Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Keeping a Journal

This is an example of my favorite journals. I was lucky and picked them up for .50 at a "back to school" sale. I've been writing between one and three pages a day since the 80's! It began at local coffee houses "The Blackwater" and the "House of Shaw" where I'd set myself up with a richly brewed coffee and just start writing. Trust me, the writing wasn't about re-reading ...I wrote down all I could without much thought ... anger, joy, plans, regrets and occasionally a poem would show up. My habit was to use a highlighter pen on these gems and then at the end of the year when I'd glance through the books getting them ready for the shredder ... I would rip out and put the little jewels aside. Sometimes I draw a thumbnail sketch having to do with seeing a balance of shapes and layout but mostly it is blah, blah and more blah. With that said I believe the actual writing down or letting out of thoughts and feelings no matter how dull has actually saved my life or at least my sanity.Today I don't frequent coffeehouses but I try to write at least a page and I do have my particular box of black fine point pens and again these composition books stacked and ready. Tell me, do you keep a journal? I see beautiful art journals in blogland but that seems different ...more readable.

16 comments:

  1. What a great means to get out of one's own way! I don't keep a journal of words, just collage but not on a regular basis. For me, my emails to friends seem to be the closest thing to a journal that I do.

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    1. Leslie, Yes, long emails to friends can be healing ... a reaching out to accepting people in our lives is so welcoming.

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  2. I started journaling in my senior year of high school -- had a wonderful teacher for English, who made it a class assignment. I've kept a journal since then, although there were a few years here and there when I didn't write at all. But I've been a consistent journaler, now, for the last 35 years. Like you, journaling saved my life, or my ass, on many occasions. Finally, a few years ago during The Big Downsize, I got rid of them all, and started fresh. Didn't need to carry all the old baggage around with me any longer. Hugs.

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    1. Connie Rose, I like you journal story and so agree with letting the journals go as baggage. I have a hard time writing in ones I get as gifts ... too nice for my scribbles!

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  3. It was nice to find your blog. I don't keep a journal, but I recently started a blog. It's like a journal of sorts. It is a sharing of my creative journey, and in the process hoping to find others on a similar path. I'd love for you to check it out. saltairandpistachios.com I'll continue to look in and see what you are sharing.

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    1. Barbara, Thank you for stopping by ... I will be happy to pay you a visit. I agree blogging can be a sharing, an expressive way to connect with others!

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  4. I buy a lot of supplies this time of year. Glue sticks and markers are on sale too!

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    1. Jill, These 'back to school' sales remind me of my early years with pink erasers and pencil boxes and plastic rulers ... great memories!

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  5. I love those books. I found them in turquoise and lime green at the dollar store. Good for you writing every day.

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    1. Maggie, I've never seen turquoise or lime green ...I'm off to the dollar store!

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  6. I love these composition notebooks too. I write in them as well as various other notebooks that are always on hand. I haven't written much in coffee shops though, but always wanted too!

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    1. Roxanne, Coffee shops don't compare to your beautiful garden and view ... a perfect place to write from the heart!

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  7. My therapist told me to do exactly that - just write it all down and throw it away later. I think it's a great idea, but I haven't been very faithful at actually doing it. I tend to express myself more in pictures than words.

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    1. For me, it is important to do both ... but if I'm going to let anything slide it is the journal. Art making is vital!

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  8. I have about 20 journals with about 1 - 12 pages of writing in them. I cannot be consistent with this practice. I struggle too much with self-editing between brain and pen but I respect those that can do it very much.

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    1. So it isn't a privacy issue but rather an personal editing ... maybe down the road when you have more time you will fill these 20 journals! I began by joining a group so that might help!

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