Wednesday, August 26, 2009

At the Playground



I just completed this little mini-book featuring the photos I took at the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Memorial Peace Garden playground in Rockville, MD. We had such a wonderful time with Charlie that day. He had fun running from swings to slide to jungle gym and of course numerous trips to the water fountain. Papa did all of the chasing while I took all of the pictures. The little book is made using only cardstock and two A2 sized envelopes (for the covers). The pages are stamped with various tree stamps. My friend, the clever and inventive Carolyn Dewey, shared a little book with me that she had made , and I couldn't wait to make one for us. I printed the photographs from my computer in wallet size which is the perfect size for a small mini-book project. I've decided that a basket or wooden box on the coffee table filled with "one event" little scrapbooks is the way to go.

NOTE: Mattie J.T. Stepanek was a remarkable boy. He suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy. In the course of his life, a mere 14 years, he was able to accomplish many things in the name of peace. He wanted to be remembered as "a poet, a peacemaker and a philosopher who played". If you had a chance to see any of the interviews with Mattie, or read any of his books of poetry, you couldn't help but have your heart touched by this remarkable young man. You can hear about the Peace Garden here and there is much more information to be found by Googling Mattie's name. Every bench surrounding the playground area is inscribed with one of Mattie's inspiring quotes. After we finished playing, we walked over to the display which included an audio presentation in Mattie's own voice. It made both of us cry to hear his voice again. I'm so glad we had a chance to visit here and we thank God for our healthy little Charlie!

13 comments:

marie said...

Oh Mattie was such an inspiring little boy! I didn't know he had a memorial garden in Rockville....I've been trying to think of something fun to do this fall with the babies. My DIL Jacqi is always looking for good photo ops. This sounds like just the thing to do!! Thanks for sharing it.
And I love the idea of these little mini books. Thanks for sharing that too!

LaurieStar said...

Hi Joyce -

Just wanted to tell you that I love your new picture! You are very photogenic!
I also agree that little mini books are the best! There is no pressure to do so much - just one focus and you're done! I love yours.

karenshopes said...

What a lovely way to remember a special day out.
Karen

mimi said...

Your little book turned out so cute!!! It is such a clever idea and I love the way you made it so simple to focus on the pictures. Great job!!!
xoxoxo
Mimi~
Oh and by the way Charlie gets cuter with each picture :)

Anonymous said...

What a sweet way to remember such a special day! I love the trees in the book...all nature! Charlie is such a little dream boat!

Mimi Sue said...

I saw Mattie on Oprah a couple of times. What that mom went through! I think she lost another child to the same thing. Too much! Love your book. My daughter likes to make something similar for vacations and birthdays and such. Great idea. Mimi

Lulu at Home said...

Hi Joyce~
Such a lovely little memory that you've recorded here. You've done a great job with it too!
PS~ Your new photo is smashing!

Linda said...

Joyce,
I did not know Mattie has a playground. I have his books and loved seeing him on Oprah. He was SO wise, and so dear! I bet he smiles down and watches the little ones play! Your book is great, and Charlie is as cute as ever! Linda

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Oh my goodness...does the cuteness ever end?!!! The book AND Charlie! I'm in love with this idea. You did such a great job. I'm excited to check into this little Mattie. He sounds like a remarkable person.
Also...LOVE, LOVE the stamp sets below. I DID go over and look at the gallery. A-Dorable! Your sister and BIL are going to LOVE your card.
Your new pic is beautiful Joyce! Great choice.
Also, I'm starting on the paperdolls this week. Thanks for being patient. : )
Take care,
Mary Lou

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

P.S. Yes, I did make the ottoman cover. Your response to it made my day. I worked on that thing for months. Slipcovers are way harder than they appear. But I was happy with the outcome. : )

Unknown said...

Hi Joyce, I will mail out your images in about 2 weeks. I did not know that I am in a tag swap. Where should I go to find out about it? I know I made an inquiry with the lady who posted your Sweet Christmas Tag swap, is it her? It sounds like such fun, I truly am becoming a paper lover since discovering your beautiful work! Also, thanks for the clip art button! E

Unknown said...

Joyce, Now I am just plain bugging you! I am on the list to participate! I am beyond excited! I will send your images to you very soon. I am going to keep the rest to use in this swap. How fortuitous that I happened to have so many copied. Whew! You will see that your comment has been deleted to avoid confusion. E

Anonymous said...

I remember hearing Mattie's story on the Oprah show. He was and continues to be such an inspiration.

I love the idea of "one event" little scrapbooks. It makes the whole idea of scrapbooking a little less overwhelming for someone like me. The stamps you used on this are so cute! As is that sweet little grandson of yours. What a special day!

Oh, and your new profile photo is so pretty!!!

~xoBekah

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