Decorating a Junk Journal- Favorites PLUS Three New Elements

[@anaghahonnemadi3436]

I don’t know about others but for me your voice is your USP Kathleen.. there is both calmness and assertiveness .. that’s what attracts me to your videos! I feel you do you! Very valuable tips in this video.. Thanks for sharing 🤗❤️

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Anu! I’m glad.

[@kerynokeeffe9133]

Wonderful video, Kathleen! Thank you! You have prepared so well beforehand, the time taken for the video was packed full of ideas and decorating tips! Well done! Always with you from start to finish. 😘😀💞

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Keryn! I love having you with me - always!

[@ginah9338]

I thoroughly enjoyed you calm voice and your creativity. I am glad you mentioned about you didn't feel your journal was enough, i felt the same way towards mine and i thought, i would continue to embellish it and now i love it! I loved listening to this video while I was creating as well! please continue to create more of this content.Excellent job!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Gina!

[@victoriadavis4339]

Not sure why But that whispering is bothering me🤷‍♀️ Perhaps bc others are so loud But Love the Journal

[@PositiveThanksLiving]

Wow - thanks so much for the idea of using regular “kids” chalk! 🙌 And napkin bits! I love your gentle yet brilliant ideas. Such a helpful video. Thank you. ~ 🩵 ~ Lori

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Lori! I’m so glad you found some inspiration this morning!

[@elainet5870]

So lovely watching your process, Kathleen! Thanks for sharing! 😃❤️

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Elaine!

[@thebudgetbee9694]

I loved watching you use your stencils. I've never stenciled in that way and directly on old ephemera before. Thank you for sharing! I will try to follow your example and think outside the box more. I'm really inspired!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hooray for inspiration! I’m very glad…have fun crafting. Thanks so much for stopping in!

[@eviegorecki5356]

I enjoyed watching you decorate your journal. It's always inspiring ❤. I do appreciate your pre-planning before the video 😊.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad Evie! I hope you got a new idea here and I always appreciate your watchtime!

[@noreenlawlor3700]

Great ideas Kathleen. Helped me enormously. Love the faded vintage look of your gorgeous journal. You've another fan of your creations. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Noreen! I’m glad to hear it. Welcome!

[@2011bebu]

What a beautiful journal! Thanks for sharing your process with us. I love that you had everything right there and ready to go. Being prepared helps hold the viewer’s interest. Love this journal and your video!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Carolyn! I appreciate you!

[@XenobiaF]

@@BeAgainBooksI agree. I appreciate how organized you are. There are lots of channels where the creator goes through every step. Those channels are great for beginners, but I don’t want to watch someone digging through a pile of things, cutting and inking everything. So, thank you.

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@XenobiaF I’m so glad the video was helpful and pleasant to watch! Thanks so much for your feedback!

[@iikidzmomMine]

Thank you so much for this, Kathleen! Your journals are such works of art, and it’s great to see the “back story” ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you enjoyed it Paige! Thanks so much for watching!

[@LynneWilliams101]

So pleased that your video appeared in my feed. This has been lovely to watch and greatly appreciate all of your pre-prep work! A warm thank you from Canada. ☺

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad it was helpful Lynne! Thank you! I hope you’ll come back.

[@EnolaLee49]

Amazing how your "junk journal's" don't look like junk!!! They are pleasingly beautiful to the eye. Love your work, very inspiring 💖

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@EnolaLee49 Thank you so much! I’m glad you came by!

[@susansullivan5203]

Your voice is so soothing and I learned so many new things. Thank you !!

[@bonnielipke1962]

Very nice Kathleen ❤... I'm always inspired by you! Hugs

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Bonnie! I’m glad to hear that! Bigger hugs!

[@rosarieramon1081]

I enjoyed your video very much. You were so organized, having everything ready to glue on to the pages. The colors were beautiful. I loved the last window envelope tug, so easy. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Rosarie! I appreciate your comment and am happy you got something out of the video! Thanks for watching.

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Kathleen your journal is beautiful! I love your delicate style. Definitely an inspiration! Thank you.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Sheila!

[@dawnklein106]

For leftovers this is all fabulous, as usual. Thanks for sharing!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Dawn!

[@wendymanning9617]

Really enjoyed watching your process and thanks for the ideas.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Wendy!

[@helencantimagine]

Thank you, Kathleen, for an informative video beginning to end. Beautiful work!

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@helencantimagine Thanks very much Helen!

[@chevynovascotia3301]

I never thought of sanding the shiny paper for the glue to stick, what a great idea

[@BeAgainBooks]

I'm so glad to inspire you - thanks so much for watching!

[@ericastannard2635]

Hi Kathleen! You just popped up today & I’m so glad you did! Your style is so unique & I love that! Your color palette is delightful & the envelope ideas are just fabulous! I have given you a thumbs up & have subscribed, thanks so much! I look forward to seeing more from you! Erica❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Welcome!! Thank you for subscribing Erica! I’m glad I popped up and that you liked the video. Thanks so much for watching.

[@gloriadedet5027]

Love the way you use pieces of napkin. I just learned four different pockets and tucks. I also appreciate that you have your elements prepared.

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad to hear it Gloria! Thanks so much for watching.

[@littlegoldiesbooks]

Wonderful tips! You are a real artist.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Peggy - so kind!

[@mzo707x]

I love your work your journals are my goals 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@mzo707x Aww - that’s so kind! Thank you very much!

[@MonicasCraftyCorner]

I just learned soooo, so much in that short amount of time! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome! I’m happy it was helpful!

[@snicksnick1]

Love your process and the final product! Thank you

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much!

[@southernbiscuits1275]

Kathleen, this was a beautiful video full of ideas and inspiration! Your color scheme throughout this journal is different and very lovely. The colors are a bit more than your typical soft pastels but not bold by any means. Your combinations of pieces to make clusters was also great because you did not indulge in overused images. I'll be coming back to this video for ideas for future projects. Thank you!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that it might be inspirational in the future! Thanks for watching.

[@flightyrambler8650]

I enjoyed your process! Great tips and techniques. New subscriber here 🤩🤩🤩

[@BeAgainBooks]

Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by and appreciate your support!

[@vickipackham7357]

Your voice is so calming, I could listen to you all day. I took several photos of your journal so I can try some of these things too. You do beautiful work. Thank you.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Aw - thanks so much Vicki! I’m so glad to be helpful. Have fun crafting!

[@TwilaSue]

Thanks for an awesome video. I learned a ton! Really enjoyed the other two ladies videos as well. Have a blessed week!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad you think so Twila! Thanks so much for watching.

[@havingalotafun]

Yes I learned a lot of inspiring ideas. Your voice is soothing to listen to and you're a good teacher

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@havingalotafun Aw - thank you very much! I’m glad the video is useful.

[@mindybeveridge8377]

I loved this video. I discovered several great ideas by watching. Thank you

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Mindy! Thanks for watching!

[@sharenbell2518]

Enjoy watching you create….ideas….for me…

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@sharenbell2518 I’m glad Sharon. Thanks for watching!

[@TrashyTreasyours]

Great ideas! Oh junk journaling is so therapeutic and relaxing ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@TrashyTreasyours Oh, I so agree! Thank you so much for coming by!

[@TrashyTreasyours]

@@BeAgainBooks Absolutely ❤️

[@bettylongshore9594]

Kathleen, this is a beautiful journal

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@bettylongshore9594 Thanks very much Betty!

[@SewHappy061]

So creative. Love watching you decorate this beautiful journal.

[@BeAgainBooks]

That you very much! That makes me happy.

[@rhodarapp3795]

I just discovered your videos. This is my 1st one. You have a calm and pleasant voice. I definitely enjoy your style, I’m a fan. Thanks because I definitely need to use up more supplies and currently working on my 1st one!❤️🌻

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad to hear that you have started a journal! Well done! Welcome to my channel!

[@Mommyoffive4Him]

Absolutely loved watching you decorate your way through this entire journal! Would love to see this more often...you have so many fantastic ideas! Thank you, Kathleen....I'm saving this one to reference often!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m so glad Kerri! Thanks so much for watching.

[@peggydid]

This is lovely, and a favorite color palette of mine! The "trick" is in having all these premade pieces to pop in here and there. I'll be looking back in previous videos to watch you making those! Hugs! Peggy

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Peggy! I’m glad you enjoyed watching.

[@lorifitzgibbon3085]

I have that same paper in a journal. I agree with you, it is very pretty, but does need a little umph in places, lol. Your stencils and umph and just lovely and bring your journal to life.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Yes! So glad you agree Lori! Thanks so much!

[@artsmigi2250]

I just made a journal which I wanna decorated. When you said at the start it will be a long video I thought I would not watch it but then when you started to decorate your blank journal I could not stop it . I found your tips amazing and very usefull. Thank you so much I might come back couple of times and i will use your ideas on my journal. Thank you so much for those amazing tips.

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching and I do hope you’ll come back again!

[@leeannsutherland858]

I have been home sick and binge watching your videos….i was wondering in some of your other videos where you got those cute paper clips and here you go with your jewelry pliers making it yourself….brilliant!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh my gosh, I hope you feel better soon! It always makes me feel better to have some creative time when I’m under the weather, and I hope it helps just thinking about it.

[@leeannsutherland858]

@ thanks, when I get some energy i will have ideas to work on.😁

[@TheJournalCottage]

Hello Kathleen so happy to have met you ( subscribed straight away) I’ve been away from crafting for 3 + months for various reasons and have actually been praying for inspiration! I happened upon your channel by simple turning on my iPad and your ( this very video) was “recommended “ in my KZbin feed ! No coincidence! Thank you from my heart for your lovely video! Oh my goodness it was so refreshing. I will definitely be watching more and more of your videos . I feel truly blessed. Cheryl from south west Florida- The Journal Cottage KZbin and IG Blessings xx

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh Cheryl, I’m so glad you told me! I really glad to be helpful and happy that you found me. Welcome!

[@anniegabriel5892]

I made powders from broken-off pieces of pastels and Inktense blocks. I put them in a scrap of muslin, tied up with a rubber band. I often rub them over a whole page , to tint the paper before drawing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@anniegabriel5892 That’s a genius idea Annie! Thank you for sharing it!

[@debbiebreen6276]

Beautiful journal, love the pretty stamping effect, your style of crafting is very soothing to watch. Thanku for sharing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Debbie! Thank you for watching.

[@barbaranoble9748]

Kathleen I love all of your ideas! Tyfs!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Barbara!

[@patriciaclements2727]

Hi Kathleen! I have just “discovered “ you. ❤Absolutely beautiful junk journal! SOOOOOO Pretty 🤩 I REALLY prefer your style. So many people are too dark and grungy (a little grungy is cool but…). Love your demos of stenciling and adding chalk technique. You are truly an artist, not merely a crafter. Thx for sharing your talent.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hello Patricia and welcome! I’m glad you found me. Thank you so much for a sweet compliment. BTW, my maiden name is Clements. I grew up in southeastern Idaho and my genealogy traces back to Minnesota and previously Maine. I wonder where our connection is…

[@dwilloughby1969]

Eyeshadow is great to use for stenciling on paper instead of chalk.

[@BeAgainBooks]

And so many different colors now, right? Thanks for the tip!

[@cottonconfetti]

I enjoyed watching this (at breakfast AND lunch 😂). Now l need to start my February journal, the stenciling techniques will help there 🤩

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Davina! I hope your challenge journal is coming along!

[@bigmommasandymoore2531]

Thank you for giving my mojo a boost. You always inspire me.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much Sandy!

[@theshabbyhippie]

Hi Kathleen! I love all of the tips in this video.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much. That makes me happy.

[@TheJournalCottage]

Just WONDERFUL XX

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@joannedonovan9489]

Thanks for showing us how you decorate this journal. Very pretty!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Joanne! Thanks for coming by!

[@annmarie84331]

I’ll be saving my window mail

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@annmarie84331 haha - you are getting the hang of this!

[@DarlaPhillips92]

Your journal is amazing and beautiful ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you think so! Thanks very much Darla!

[@FluffyJvideo]

I loved this! I will be looking up some previous videos and linked ones also. Such a pleasure to listen to how you place and add your materials.

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome! Thanks for visiting!

[@juliennebrendadevos6004]

Love The Vedic thanks for sharing .

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you very much Julienne!

[@cathyhorner3751]

Thank you! Making my first journal and needed ideas for pockets and tucks. Next watching more of your videos!

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@cathyhorner3751 Oh I’m glad you enjoyed this! Thanks so much for a boost in watchtime!

[@annmarie84331]

This is great. I like learning the tips and techniques you use while watching a journal come together. I’m new to this and find this extremely useful. Will watch again and jot some notes and make a list. Ty.

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@annmarie84331 Thank you very much AnnMarie! I am so glad you can find inspiration here. Welcome to our community!

[@shabbyroadstudio]

So pretty! Love this!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you! 😊

[@Bront-ki2im]

This was a great video, so creative and informative, inspiring too. ☺️

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@Bront-ki2im Aww - I’m glad you think so Bront! Thank you!

[@4getmenotz]

Oh man, you make it all look so easy and uncomplicated. Love your approach to junk journaling, love watching you creating and love your tips.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your watchtime!

[@debbiecooper3125]

Kathleen, once again you have shared so many wonderful techniques and ideas. Love the envelope cut out over the page. Your stenciling techniques has inspired me to try using different colors and especially adding the chalk for dimension. I got a box of art chalk at a thrift store the other day and wanted to know what to do with them.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Oh hooray - yes, I just love chalks for adding shading and dimension. Thanks so much Debbie for the support.

[@mariapatriciachavez214]

very cute indeed 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so kind - thank you Maria!

[@sharminikamalikajayawarden7541]

Hi Kathleen Mower, Once again I’ve taken time off but this time I’m back with a new video. Yes, finally it is out there. My Besotted With Roses journal. I’d love to know what you think, if you have the time. Thank you so much for everything.

[@patriciaclements2727]

PS I LOVE your use of paper napkins being decoupaged into journal! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much!

[@marlenehoward9611]

Wonderful journal, it's beautiful. I couldn't sleep, so I turned on your video to watch. Your voice is so soft and soothing it didn't wake up my husband, then before long I was sound asleep myself. I had to watch the video again when i woke up.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Marlene! I’m glad to help you sleep! You aren’t the first one, haha. Thanks for visiting.

[@RegenaWallace-ri1ds]

Love this. I love stenciling very much.

[@BeAgainBooks]

It one of my favorite things to do Regena! I’m glad you like it too. Thanks for watching.

[@wandaspencer9523]

Great book… lovely ideas and creative pages! I started watching your video because I thought you were the Kate Mower I use to follow a few years ago. She was a young mother and often spoke of family members who were great encouragers to her. I thought you were her. But, I enjoyed with what you were making and hope to see more of your work Thanks for sharing.😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Wanda! Kate is my daughter-in-law and I introduced her to junk journaling, but she is a busy young mom and just doesn’t have time to keep up with KZbin these days. I will tell her you asked after her. I’m glad you stopped in - thanks so much for watching!

[@wandaspencer9523]

@@BeAgainBooks thank you Kathleen. I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Please give Kate my love and let her know I often look for her and I pray she was doing well. She had some very beautiful quilts on the bed and I was always interested in them as a quilter myself. 💕

[@carolyncampbell8126]

This journal is beautiful ❤ I love it!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Carolyn!

[@VintageHart1]

Oh so pretty!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you!

[@craftinontheback40]

Love the Video and thanks for the inspiration and tips. Very Educational for us "newbies" and Kinda newbies. Love it. Thank you for sharing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks very much JuJu! I’m glad you like it!

[@debzehr3244]

So many great ideas. TY. 💖💖💖

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad you think so Deb! Thanks for coming by this morning!

[@amv4000smom]

Love your journal! Thanks for sharing your great tips!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Debbie! Thanks for watching!

[@eetoved1758]

This is delightful thanks

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jenniferknowles7219]

This journal is so beautiful and so my taste😍. I love it when I find someone who crafts in similar colors and styles as me. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Jennifer! I’m glad you found me - thanks for watching.

[@crazyladyspaper]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@MoonsCraft.Boutique]

Beautiful 🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you!

[@nancypyter1511]

Fantastic page ideas Kathleen! Very inspiring to me!🥰

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad for that Nancy! Thanks so much!

[@colleenwagner1718]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing. I feel inspired to create my own. Also, your voice is very soothing.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much and I'm glad you are inspired! That makes me happy~

[@patriotmem2645]

Great tips for the envelopes, I love the embossed and the corner one. That is a new one for me!! My hubby filled the woodstove and your voice is sooooo sooothing, I almost took a cat nap, but I really didn't want to miss a moment of your video!! new subbie here!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

That is awesome Mem! Welcome!

[@traceymccartney3231]

I love your style! I haven't used chalk and stencils in so long and i am so excited to pull those out and try them!!! So many great ideas! Thank you so much!!! I am a new fan!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear this. Thanks for joining my community!

[@creativenana]

The journal is looking great but that doesn’t surprise me. You do lovely work

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Nana! That makes me happy!

[@PeterMurphy-c8i]

Thanks for your input and answering my question. Have a lovely weekend

[@JustAprilakaJuJu]

Oh my god! This is great! I loved it! I want more! ❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Haha - Thanks April! You make me smile!

[@karenhunter4156]

Thank you for so many great ideas!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Glad you like them Karen! Thank you!

[@roxiebaker1158]

I am always inspired by your videos, so I thank you for all that you share with us. It is obvious that you do a lot of planning and prep work before you start sharing with us. I am curious to know about how long all of that takes you, if you don't mind sharing?

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you so much Roxie! I’m really glad that I can inspire some ideas for you. It actually took me several hours to prep this one, because I made all the elements ahead of time - one work day and a bit the second day. I then set up and filmed the next day, which took me until late afternoon - hence the comment about losing light, haha. Then I spent the evening editing -well over an hour of actual time captured into 36 minutes, then did the thumbnail and description and all of those details. So that took several hours as well. It honestly is quite a process.

[@pamelaandrew8051]

I am loving your work love pinks and greens together

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Pamela! 😊

[@valsampaio516]

Really nice! Thank you!

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Val! Thanks for watching!

[@sharronpoloka1779]

Thanks for so many great ideas!

[@BeAgainBooks]

You are so welcome Sharron! Thanks for watching.

[@DorothyJanetoo]

Well, that was fun! And so many great ideas. You are my idea wizard! But the one at the end was really fun. My favorite was the Linda one at 28:34. Gotta make that one - the way you do it! Love it! Thanks, Kathleen!

[@BeAgainBooks]

It was fun, wasn’t it? Thank you Dorothy for your steady support.

[@sharminikamalikajayawarden7541]

That’s so gorgeous !

[@BeAgainBooks]

I’m glad you think so! Thank you!

[@sharminikamalikajayawarden7541]

@@BeAgainBooksYou’re so welcome. They are all very inspirational.

[@suelawson4011]

i loved this video! the envelope ideas were particularly useful, thanks for sharing 🥰🥰

[@BeAgainBooks]

That makes me happy Sue! So glad to be helpful!

[@debcox7839]

Fabulous!!!

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Deb!

[@hazelanakadesign7071]

Hi Kathleen, I love your aesthetic & the great tips for amping up our decorations! Hugs, Hazel

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Hazel! I’m glad - Hugs back!

[@jenniehawkins9998]

This was amazing! My first time here.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Welcome Jennie! I hope you’ll look around a little - thanks for coming by!

[@colleenbullecks1729]

I just found your KZbin channel ❤ I love watching you create as your vintage vibe is so similar to mine. I gathered some great ideas. Now to gowstch some of your other videos.

[@BeAgainBooks]

Hooray! Welcome Colleen - I’m so glad to share ideas with you. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Suesjournaladventures]

Very pretty journal🤗

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thanks so much Sue!

[@Paulalovespaper]

I just found you and subscribed. I love your gentle voice and of course part of junk journaling seems to be hoarding supplies. That’s why we have junk to journal with! lol ❤❤❤

[@BeAgainBooks]

Agree - it’s a common trait among us, haha. Thanks so much for joining my community! Welcome!

[@sandrinefresne6575]

Beautiful 😊

[@BeAgainBooks]

Thank you Sandrine! I appreciate that.

[@lindaspaperworks]

Thank you so much, Kathleen, and bless you for sending crafting folks my way. Your side-pocket sack (or whatever we want to call it) turned out so cute. Good plan to tuck those flaps inside. This was such a good video with so many ideas. I feel like I need to watch it again and take notes. You really have a great way of using the decorations to bring the entire journal together, and it looks so lovely. I love that aqua blue color; it looks so pretty with the other colors you used to add color to the plain pages. That aqua seems to look good with just about every color that it's used with. Thank you for this very inspiring and informative video--and the time it took you to prepare for it and make it.

[@BeAgainBooks]

My pleasure Linda! I love the side-pocket tuck and must thank you actually. I always enjoy your ideas and find it fits my style very well. Thanks for coming by and watching.

[@lindaspaperworks]

@@BeAgainBooks Thank you for those kind words. I was just thinking about how much I learn from your videos. I so appreciate all of the information you share. I noticed that you have way more than 8,000 subscribers now. Well deserved and congratulations.

[@BeAgainBooks]

@@lindaspaperworks It’s amazing isn’t it? ☺️ I think it has a momentum of some kind now. I just keep doing my thing and it just keeps getting bigger…