People have different ways to relieve stress, express emotions, and recharge their internal batteries.

Like me, most of you stopping by here choose scrapbooking or paper crafting of some fashion to provide that boost! Making things for my own home or to give away does something for me that nothing (short of a great hug and a kind word from my DH) can equal or surpass. I notice that when I am not being creative, I tend to bog down a bit and let work, chores, and all sorts of "to do" lists take over and become more daunting than they really are - zapping my energy. When I let too much time pass without "recharging" myself......I'm not happy. (Hard to admit, but it's the honest truth!) And that is exactly what I've done. I let far too much time slip through my fingers last year and neglected my need to express.

Finding balance in my life is my New Years goal. This year I am going to work on making "recharge" time for myself so that the time I spend at work, at home, and out with friends I am the best possible version of me that I can be!

How do YOU recharge?

Simple Stories by MemoryWorks from Amber Crowell on Vimeo.

For years I tried to think of ways that I could combine my love for art & creativity with something that is useful, fun, & gives me the opportunity to be creative & spend time with friends & family! Memory Works was the answer.

Back in January 1, 2007 I decided to start KatsKrops (my scrapbooking studio) joining the wonderful people at Memory Works as an Independent Consultant. Being a Memory Works Independent Consultant, I have been able to share special time with old friends while making new friends! I have learned to think outside of the box & my scrapbooking & paper crafting hobby has become a passion! I love crop sessions/events, & I love finding new ways to express myself while telling the story of my life!

So it's RENOVATION TIME! My DH and I have shared the south half of our basement for the past several years. His photography studio on one side...my scrapbook studio/craft room on the other. Our computer room, laundry room, and a small storage/exercise area fill the remaining half. After discussing the possibilities that his commercial photography might just turn into a full time job one day, my DH decided to move his studio out of the basement and up into our second story spare bedroom! This means an expanded KatsKrops Studio for me!!! I am in the process of cleaning and cutting in carpet right now (no...really RIGHT NOW - I just took a break!) and will be posting photos as soon as I can get them downloaded to my computer! HOW EXCITED AM I!!!