Professor Drone and his endless and wandering lectures are going to bore me to death. I wonder if the guy on the second row in the blue shirt is bored, too. Is he really writing notes right now or is he writing something else - like I am? Maybe he is really listening, maybe he hears something worth listening to - and I don't. Does that mean I'm stupider than he is?

Well, he is a pre-dental student, so he has no choice but to listen. If he fails a class, he has to throw his life plan out the window. I wonder if I could get into those plans....

I know he likes to walk with me after class and talk for awhile, but could it mean anything? Does he see me as just a friend? Could it ever be anything more? What can I do to find out? Is it even possible for him to be interested?

Oh, I'm not wearing makeup today, and my hair needs to be washed. How did I let this happen?! He's going to talk with me after class... I can't talk to him when I look like this! And why am I wearing flip-flops instead of high heels? He's short like I am, so maybe that makes him less picky... maybe flat flip-flops aren't such a bad thing.

But I really don't look very good today, and I sounded like a frazzled girl when I just answered Professor Drone's question. No, I won't walk and talk with Mr. Blue Shirt today. Maybe when I'm wearing makeup. Maybe when I'm thinner. No, I won't walk out with him today. I'll just stay in my chair looking busy, looking down, until he leaves. He won't even notice. It's better this way... I won't get my hopes up, and I won't say anything stupid to him while I'm not looking good. I don't want to be stupid and ugly at the same time.

But... I like talking to him. And he seems to like talking to me. Maybe it's not romantic. Maybe I'm not pretty enough... but maybe we could still be friends. Maybe he didn't think I sounded flustered. But then, maybe he didn't think anything at all. Maybe I'm just another girl.

Or... maybe he doesn't mind a girl with a short figure and a frazzled nature. Maybe he likes my eyes. I mean, they're okay. Even without makeup, they're still a great green.

And we don't just happen to leave together each day, right? It's a habit now. He expects it. I expect it. He must like to walk with me. Maybe I'm a little pretty even though I'm not wearing makeup and my hair isn't done. Maybe he doesn't care. Maybe... maybe I can be friendly and confident despite all these things... maybe I can.

Professor Drone has stopped droning. Class is over. Here I go!

Lisa Hardman

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 Angie Briggs using July's Scrap Girls Club
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Created for you by Angie Briggs

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 Brush Set
2 Designer's Choice Item

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

Layout by Melissa Renfro using June's ScrapSimple Club
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Created for you by Melissa Renfro and Valerie Randall

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!

Here are some of the nice things our friends are saying about Scrap Girls:

I was thrilled to find your website to see what all I can do with my pictures online. I'm not a "manual" scrapbook girl, and I think this will work out great! My only problem is finding the time to do it. Wouldn't you know I added four new clients after I downloaded my goodies from you - a two-edged sword, I guess!

I really enjoy your website. Thank you for being so concerned about your customer satisfaction. That is rewarding. I just wish I had more time to scrap.

Wow! No kidding? Talk about customer service! Everything went great, and I am really pleased with my Scrap Girls downloads and with the process. I really appreciate y'all and love the newsletter. It's usually what draws me in to purchase.

Everything from your site is always fantastic, and I've never had a problem with anything from zipped files to products. Thank you for always having just what I need when I need it.

I really appreciate the rapid reply, and I will try the tips you gave me. This sort of customer service, plus your great products, is why Scrap Girls are the only digital scrapbook suppliers I even look at any more.

I just wanted to say that the newsletter I received today is fantastic. I love the change in format and the color schemes.

Thank you for all you give to the digital community. I appreciate it.

I love your designers! I buy as often as I can because Scrap Girls Boutique is my favorite digital store.

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say THANK YOU for re-formatting the newsletter. It is so much more reader-friendly now! Beautiful, fabulous job!

I just received my new Scrap Girls newsletter and WOW! I love this new design! It's compact and easier than ever to read and find the articles, and... did I say how much I LOVE IT!

Thanks for all your time and effort that you put into these FABULOUS newsletters. I adore them all and never delete them. I always go back and try the tutorials, download the freebies, check out all the new products, etc.

I LOVE SCRAP GIRLS!

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU! You have such a great site. I made my first purchase today, and I just wanted you to know (as a new digital scrapper, only one week now), you are one of the best sites out there. I love the newsletter, and your products are fabulous! Thanks again! Keep up the good work!

Just wanted to let you know what a great job you're doing and say thank you for all the freebies you have given so freely (couldn't resist the pun; I tried, but couldn't help it).

Thanks for everything you do - you are by far the most helpful scrap site people I've come across, and you've made me feel welcome to participate in all the games and challenges, so thanks!

Weekly Layout Winners

Layout by caprimom
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Commercial license versions of Dynamic Brush Set: Paintstroke 5401, Dynamic Brush Set: Unusual Stitching, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Edge It PSE 5001, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photo Basics PSE 5001, ScrapSimple Tools - Actions: Photos That Pop PSE 1801, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Freehand Painting 8201 Super Biggie, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Pretty Packages and ScrapSimple Word Art Templates: Title It - Life are also available.

Layout by Arizona Girl
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Want to see your layouts make an appearance in the Scrap Girls newsletters?

Simply post your digital or paper layouts that use Scrap Girls products in our online gallery, and if we choose your layout to be featured in the newsletter, you'll win a prize! To be considered, don't forget to list the Scrap Girls products that you used in your layout.

Congratulations to this week's selectees. Please email [email protected] to get your gift!

Want to see past winners of the Weekly Layout Contest? Visit the Weekly Layout Winners gallery on our message board here!

June's ScrapSimple Club Concepts Layout Winners

Layout by mbc72
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These first three products are included in this month's ScrapSimple Club offering. Members receive a substantial discount on these club supplies. They are also available elsewhere in the Boutique at regular prices for those individuals who would rather not join a club.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Sequins N'Things, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Sequins N'Things, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Purses and Bags, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Just Strings, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Bows To Go I, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Traditionally Made, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Icicle 6401, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Jelly 2101, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Chillin and ScrapSimple Alpha Templates: Pearl Edge Monograms are also available.

Layout by princessrunningfingers
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These first five products are included in this month's ScrapSimple Club offering. Members receive a substantial discount on these club supplies. They are also available elsewhere in the Boutique at regular prices for those individuals who would rather not join a club.

Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Paper Scraps, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Purses and Bags, Dynamic Brush Set: Machine Stitch 5001, ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Sequins N'Things, ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Sequins N'Things and ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Basic Shadows 6501 are also available.

Congratulations, Melanie (mbc72) and Joyce (princessrunningfingers)!! We loved your layouts so much we had to share them with everybody! Melanie and Joyce each receive a $5 Gift Certificate for their layouts using June's ScrapSimple Club! Congratulations!

Congratulations to this club's winner. Please email [email protected] to get your gift!

Want to see past winners of the ScrapSimple Club contest? Visit the ScrapSimple Club's Winners gallery on our message board here!

FREE STARTER KIT

Free eBook "starter kit" turns your dreams of digital scrapbooking into reality today!

This dynamite eBook is 65 pages - packed full of the information, ideas, and help people need when they are about to dive into this great hobby. It answers all of the important questions new digital scrapbookers have. They are all here for you - in one easy to use eBook!

Bonus! Download the free "Warning" Label, too. It was created for you by Valerie Randall as a little bit of extra fun!

Would you like a chance to try digital scrapbooking yourself?

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.

We know you'll love digital scrapbooking as much as we do, and we have thousands of products to feed your new addiction!

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
Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Paint Shop Pro X (XI)

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!

Get a big boost learning how to use ScrapSimple products to make your own backgrounds, embellishments, and alphas with the MORE Scrapbook Software Secrets Revealed for Photoshop Elements movie tutorial series. You'll learn so much that your digital scrapbooking layouts will never be the same!

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: Tips and Tricks to Make Quick Albums Fast!

Have you ever received an email offer for a really great deal on a 20-page album? But then you sit at your computer and get overwhelmed. This eBook will cover some great tips and tricks to help you pull it off in a snap! Included with your purchase, you will receive a special digital layout template set of three layouts in both 8.5x11 and 12x12 size, with which you can practice the techniques taught in the eBook.

Artistry eBook by Marnie Adams

Artistry: A Celebration of Digital Design Excellence highlights the best-of-the-best in digital scrapbooking focusing on high quality layout design, imaginative use of products, creative vision, top-notch typography, and artistic expression.

Scrap Girls Tutorials & Way Cool Stuff eBook Set
2009 - 4th 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 4th Quarter of 2009 in one convenient PDF format.

Start to Finish eBooklets

Start to Finish eBooklet - PSE: Patterns, Blends & Filters, Oh My!

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 Syndee Nuckles
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Designer Freebie by Syndee Nuckles coordinates with her ScrapSimple Paper Templates: Quick Collage 2

Commercial license versions of Isabella Collection Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Butterfly Shadows 6301 Mini, ScrapSimple Tools - Styles: Aged Photo Edges 6301 and Dynamic Brush Set: Love Dusted 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

Recipe Swap Chat
Saturday, July 10th - 6:00PM MT

Join April (April Showers) and Lei (Bride) at 6pm MT in the chat room for our Monthly Recipe Swap Chat. Please check the message board on Thursday, July 8th for this month's theme and the swap details!

Hybrid Craft Chat
Sunday, July 11th - 2:00PM MT

Do you miss working with paper, scissors and glue to create beautiful craft projects? Hybrid crafts combine your digital supplies with traditional scrapping methods to create amazing crafts! Join Sherry (Sherry Lynn) and Carla (CRS) on July 11th at 2pm MT for the Hybrid Crafts Chat where we'll discuss the current project and share ideas. Watch the message board for our next project!

Quote Challenge Chat
Sunday, July 11th - 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 will 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!

Life Moments Crop
Tuesday, July 13th - 1:00PM MT

Have you noticed that one person is missing from your scrapbooks: You? Life Moments Crops are designed to challenge us to scrap about ourselves. For this crop, let's scrap a layout about what makes you happy right now, today! So join Carla (CRS) in the chatroom on Tuesday, July 13th at 1pm MT! Hope to see you there!

Baby Album Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 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) in the chat room on Tuesday, July 13th at 2pm MT to work on those albums and chat about our children and grandchildren!

Faith Journey Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 5:00PM MT

Join Elisha (elibar) and Sherry Lynn for a Faith Journey Chat on Tuesday, July 13 at 5pm MT. All faiths are welcome! We'll be chatting and scrapping about our individual faith walk and how we also walk together. Watch the message board for this month's topic of discussion, and if you like - create a layout based on the topic!

New Member Chat
Tuesday, July 13th - 7:00PM MT

Join Pat (PBarnes) 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.

East Coast High Noon Crop
Wednesday, July 14th - 10:00AM MT

Join April (April Showers) each Wednesday at 10am MT for the East Coast High Noon Crop. All coasts and time zones are welcome! 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 July 14th, we'll do a Stripes Challenge! Create a layout using stripes. Create your own or used striped paper. It doesn't matter as long as your layout has some stripes. Create your layout and upload it to the special High Noon Crop Gallery. You'll be amazed what you can get done in just one hour, but there is no High Noon Sheriff timing you!

ScrapSimple Club Chat
Wednesday, July 14th - 2:00PM MT

We know everyone is excited for the new ScrapSimple Club to come out on July 15th. Come join Sherry Lynn on Wednesday, July 14th at 2pm MT for a ScrapSimple Club Chat/Crop! We'll be discussing ideas on different ways to use the current club. As a challenge, let's create one more layout using June's Scrap Simple Club before the next one arrives. It's sure to be a blast! Hope to see you there!

NSBR Chat - Early Edition
Thursday, July 15th - 2:00PM MT

What is NSBR? It's a non-scrapbooking related chat! We talk about everything, including some scrapbooking and usually chocolate. It's a great chance to meet new friends, catch up on what everyone is up to, and just relax! If you have a problem, we'll lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Have some great news to share? We'd love to celebrate with you. So join Michelle (Shelbi) and Pat (PBarnes) at 2pm MT in the chat room Lobby! Hope to see you there!

JULY EVENTS

July Message Board Game: BINGO!

It's that time again! Join us for an exciting game of BINGO on the Message Board Forum in July! Pick 25 words from the list provided in the forum and send them in an e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line that says "BINGO CARD - your SG message board username" by Wednesday, June 30th (Midnight MT) in order to play in the first round, which will begin Thursday, July 1st.

Each day, members of the Welcoming Committee will call five random words from the Bingo list. Match just 15 of those words to win a BINGO. You must be first to call bingo in the forum to win that round. After a winner is called, the boards can be cleared and a new round will begin the following day. All winners win a $5 gift certificate to the Boutique! We like to see lots of winners, so please remember that each person can only win one round during the month. Have fun!

If you miss the first round cutoff date, you can still play! Just send in your Bingo card at any time during the month and you'll be eligible to begin playing when the next new round starts. Everyone who sends in a Bingo card will receive a confirmation email that their card has been received. If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, please re-send your list of words.

For complete details and examples of game play, visit the Monthly Message Board Games folder on the Scrap Girls message board.

Layout Contests:

July Monthly Layout Contest: Most all countries have a national holiday. The time of the year varies across our wide world but the United States just happens to celebrate Independence Day in July. For this month's layout contest, we want you to create a layout showing us something about what you do to celebrate your nation or show your patriotism. Post your layouts in the July Gallery before Midnight MT on July 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!