More than just showing you what’s on the drawing board- I wanted to share a backstory of one this month’s designs with you.
It’s funny how much a screen saver can tell you about someone. Looking back now, I wish I had captured screen shots of my phone wallpapers over the years. It would have been a nice little time capsule- and I think I may start doing that now.
It dawned on me that the other day, when I changed my phone lock screen, it was the first time ever I chose a photo of the boys when they were younger than they are now. Usually I pin a recent photo of them together that captures an everyday good time- not always the best photo- but one that is sure to bring a smile when I check my phone. Having that happy rewind just a glance away has become as important to me as my first cup of coffee.
But these days, with the boys growing so fast, and the big one juggling college days and nights working or spent with friends- the simple silly days of just the three of us have grown fewer. And when I went to change that screensaver- I found myself glancing at one of my favorite photos of these two that I tucked in a corner of my desk. And I smiled. At the sweetness of a small hand, the long, messy hair, the gentle smiles and the hug that was just a natural part of them being together. My boys at 10 and 18 love each other of course- but- *sigh -don’t really hug so naturally these days. Its more of a round the neck bear hug that inevitably tumbles into something out of an old school wrestling match- which is awesome in itself- but- as I look again at the photo- I miss those days of simple love.
It was this nostalgia for little boys lost that got me working on the design, BABY LOVE. This past weekend, I pulled out a few of the boys baby pictures and it strikes me now how my storytelling will change now that I am years removed from the moment they were taken. I see little things in each photo that may have escaped me then- a favorite shirt- a well loved toy, a little guys room now redone in shades of teen- and while I know that it’s just time coloring my perceptions- I just keep thinking back on how soft those days were. Soft and gentle- like a sheer curtain slipping through your fingers in the breeze of that one perfect summer day.
Those soft colors worked their way onto my drawing board- and the pretties and word art have a sweet nostalgic touch as well. I will be working with it late this weekend- but today I wanted to share some of the #joycreated by my Creative Team with the design that I think captures this feeling so well. Looking at these make me a little homesick for those days now past- but I am so thankful I get to rewind them with my photos- That’s why we do this after all- isn’t it?
