScrapSimple Club Members' Gallery. Be sure to list all of the Scrap Girls products you used. If your layout is chosen, it will be showcased as a Club Concepts layout winner, and you will win a $5 Gift Certificate to the Scrap Girls Boutique!

Check our message board calendar if you have any questions about what is happening at Scrap Girls. All event times are given in Mountain Time Zone unless otherwise noted. Need help converting time zones? Check out the World Clock - Time Zone Converter. (Use 'USA-Utah-Salt Lake City' as the location for the Mountain time zone.)

Haven't received your prize as a contest winner? Please send an email to [email protected] and we'll get it out to you right away!