Is Journaling really necessary.

Kristina N Ed - posted on 03/04/2009

After reading this, I want to take back the SB of my wedding that I made for my mother-in-law. Just to see how much journaling I did do. It was a great gift, but I don't think I can ever get it outta her house, she watches it like a guard dog when ever anyone touches it. I guess she likes it at least a little, lol.

Debbie - posted on 03/04/2009

I don't like my handwriting either but use it nevertheless. I just came across a letter my grandmother wrote and although her writing is almost impossible to read, it made me feel close to her once again. Tuck your written message into an envelope on the page or on a tag that slips behind a photo.

Zippy - posted on 03/04/2009

I am not so big on journaling. If I write anything it's usually short and to the point!

Phyllis - posted on 03/03/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Is Journaling really necessary.

I hate it and I never know what to say. I wouldn't dare use my hand writing because it is terrible but yet type something and fit it on the page, any ideas.

Oh my gosh...journaling is probably more important than the right pics sometimes.  Think about some of the older family photos you've come across.  Look on the backside of some of them.  No information, no dates, not even a clue to who the photo is of or where photo was taken.  Worse case, nobody now living who can tell you anything about this picture.  Journaling is very difficult, I'll admit, however, is a real important step in completing your albums and pages.  You can purchase books that will inspire your story in your scrapbooks and you will be surprised at how quickly you'll pick up the habit.  I don't consider a scrapbook completely finished until I journal each page...especially with names and dates.  Your family will be so happy to review one of your albums later in life and they will be proud that you included all the important details.  Happy scrapping!!

Amy - posted on 03/02/2009

I think jounaling is very important because no one can tell your story but you and if you shouldn't be afaid of your writing this is your book and when you kids or family look at this later in life they might say I write just like her.  Just enjoy and keep it simple and write the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the pic or what you would say to someone you was showing it to.        

Hope this helps      Amy

Karen - posted on 03/02/2009

I usually leave journaling until my pages are completed,and then go back when I have time to think about what I might want to say. I can then also go back and print that out on the computer, but finding a balance of handwriting and typing is important. When my two boys go back and look through my albums, they don't have to ask me so many questions. They can read the who what where when and why :)

Cathy - posted on 03/02/2009

I love journaling. Even if it is just a simple Who, What, When and Where under each photo. My biggest issue lately is that the photos I am scrapping are of my son when he was very little which was 11 (almost 12) years ago!

I like the idea of journaling a simple quote or saying. Some times all you need are just a few words and I do think it's important for others to see your handwriting. Even if you don't think your handwriting is neat, 20 years from now, your loved ones will still think it's beautiful!

Leslie - posted on 03/01/2009

When trying to journal, think of this. If a stranger was to pick up your scrapbook, they should be able to look at it and not ask any of these questions, Who is this, where are you, what are you doing, ane when was it. Your own penmanship is so important. Think of people close to you, your grandmother, mother, friend, grown child, if they left you a note and did not sign it you would know who wrote it by their hand writing. I have hear of people scrapping a deceased loved ones recipe cards because of the hand writing, is it so personal. It is kind of like someones own smell. It is a memory.

If I have a lot to say, I type it. If not a lot of journaling I hand write it.

Cassidey - posted on 03/01/2009

in the scrapbooks I have made, I do not journal a lot b/c I have so many different items to help make us remember the days I'm putting in the book ... however, it is necessary when u have a story to tell when u have a picture of a loved one that has passed away and you want to remember something they said, that's when it would be necessary. also, anything on the "firsts" - first day of school, first bday party, first time walking, etc...

hope that helps :)

Sandi - posted on 03/01/2009

Often I will just do the who what where and when on a sticky note and then go back when I am in a journalling mood and make it look nice on the page... but those details really make it fun when looking through the finished books.

Mona - posted on 03/01/2009

I love the journalling on a page.  It truly turns your pictures into stories and your pages into art.  Sometimes I have a little difficulty with it but I  try to keep in mind that it's simply about putting words to the pictures.  I usually can remember some funny little story or comment made by someone in the picture and those are lots of fun to re-read and pass on to future generations. Don't get too caught up in trying to write the right things.  You're not "publishing" a book.... you're only wanting to let your children and their children know what the pictures are about.  Enjoy it and think about the smiles that will be on the faces of people years from now when they look at your pages.

User - posted on 03/01/2009

I sometimes struggle with knowing exactly what to say - I'm one of those perfectionists who tends to procrastinate rather than do something badly. But what, if I don't get the words exactly right it will ruin the page??? I've been trying to take the approach of simply pretending someone were sitting beside me looking at the page, either my daughter, or someone who wasn't there. Then I just write down what I would be telling them about the page anyway.

Amanda - posted on 03/01/2009

Most times I don't know what to say for the journaling, or maybe I didn't leave enough space in the layout. On all of my pages, I always write the date and other important information on the back, that way it's there if you ever need it, but (if you don't like your handwriting) you can still recall everything that made those pictures special enough to scrapbook. Sometimes I'll even write the whole story on the back.

Joy - posted on 02/28/2009

I read everyone replies and tend to agree with all of them. I was scrapbooking a album in memory of my mother who passed away in 2002. It took that long to be able to work on it without the tears and sorrow. But............. I came across a picture of me. I was bout 18 months old. On the back it said Joy Lynn is sure she wants her picture taken or not. She sure looks like a boy dont she. It was in my mothers writing. I was so glad to see her writing again. I also realized at that time that my mother and I have the same handwriting style. I am like you my handwriting is not the best but someone looking through one of my albums told me (without knowing my feelings about my handwriting) you have beautiful handwriting. I now journal more.  So dont worry about how it gets done just do it. However you feel comfortable.

Vickie - posted on 02/27/2009

Quoting Kelly:

Is Journaling really necessary.

I hate it and I never know what to say. I wouldn't dare use my hand writing because it is terrible but yet type something and fit it on the page, any ideas.

There are always quote stacks, sheets & pads that fit in well.  Or if someone has really good handwriting & has the time....

Typing on pretty stationary & then using decorative edge scissors also makes it look nicer. 

Katie Jo - posted on 02/27/2009

I love journaling.... my daughter always had me pick up the scrapbooks and read them.. but know she can read a few things and she now goes and picks up the books and reads things to her self....

SharlaAnn - posted on 02/27/2009

Quoting Valerie:

I, too, have been a hater of journaling.  I make myself do it just because I know years from now I will appreciate it (and so will others).  Sometimes I feel so silly writing the same things about trips to the zoo - "it was a fun day...  blah blah blah!"  I HATE my handwriting so I always type it up using a text box in Word, makes it really easy to adjust the size.  I love printing out my journeling on vellum!  

Now that my children are starting to write sentences sometimes I have them write a blurb. Its great having a sample of their handwriting in my scrapbooks.   I've also started doing lists, for example  Top Ten List, List of Favorites, etc.  It's more fun for me because I'm including everyone, not just my take on an event.    I encourage you to figure out a way to journal, even if it's just a little more!

My 2 oldest do my journaling! Works great and adds a little something special to the page. Also Close to my heart has journaling prompts that are really cool

Amber - posted on 02/24/2009

I agree with everything else that has already been said, but would add that if you don't want to see the journaling, you can always hide it somewhere in your layout. Then it's there when you need it and out sight when you don't. Maybe then you wouldn't feel like it's detracting from your LO. I hide journaling behind pics all the time because I want the photos to be the star, but then I have the story available and not forgotten. It's the best of both worlds!

April - posted on 02/23/2009

I don't like my hand writting either.  I just do my page  and then write every thing I want to remember on the back of the page.   If at any time I need to know the date or some thing I just take the page out of the book and look at the back!

Crystal - posted on 02/23/2009

Journaling is VERY important!!! Think about your family in the future when you pass the album on. How will they know the story being told in the photos?? You don't need to write a novel, but I say add a caption under a photo, or a small journal box to your page. And don't worry about your handwriting. Again, when your grandchildren (or whoever inherits the album) sees your writing- no matter how neat or legible- it will be special because you wrote it. Its like getting a letter in the mail, if you look at the envelople you know who sent it by the handwriting.. its your trademark. I know many of us do the typing on our pages, and that is fine if you are writing a story or trying to save space on your page, but I think you writing in your album is more personal for when you pass the album along.. Happy Journaling!! = )

Vickie - posted on 02/23/2009

I always write the date, names & a little info on the backs of photos.  Or I'll use pre-made letters, quotes, scripts, etc.

I also put a small number sticker under the spine in the front cover, so if anyone ever wants to look at the albums in chronological order, they are all numbered.

Linda - posted on 02/21/2009

YES! journaling is the most inportant part of your Story...Think about down the road, you may not be around but those albums will be. The people looking at them need to know what was happening and who was that in those pictures. You can't imagine how many old photos I have collected and no one in my family can remember who it is. Don't worry about your handwriting, that is part of you1 It is your gift to your children and the future of your family!

Amy - posted on 02/20/2009

Hi!  Yes, journaling is a must!  I don't really care for my own handwriting either, but, it's mine and something that after I'm gone will be recongnizable!  Journaling is an important way to preserve the memories, including who's in the pics, for future generations.  If you don't have anything major to say, try and figure out a way to include a quote or something revelant to the page, and a date, plus names of ppl in it that aren't well known (like not your kids or whatever.)  It may seem like a hassle now but you'll be happy later that you did it :-)  Good luck!

Dawn - posted on 02/20/2009

I love Journaling... I mean I just think about when my boys grow up and take their books with them they can look in it and read what we were doing or who we were with. I also believe it would mean so much more if they can look in and see my Handwriting. I have also been known to finish a page and left a journaling box on there for when I figure out what to say!!!!!

Esther - posted on 02/20/2009

As a former Creative Memories consultant, I used to hear this concern all the time! Personally, I love writing and therefore journaling has never been an issue for me. But there are plenty of ways for you to journal even if you don't enjoy it. Like someone else said, you don't have to write a long story. Just stick to the who, when, what of the photos. Also, perhaps just do one journaling blurb per page instead of feeling like you need to write about every photo.



I agree with Tina - even though you don't like your handwriting, it is something that is YOURS and your kids will love to read it and know that you were the one to write it. So at least do some of just your handwriting. You could also use high quality paper and type up journaling for some of your pages (maybe do a longer blurb and include a summary of several events) and then cut up those blurbs and space them out throughout your album. Your album will mean so much more to your kids when they are older if you have some journaling in it. You can also write a letter to them - perhaps at each birthday, highlighting some of your favorite memories with them that year, some of the things they are doing developmentally, etc. That would be very special to them. Your kids won't care, 10 years from now, if you spent an hour making a super-crafty page or used the latest and cutest stickers. What they will care about is the photos & the words you've written. Everything else is just extras. Good luck!

~Esther

http://meaningfulalbums.blogspot.com

Tina - posted on 02/20/2009

I am not a big fan of journaling either and I do not like my handwriting. I used to type of everything. Lately I have been trying to hand write more things. I know how much I appreciate looking at old things that my mom or grandma has written and figure my kids will appreciate having my writing more than the computers.  :)

Tina - posted on 02/20/2009

I am not a big fan of journaling either and I do not like my handwriting. I used to type of everything. Lately I have been trying to hand write more things. I know how much I appreciate looking at old things that my mom or grandma has written and figure my kids will appreciate having my writing more than the computers.  :)

Peggy - posted on 02/20/2009

I think journaling is totally worth while. and you should do it in your own hand writing once in a while because that way when you are gone your kids will have a record of your hand writing.

Angela - posted on 02/20/2009

I know what you mean, I have a hard time sometimes.  I usually just put what I remember about the event in my own words & handwriting.  I don't have the best penmanship but looking back on albums the memories are there.   I have done printing on several occasions & it does make for a cleaner look.  My boys have enjoyed reading what I have journaled in our Disney album, so I am glad I took the time to do. 

Marta - posted on 02/20/2009

Have you ever looked at your parents photo album and wonder who these people are; that were important enough to make it to their album, and how they touched your parents hearts? Thats why I journal, hating every minute of it for the same reasons that you do.

Sheri - posted on 02/19/2009

I have come across photo albums that I was really enjoying but I could not figure out who the people were and from what year the pictures were from, it was sad to me. I have found that over the past 14 yrs of SB'ing lots of people even pro-SBer's are not always faithful about journaling but most know it is important. I hope we do find the time to at least do a who, when and where. I, too do not like my writing. So I use the computer on most stuff but i will write somethings as I find it really neat reading my families past letters and writings. I hope you will too.

Christine - posted on 02/19/2009

How about using those little tags?  The ones of cut slips of paper, about 1/8 inch wide, 1/4 inch long?  Multiple tags?  Just do a date, a place, your feelings, thoughts.  I almost always do a journaling box because it's important for ME to know that when I'm gone, my family will always know what the date was, the event, who was there, and what we did.  I think it's important to use your own writing because that's about all that's our own in SB'ing anymore.  Everything else is digital or Cricut. 

Michelle - posted on 02/19/2009

I have to journal - I might forget why I snapped that picture or made that page if I don't. Plus, the journaling will tell my daughter the story that's on the page. I'll ask my Mom if she remembers something (and most of the time she won't) and I want my daughter to know the quirky and funny things she did if my memory starts to go too.

Ayrin - posted on 02/18/2009

Hi, like you and many others I don't like to journal and I hate my handwriting. I'm not going to tell you that you need to do it and down the road you will regret it if you don't. I see many others have done that. This is what I have found to work for me. I put down the important dates, names, places and things like that. Things I won't remember in the years to come. For all the cutsy sayings I have found several good quote books. Some are specific to kids and babies others have quotes, sayings, poems. etc for all types of topics. These books have been so helpful to me. Anyway, I hope this helps. Good luck.

Julie - posted on 02/18/2009

You don't need to write a novelette if you don't want to. Sometimes, short captions and basic info (where and when) descriptions are quite adequate. You shouldn't be ashamed of your handwriting either. Think of it as physical proof you existed and made the scrapbook pages. Any one can type words and glue it in but only you have your own unique script, regardless if you like it or not.

Lisa - posted on 02/18/2009

Journaling is very important, and like some of the other moms have said - you don't have to journal a story on every page.  A simple sentence is sometimes all that is needed.  I tend also to mix it up, some of my own writing and some computer printed.

Cherry - posted on 02/18/2009

I love journalising! If you just cant think of what to write, or how to word what you want to say, You can always Google quotes or poems or sayings! If you want to write about your baby's first steps for example just google "quotes on Baby and /or Babys first steps". You will be amazed at the variety you will find! You can then handwrite them or print them off for your page! Also I find myself tearing out nice quotes from the newspaper or magazines to ues, or asking people what they would say about the page so far! Use you imagination! :P

Lisa - posted on 02/18/2009

Journaling is very important, and like some of the other moms have said - you don't have to journal a story on every page.  A simple sentence is sometimes all that is needed.  I tend also to mix it up, some of my own writing and some computer printed.

Valerie - posted on 02/18/2009

I, too, have been a hater of journaling.  I make myself do it just because I know years from now I will appreciate it (and so will others).  Sometimes I feel so silly writing the same things about trips to the zoo - "it was a fun day...  blah blah blah!"  I HATE my handwriting so I always type it up using a text box in Word, makes it really easy to adjust the size.  I love printing out my journeling on vellum!  

Now that my children are starting to write sentences sometimes I have them write a blurb. Its great having a sample of their handwriting in my scrapbooks.   I've also started doing lists, for example  Top Ten List, List of Favorites, etc.  It's more fun for me because I'm including everyone, not just my take on an event.    I encourage you to figure out a way to journal, even if it's just a little more!

Karen - posted on 02/18/2009

I feel strongly that you should really journal. Not every page needs elaborate journaling if you're not up to it, but any special page really deserves it. The main reason I journal is that a picture doesn't always tell the story. For example, I have a picture of my son sitting on the rocking chair that my grandparents gave me when I was one. Without the journaling, that part of the story would be lost and it would just be him in a chair. Also, just like Stacey, I have things from my grandparents and parents that I cherish because they are handwritten. And your children will do the same no matter how messy you think your writing is! :-) Good luck and have fun with it!!

Stacey - posted on 02/18/2009

I too do not like to journal, however, my girlfriends twist my arm when we all get together. I look back on books I have done and I can not remember some of the details that I thought I would. As to handwriting vs printing it out, I use both because handwriting is as much of a memory as the memory itself. I do not handwrite all the time but I do on occasion, because I have things of my parents and grandparents that I cherish because they wrote it.

Good Luck

Donna - posted on 02/18/2009

I used to wonder too, but I have found out now after completing books with journaling, everyone, including myself enjoy a photo album a lot more and this way when you get older and our memory starts to fade, its written there for us to remember. An option is to use the handwriting font and by using a text box in your word program you can make the size that you need. Also when printing it off, use a more colorful paper to match your page so that the journalling doesn't dominate the page.