Ten Things I Learned About Scrapbooking from My Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soaring High by Eva Kiplerby Linda Sattgast

On September 4, 2013 I turned 60. To celebrate, I reserved passage on a hot air balloon ride, since I felt it would be fun and symbolic at the same time. I plan to soar in my sixties, so why not jump start my new decade by soaring via hot air balloon?

Along the way I learned 10 lessons that apply to scrapbooking. See if you agree with my ruminations:

• Don’t be afraid to try the unknown. I had never been ballooning before, so I was naturally concerned about safety in the air and safety while landing. Would my balloon capsize upon touching ground again? I needn’t have worried. The pilot had 30 years of experience, and our flight was flawless.

Similarly, digital scrapbooking can be intimidating at first. You may be nervous about learning a new technique or posting your first page in the gallery, but if you’ll just do it, you’ll find that it isn’t so bad. In fact, it can be downright encouraging to get a comment or two on your page in the gallery!

Soaring High by Eva Kipler• Encourage or challenge a friend. I wasn’t thinking about a balloon ride until my friend suggested it. The first time she said something, I pretty much dismissed it in my mind, but the second time she mentioned it, I decided it was something we could do together.

Maybe you can be the one who encourages someone else to try digital scrapbooking or take a class. They’ll thank you for it!

• Pair up with a friend. If you’ve never done something before, doing it with a friend will help insure that it actually gets done, because you’ll motivate each other.

This is true in just about any area of life, including scrapbooking. If you don’t have a friend nearby, try inviting someone online to set a goal with you or take a class with you. You’ll help hold each other accountable.

• Turn your wishes into reality. If I hadn’t looked online, found a good company, and signed up to go, I would still be “thinking about doing it” rather than crossing it off my bucket list.

As scrapbookers, action is required to create a page or an album. Make a list of what needs to be done to get started on that project of yours that you’ve been meaning to do forever, and then start working on the first step you need to do.

Soaring High by Eva Kipler• Find people who know how to do what you want to do. I checked around to find a hot air balloon company I could trust and relied heavily on reviews from satisfied customers. That was the fastest and easiest way for me to get where I wanted to go: safely up in the air and back in a hot air balloon.

Sometimes in scrapbooking, when you have a desire to learn something new, the least painful way of learning it just might be to take a class from an instructor who can teach you, and who comes highly recommended by their students.

• Getting started takes the most energy. It was fascinating to watch the procedure of getting the hot air balloon ready for flight. The balloon had to be laid out on the ground over a tarp, while the basket was on its side. Regular air was introduced via two giant fans, and then a torch filled the balloon with hot air, which made the balloon rise and tip the basket upright. We climbed aboard, and then more hot air lifted us off the ground.

Once we were in the air, the pilot used occasional bursts of hot air to keep us airborne, and used a little bit more if he wanted to take us higher.

In scrapbooking, the greatest energy you’ll expend is at the beginning. Once you learn the basics, it’ll take much less energy to learn additional scrapbooking skills.

Soaring High by Eva Kipler• Help is greatly appreciated. The hot air balloon crew consisted of a pilot who flew with us and two ground crew members who followed us by van and communicated with the pilot when necessary. My daughter Allison rode along with them and was my one person ground crew for taking photos of my balloon ride. She never complained that she didn’t get to go ballooning with me, and I so appreciated the great photos she took.

Our Digital Scrapper Forum moderators and more experienced members are like ground crew who help others out by answering questions, and it’s truly appreciated by the ones who need help!

• Effort is required to soar higher. The pilot would turn a handle every so often and fire up the burners to send more hot air into the balloon. He couldn’t just do it once at the beginning and expect to get to a greater height.

So it is with scrapbooking. Don’t ever stop learning and growing. Once in awhile infuse your scrapbooking with new vitality by learning something new.

2013-0910-blog-img5• The view is great from above! It was amazing to soar above the vineyards and orange groves as the sun streamed over the horizon. Our giant balloon shadow followed along on the ground below.

How does this relate to scrapbooking? When you get past the basics and learn new tricks and skills, your confidence soars. Ideas flow, resulting in pages you’re proud to display in galleries. It’s very satisfying to cover new territory from a different perspective.

• Community is a by-product of the adventure. We went ballooning with an interesting group of people. Although the balloon launched from Temecula, California, the passengers were from as far away as New York.

I especially enjoyed talking with two gentlemen who sat with us at the breakfast table after the flight. We had just finished a balloon ride together, so we had that in common—but there was a lot more we found out about each other through our conversation over breakfast.

Community is one of the great things about scrapbooking. It’s not only a place where we share the love of scrapbooking, but we get to enjoy learning interesting things about other people from their scrapbook pages or from their comments in the Forum. It’s a place of acceptance and encouragement. I like that!

Whether or not you ever go ballooning, you can still cover new territory in scrapbooking—if you’re willing to be a little adventuresome!

2013-0910-blog-img6

 

Credits:
Photos are property of Linda Sattgast
Elements are from Soaring High by Eva Kipler

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Comments (38)

  1. Lorna Schreck

    Dear Linda,
    Thank you for the ten life and scrap lessons you wove into such a delightful story. I live in the Sonoma Valley in northern California – and spent years watching balloons go up and down and float all around the wine county. My office overlooked their landing areas and my drive to work carried me well above the valley floor. So many mornings were spent stopping to capture the soaring thrill of the strangers looking down at me. In all those years, I never met or even knew of anyone who actually hopped into the basket and took off. The same has been true for my scrapbooking – I have watched, learned and have been too busy to do. I guess I just needed the friendly nudge from a mentor (you) who has diligently worked at teaching me and guiding me. Now it’s my turn to step up to the scrap basket and get some layouts made.

    And if it must be said, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – CONGRATULATIONS on making the flight!

    September 8, 2013 at 2:13 am Reply
    • I found it just as fascinating to watch the other balloons as to be in one myself! I do hope you will make some layouts. Make it easy and start with a template!

      September 10, 2013 at 3:39 pm Reply
  2. I so enjoyed reading about your adventure, congratulations for taking control and just doing it!

    September 8, 2013 at 9:11 pm Reply
  3. Dear Linda…

    Happy Belated Birthday!!! What a way to celebrate!

    Thanks so much for your words of wisdom and inspiration. Have a wonderful day!

    elaine j

    September 9, 2013 at 12:08 pm Reply
  4. Andrea Graves

    Linda,

    I love how you are always able to apply your life experiences to wonderful life lessons, and tie it in with your passion of scrapbooking. I love that you want to soar into your 60’s. You’re such an inspiring lady! I hope you had an awesome birthday!

    xoxo

    September 9, 2013 at 10:54 pm Reply
  5. totally terrific Linda, love the photos and the thought of doing something so fun like this on a special birthday!

    September 10, 2013 at 5:15 am Reply
  6. Jan Nichols

    Great story, loved reading about your adventure….but you should not be lying about your age….you are not 60 years old….no way…you look to be 46 years old if that !!!!
    Keep the spirit, you are only as old as you act. May we all slide into home base well worn after having the time of our life for how ever many years we are granted.

    September 10, 2013 at 8:42 am Reply
    • Ha! Ha! You know how to make a girl feel good! I have to stay as young as possible because my husband is several years younger than I am, and people keep mistaking him for our son’s brother!!!

      September 10, 2013 at 3:41 pm Reply
  7. Karen Hugo

    Linda, I enjoyed reading your blog and all you learned about scrapbooking while up in the air. My husband and I took a hot air balloon ride in 2004 and loved it! That morning we were there at 5:30 AM to watch them ready the balloon, then on board and up we went. It was absolutely awesome! We were in Albuquerque at the FMCA Rally when we took our balloon ride. It was over way too quick. I did scrapbook 2 pages (paper back then). I too had a friend who got up and took pictures for us (not as good as yours though). Thanks for posting and Happy 60th Birthday.

    Karen

    September 10, 2013 at 8:55 am Reply
    • I’ll have to try some other locations, like Albuquerque. I’m sure each one has its own beauty.

      September 10, 2013 at 3:42 pm Reply
  8. Lynda

    Ahhh sixty! I turned into that decade one year ago and celebrated by going to Paris for the first time and taking on new creative activities…scrapping &photoshop and posting my first page. I scrapped a page about it for the Art of blending class going on. I love the class, your encouraging teaching style and the digital scrapper community. Happy birthday Linda and thank you for sharing your gifts!

    September 10, 2013 at 9:39 am Reply
    • Wow! I need to take a lesson from you on how to REALLY celebrate! I’ve been to Paris, but only briefly. I’ve been thinking about Hawaii or Australia…

      I’m glad you’re enjoying The Art of Blending class!

      September 10, 2013 at 3:43 pm Reply
  9. Brigitta (Scrapgirl)

    Hi Linda

    Oh Wow! what a great way to celebrate your birthday. This ballooning adventure sounds like it was worth all the anxiety and worry. Your daughter Allison did a fantastic job taking those photos. Can’t wait till you post some more of them.
    I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your wonderful Video Tutorials and lessons. Keep them coming.I have learnt so much from these in a short space of time.

    I also wish you a Happy Belated Birthday.

    Kindest Regards
    Brigitta (Scrapgirl)

    September 10, 2013 at 9:45 am Reply
    • Thank you, Brigitta. I’m glad you enjoy my tutorials. 🙂

      September 10, 2013 at 3:44 pm Reply
  10. Bev

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDA!
    You most certainly do NOT look your age. I’m glad you did something you have always wanted to do and had such an enjoyable experience. Thanks for sharing it with us. I was just talking about hot air balloons yesterday with a friend–remembering in the 70s when I would be waked up on a Saturday morning by the Whoooshhh of one flying over my house. My Irish Setter would start barking excitedly, and I would run outside to watch it go by. They are so beautiful to watch. Maybe I’ll take a ride some day!

    September 10, 2013 at 10:05 am Reply
    • Oh, yes—you must! They are really amazing!

      September 10, 2013 at 3:45 pm Reply
  11. Jobascraps

    Happy birthday Linda. I am honored and blessed to be one of your students .I’ve taken every class offered at digital scrapper and love love being a premier member .

    September 10, 2013 at 2:11 pm Reply
    • Why thank you, Joanne! And I love seeing your smiling face in class. You are always such a good participant, which is a joy for a teacher. 🙂

      September 10, 2013 at 3:46 pm Reply
  12. Cecile St John

    Happy Birthday Linda,

    At 60 I was too busy traveling for work to take on new hobbies, but I did go parasailing with my grandchildren and loved it. I imagine, having watched the balloon flights in Colorado Springs that ballooning is also a great way to celebrate. I’m glad yo had a chance to try it. I hope you will continue to try new things. I do. I didn’t try scrapbooking until this year (I’m now 75) and I love it. I especially love your clearly explained and documented classes. Please keep them coming.

    September 10, 2013 at 2:38 pm Reply
    • Congratulations for trying new things—especially digital scrapbooking at 75! That is SO awesome! You’re an inspiration.

      September 10, 2013 at 3:48 pm Reply
  13. RuthAnn

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDA! Sounds like you had a wonderful flight. Looked like a perfect day for flying high! Also Happy Birthday to Digital Scrapper, too! I really enjoy being part of this great website and all the friendly, supportive and helpful people. Love you classes too Linda – learn so much.

    September 10, 2013 at 5:35 pm Reply
    • Thanks, RuthAnn! Thanks for being part of our “party!”

      September 16, 2013 at 7:06 pm Reply
  14. Donna

    Happy, happy Birthday! You really are an inspiration! I have never thought of trying to cross off a “bucket list” item to celebrate a birthday–another year of being alive. Now that I am in my later 60’s I really understand that one more year is indeed a reason to celebrate. Anyway, congratulations on your successful balloon flight and your new experience!
    I also would like to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful instructor you are. I love your courses and have taken several since 2010 when I started scrapping. I would recommend them to anyone! Your website also offers much encouragement to beginners! I loved that! I wish you much success, and many more fun experiences in the future.

    September 10, 2013 at 5:51 pm Reply
    • Awww! (blushing) Thanks, Donna! We love beginners, divas, and everyone in between!

      September 16, 2013 at 7:08 pm Reply
  15. NotEnufTime2

    Happy Birthday Linda! What a fun way to celebrate! I’ve got 3 years yet to decide what I want to do for my 60th, but I hope it’ll be as adventurous as yours. 🙂

    September 10, 2013 at 8:13 pm Reply
  16. Mary

    Linda . . .
    Well, it certainly sounds like you celebrated your 60th (are you sure you’re sixty?)in a fabulous way! Mine is coming up next year, and you’ve given me inspiration to try a new experience. I so enjoyed reading your blog about your adventure and how you tied it into scrapbooking. You are certainly a cheerleader when it comes to motivation. Taking your Art of Blending class has given me the opportunity to try things I never would have done! The only filters I’ve used up to this point have been in my coffee machine. You obviously enjoy what you do and it shows in the quality of your work.
    Cheers!
    Mary (cheerio54)

    September 10, 2013 at 9:45 pm Reply
    • I love your coffee filter analogy! That’s a hoot! And may I say that you are creating awesome work in the Art of Blending class! Keep up the good work. 🙂

      September 16, 2013 at 7:09 pm Reply
  17. CrimsonCrow

    Happy Birthday, Linda. Thank you for all you have given me, with your talent, creativity, teaching skills, business savvy and personal insights. You are so bright, in so many ways and inspire me on many levels.

    September 11, 2013 at 9:10 am Reply
    • Thank you, CrimsonCrow. II’m glad to have been an influence for good in your life, as you are to others.

      September 16, 2013 at 7:11 pm Reply
  18. Kathy

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Linda!! What a joyful ride for your celebration!! I wish I knew that you were so close (Temecula is about 30-45 minutes away – depending on traffic!), I would have driven down to meet you and take more pics!! Alison did an amazing job – great pictures!! Great Experience!!

    September 11, 2013 at 10:06 am Reply
    • Oh, wouldn’t that have been grand?! Next time I’ll have to spread the word before I go!

      September 16, 2013 at 7:12 pm Reply
  19. Danita

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINDA!
    How many young people would like to be as active as you are. I’ll be 67 next month and I really started enjoying life at 60, having more freedom to do things I like, when I want. I love your classes. You convey your passion for things. Keep on being as young as you are now for very many years.

    September 12, 2013 at 6:02 am Reply
    • Thanks Danita–it’s nice to hear that the road is still good a little further along! Actually, I don’t think we baby boomers will ever just lie down and give up. Ha!

      September 16, 2013 at 7:13 pm Reply
  20. Nannette

    What an inspiration you are Linda… in so many ways! I loved reading about your adventure….keep going!

    September 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm Reply
    • Thank you Nann! And you are an inspiration to me, too with your marvelous Digi Scrap Tutorials! Love them!

      September 16, 2013 at 7:14 pm Reply
  21. Thejage

    I, too, found my first (only) balloon ride to be fascinating! I loved it so much that i want to do it again. Fortunately, our son was with the ground crew and had some amazing photos. It was such a thrill-ride that I made of video of the trip (from above and below), so now I just have to slip the cd in a player to enjoy it again – – until my next ride!
    Congratulations on making it to the big 60, Linda! I wish you many more years of happiness, health and the enjoyment of close family and friends.

    Lots of love –

    September 16, 2013 at 8:58 am Reply
    • Nice to meet a fellow balloonist! I do think I’ll do it again someday. Maybe when I’m 70? Or maybe I should try sky diving next time. Tee Hee!

      September 16, 2013 at 7:15 pm Reply
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