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.
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.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, Yes, long emails to friends can be healing ... a reaching out to accepting people in our lives is so welcoming.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteConnie 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!
DeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, 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!
DeleteI buy a lot of supplies this time of year. Glue sticks and markers are on sale too!
ReplyDeleteJill, These 'back to school' sales remind me of my early years with pink erasers and pencil boxes and plastic rulers ... great memories!
DeleteI love those books. I found them in turquoise and lime green at the dollar store. Good for you writing every day.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, I've never seen turquoise or lime green ...I'm off to the dollar store!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteRoxanne, Coffee shops don't compare to your beautiful garden and view ... a perfect place to write from the heart!
DeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it is important to do both ... but if I'm going to let anything slide it is the journal. Art making is vital!
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteSo 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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