Treasure
I spent two solid hours in the basement last night looking at Eric's old things. He never threw anything away. He kept everything, including empty boxes and paperwork from years ago. I remember asking Eric to throw some of his stuff away. There was so much of it and I was overwhelmed by it all. He was of course attached to the many things he kept. He thought it was wasteful to throw perfectly good objects away for the sake of cleanliness. Looking back, I'm glad he didn't listen to me. His entire history is sitting in our basement. I started going through it last night and came across some old photos from his childhood. I'd never seen the photos before and was happily surprised to have found them tucked away under a stack of various other things. I looked at all of them. He was passionate about the great outdoors. He grew up around camping and portages. Most of the photos were of gorgeous sunsets, trees, clouds, mountains, and lakes. I did find a small mini album of old family photos. I came across the above photos in the mini album. They literally took my breath away. My first immediate reaction was, "oh my gosh, he looks exactly like Ethan." My two boys are almost identical. I was sort of aware of this, but it wasn't until I saw these photos that I realized just how similar the two of them look, especially as toddlers. I put all three photos on display in my kitchen. I can't bare to put them away. I can hardly wait to share them with Ethan when he gets older. He'll also have an opportunity to see everything else that dad didn't throw away. I guess some things are worth keeping, even empty boxes.
I'm back on board at Studio Calico as a designer. I had taken a small leave of absence during the last phase of Eric's battle against brain cancer. I've been working with February's kit. I'm working on three layouts using this kit. I've posted a few sneak peeks above from two of the layouts. I'll post the actual layouts after January 28th (the day of the reveal-February's kit).
I will be designing for Prima Marketing Inc. over the next twelve months. I have to say it's a true honor to design for Prima Marketing. I never thought in a million years I would hold a spot on their team. I'm thrilled to be a part of their community. Thank you Prima for providing me this opportunity. Congrats to the rest of the new team members below:
Adrienne Looman
Amy Hutchinson
Celeste Smith
Celine Navarro (France)
Christine Middlecamp
Cindy Tobey
Iris Babao-Uy (The Philippines)
Janine Langer (Germany)
Janine Wahl
Mara-May Baca
Nura Keif (Singapore)
Stephanie Howell
Off to try and get some sleep this evening. Ethan was up four times last night and the night before that he slept for only a total of four hours. I'm one tired mom. Here's to hoping for a good night's rest.
Many many congrats to you for the Prima team. You'll certainly wow us! And those pictures are absolutely beautiful..so glad he was a keeper of these things for you..
Posted by: Julia | January 16, 2008 at 06:50 PM
What wonderful treasures!
Congrats on the Prima team! I think you will be a perfect compliment to their products. I look forward to seeing all of your creations for them!
Posted by: Tammy Tutterow | January 16, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Congratulations on the Prima DT! You're perfect!
And you're right: your two boys are identical!
Posted by: Gaby | January 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Hi Christine,
Congratulations on the prima gig!!! Something nice for a change! I saw there posting and was so happy to see you were chosen! They made a great move in selecting you!
denise
Posted by: Denise Morgan | January 16, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Congrats on making the Prima DT!! That's wonderful news, and it will keep happily busy :) And you're right about your two boys - they look very much alike!!
Posted by: Samantha | January 16, 2008 at 08:22 PM
OMG!!!! When I first seen the pic b4 scrolling down my first thought was Ethan seems to have lost some weight and look he is standing!!! I only realized that it was Eric and not Ethan when I read the entire entry. You have got to scrap both the pics on one layout. :)
Congrats on yr being on the Prima design team. Love your work.
Posted by: Sangeeta | January 16, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I also thought initially that the pictures were of Ethan and then looking closer hey--it's Eric. How wonderful.the treasures you discovered. Priceless.
I also wanted to congratulate you on the getting the spot on Prima. You will be a great asset to them--a true talent.
Posted by: Aleida Franklin | January 16, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Hi, This is my first time to post. My heart has thought of you constantly since I came across your blog about a week ago. I am impressed with your determenation to get through each day. I am in awe of you. I love your work and congrats on the Prima team. I am so happy you were able to find such treasures of your husbands. Ethan is Eric's little mini me. Precious!
Posted by: Nicole Eason | January 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM
I was not surprised to see your name on the Prima design team...you are so talented!!
How fun for you to have found those treasures in the basement....those pictures are priceless and reaffirm the importance of scrapbooking!
Congrats on your dt position...you totally deserve it! :)
Posted by: amy | January 16, 2008 at 08:56 PM
For a moment, I thot the first photo was Ethan. Eric and Ethan really look alike.
Congratulations on your DT position.
Posted by: Irene | January 16, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Is that picture with Eric as a baby with thumb in mouth and still on a baby doll's hand the cutest thing ever?
We all knew you would get a spot with Prima. You are extremely talented and so deserving of it. I'm also glad to see your work at SC again. I always click on your gallery first. Congrats!
Posted by: helen | January 16, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Congratulations - I was hoping you had sent in an application for Prima, you're perfect for them!
I love the photos - such treasures.. :)
Posted by: Ingunn | January 16, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Wow - those pictures are so wonderful!
Prima...flowers and bling...Yummy! Can't wait to see what you do. The layering on your pages is just fabulous. I just need to grasp this concept. I love it! Congrats to you! Hope you get a good nights rest.
Laurel
Posted by: Laurel | January 16, 2008 at 09:16 PM
I'm really looking forward to working with you at Prima, Christine! I'm very sorry to read of the loss of your husband. You are a brave, strong,and very talented woman!
Posted by: Amy Hutchinson | January 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
I saw your name on the prima site. So VERY happy for you. Those pictures are a great treasure!
Posted by: veronica | January 16, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Wow! Ethan and Eric do look so much alike! Amazing :)
Congratulations on Prima! I saw your name on their list and I was so excited for you... you are a perfect match for their beautiful product, Christine.
Posted by: Andrea | January 16, 2008 at 10:50 PM
They sure look alike! what a treasure indeed to find these photo's. huge congrats on getting in the Prima team, can;t wait to see your designs with the products of prima.
corinnexxx
Posted by: corinne delis | January 17, 2008 at 12:30 AM
You found a treasure in the basement. Makes me re-think my tendency to toss.
Congratulations on the Prima DT. You're work is beautiful and they're lucky to have you. Looking forward to lots of great projects!
Posted by: jill | January 17, 2008 at 02:29 AM
Congratulations on your new design team spot ... well deserved ... your work is amazing.
I'm glad you could find a little comfort in looking through some of Eric's old things ... what lovely keepsakes those photos must be for you. :)
Posted by: Katy | January 17, 2008 at 03:09 AM
WOWSERS!! What a team Prima will be having this year. I can't wait to see what you come up with for them. CONGRATS!!
What a treasure you found in that basement of yours. Take care.
Posted by: susan j | January 17, 2008 at 03:33 AM
Congrats on the Prima team - I've always loved your work and can't wait to see more of it! What a wonderful treasure you have in your basement.
Posted by: Tina | January 17, 2008 at 04:01 AM
Christine- so happy for the precious treasure you found in the basement. What a gift that must have been to you and it certainly makes me smile to think that whether clutter or not, that stuff was meant to be here just for this very moment. I hope there are more gems in those piles of things that you will find just when you need them.
Your sneaks are gorgeous and I'm really happy for you and Prima. They are very lucky to have you Christine. You are incredibly talented!
Hugs-Laura
Posted by: Laura | January 17, 2008 at 04:20 AM
What a beautiful treasure to find....I am sure that Eric led you to them! Congratulations on the Prima design team! They sure knew what they were doing when they chose you!!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 17, 2008 at 05:18 AM
I just love that you have such great photos of Eric as a baby/boy. And yes...I couldn't believe how much he looks like Ethan. Or Ethan looks like him. =) Either way, it is precious!
I am so happy for you and scrapping and the good things that have come from that in your life. Not just the pages and products...but in sharing yourself, your beautiful creations, your process and the connections and friendships and support that flow from the good hearts of so many scrappers. I look forward to seeing your newest pages. COngratulations on Prima!
And I hope you get a nap today. My little Wyndham has a room in a hospital for hopefully just the rest of today. And when we get home...I am looking forward to some rest too.
Take care, Christine. I'm sure we'll talk again soon. More love and prayers for you and your family. xoxo
Posted by: jody ferlaak | January 17, 2008 at 05:53 AM
i love the prima line....you will be such a great asset!
precious pictures christine, priceless precious pictures.
god bless you
xo
Posted by: paige | January 17, 2008 at 06:10 AM