Reality Scrapbooking

So, I wonder how many of you are going to have a go at Jen Wilson's contest (link takes you to the first week's challenge). I'm a sucker for challenges and contests ... realistically I know that I don't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning, but I think it's very good experience to let your imagination be stretched. I think some of the layouts I did for the Peppermint Creative contest a while ago were amongst the best I've done. Judging by the kit for the first week's challenge, the layouts I do for this contest will also be among my favourites - I love how this has turned out, despite the subject matter.


So this is my entry for week one. Most of the layout is done using Jen Wilson's Meaning 1 kit (playing card is by Michelle Underwood, and clock parts are by Katie Pertiet). I chose to go with the 'Everyday I ...' prompt. Okay, so this layout is very personal, but it was sort of cathartic to do. The fact of the matter is, I suffer from depression. Sometimes it's not so bad, but other times it's like an all-encompassing state. Sometimes it only takes something really small and stupid (like a chance jokey comment from someone) to send me into the depths of despair, and other times I can be totally manic. It's not pleasant at all, and it's very isolating. What can I do but put on this mask that makes everyone think that I'm the happy, smiley, joking Kate that they think I should be? Being around someone who is unhappy and depressed loses its appeal very quickly, and this I know from experience. There are very few people that know me well enough to spot my moods. Anyway, that's what the layout is about ... my struggle to keep on top of it.

Moving on ... it's back to work again tomorrow, so I am planning on getting to bed soon, otherwise I will be totally wrecked. So many late nights like I've been having lately are not good ... but I have got into the habit of getting layout inspiration late in the evening and then not being able to switch the computer off and go to bed until I've finished. Today, however, there's been no scrapping for me - I've been busy with accounts and stuff today, and now I'm watching the first Austin Powers movie on TV while I'm typing this ... and it's just finishing, so off to bed for me.