Inconsequential Journals

      Today I am trying very hard to think about positive things, little thoughts that bring a smile. When one is under stress, it is often advised to think of a happy place. Where is that? Your home naturally comes to mind but also usually somewhere special like a beach or blooming meadow with a sturdy wooden bench. Think of your happy place for moment. What images are floating through your head. Write about them, draw them out or even just list the colors on today's journal page. Now, take a small portion of that and find a little spot in your home to place it. Maybe you'll print out a picture or two for your wall. Maybe you'll find a new, more prominent home for a souvenir . Maybe you'll recreate a theme park treat. If you can, make that your mission for the day.  

      Maybe it's the spirit of spring. Maybe I am just in a creative mood. Lately, I find myself with ideas floating through my head. Some are worth exploring and others are rubbish. Still, if I don't get them jotted down somewhere they are gone. I am starting to amass lists and notes all over my house. Creating a better system is another thought I literally just wrote down. Anyway ... I thought it might be fun today to spend a few minutes on focused brainstorming. A journal page devoted to a "brain dump" is nothing new. But, I am putting a bit of a twist on this one. Your goal is to zero in on just your creative ideas. No other rules apply. Just record. What pops into your head? A Halloween costume for a ferret?  A tie dye gender reveal party? Postcard themed quilt? Devote a chunk of time to this page and see what your mind reveals. You may have just stumbled upon an amazing idea. 

       Spring cleaning has long been a tradition. Putting things back into a good condition refreshes more than just your environment after the doldrums of winter. Like me, you may be feeling the need to regain some order admist the chaos right now. I purpose moving gently and avoiding extra decisions. That junk drawer is nightmare. Keep it closed!  Let's pick a small but satisfying task that corresponds to our journal. It should take just a few minutes. Maybe you'll organize your supplies differently or shop for a new storage container. Maybe you'll group the pages differently or start a new monthly page. Maybe you'll ignore your journal all together and make another creative fix. Just get a tiny part of your world back in shape.  I sharpened my colored pencils and grouped them in colors. Absolutely useless, I know. Still, it felt good to see the quick result and know that something is neat and tidy. Take a picture or draw your results and put it in ...

  Some of you may not relate to the kind of joy I feel today but surely others of you will. I can see grass in the yard! Just that. We have had a snowpack for months this year. At times, it felt as though spring would never arrive. Thankfully, we are almost there. The sun sets later, the wind is less harsh and the grass is showing. I am relieved. This breath of fresh air has me wanting to explode into spring decor. I am ready for baskets and flowers and bunnies, all the stuff. Luckily, I have a number of pieces ready to go. What is the first thing you dig out of the closet every spring?  A wreath? A duvet cover? Pastel pillow? Make today's journal page an homage to your favorite springtime decor. Consider letting loose and going completely over the top. 

Focusing on the positive continues today. You all know how I love a list, so I thought we might have a bit of fun. You have surely seen the social media posts prompting you to give points for every experience you've had, place you've visited, or food you've tried. For the most part, they make us feel good about ourselves. I have, in fact, been to New York City. Point scored! See how many things you've done on the list below and make a journal page about it. Did you find a new goal?  Did you remember something from long ago? Write all about it with color and flare. ___ Pet a barnyard animal                     ___ Taken a subway  ___ Seen a movie in IMAX   ___ Purchased a t-shirt as a souvenir  ___ Eaten from a food truck or street cart  ___ Caught sight of a shooting star ___ Ridden a tilt-a whirl ___ Seen an axolotl in person ___ Created a recipe from scratch ___ Enjoyed a glass of Champagne ___ B...

 Hello Everyone. It's been a little while since my last post. I wrote several but the day, mood, or state of the world just never matched up. That needs to change. Much is out of my control, still it is important to focus on the positive in everyday life. Trouble will sadly come our way from time to time and its okay to take a break. But, that doesn't mean giving up. I am getting back to my journal and I'd like you to come along. Let's start with an easy one. Make a page today of the simple pleasures that bring you joy. Keep it very basic. You should have Julie Andrews singing about favorite things in your head while you work. Write out tiny things that make you happy in different fonts, draw what you can, give it a cheerful border. Then, go find a bit sun.