Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Forum: Viewing image Journalling challenge: the story behind this (layout) - Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Forum

I decided to take April & B&K Mom's advice and make a layout to include the story behind the layout. It is a meaningful memory for me.

Background:
PWR_Acceptance_Paper_Green.jpg
PWR_Acceptance_WordArt_Definition.png (made into a brush, adjusted lighting & opacity of layers)
Original layout & frame:
BMU_HolidayLights Collection
SNU_SSTool_Sanded Black (softened and framed original layout)
SNU_Noteworthy_Paper-Notebk.png
Word Art:
VRA_GoldSilver_Alpha
BMU_SSTools_Styles_AgedMetals
KVE_SS_Styles_Intaglio

Journalling:
I did this layout with the deliberate intent of practicing as many new digital skills as possible. Switching to digital was hard for me emotionally. After two shoulder surgeries and four rounds of physical therapy, I suffered a loss of dexterity and fine motor skills. I found the loss profoundly painful, both physically and emotionally. A friend suggested I try digital scrapping, so I gave it a go. I didn't approach it with the best attitude at first--lamenting the many things that I used to be able to do with ease. After "lurking" in the shadows of the ScrapGirls message board and reading some of Ro's encouraging words of wisdom in the newsletter, I decided to jump in and give it a try. This layout was an exercise in "see what you can do now that you couldn't before." It was an exercise in gratitude, and opened a world of creative possibilities for me. I am thankful now in so many ways for this Purple Place. I've gained friendships and skills and creative outlets that I wouldn't have if I hadn't made that leap. My dexterity is improved--although I'm no kid anymore--but I don't feel limited. I feel blessed.