Inconsequential Journals

     Today I am thinking back. More specifically, I am remembering a time when I was learning how to draw. Art class in school was helpful, of course. Yet the fun little features that make something cute or stand out, I aquired from family or friends. Do you remember who showed you how to make a cube? Bubble letters? A rose? I bet you still use these doodles in your journal even now. Perhaps you have a trick for how to easily turn a letter into a person or a series of circles into a dog. Today, we are celebrating those skills and (if you can remember) the people who trained us how to complete them. Dedicate a page to step by step instructions, a colorful collage or a sweet homage to the instructor.  

           The leaves are just about to start budding out in my area. It's that time in the year again when I start to have a bit of interest in the out of doors before the bugs, heat and humidity arrive. It's a hopeful few weeks. In years past, I have planted flowers and painted garden stones. This year I am attempting... a vegetable garden. At this point you may wonder why this is something unique. Perhaps, it is a long held yearly activity for you. I, on the other hand, am a known plant killer. I have brought the green and living into my home numerous times in the past. With the exception of one very hearty ivy plant, they have all die. Even the ivy didn't survive a move. Planting a garden for actual food is a big, scary adventure for me. A  few regular gardeners have told me that it just takes hard work. I dearly hope that they are right. Checking for signs of growth has become the new first step in my morning. I've read page after page of good an...

    It is impossible not to notice that ducks are having a moment right now.They are everywhere and I love it!  Some have hats. Some have ears. Some have full body costumes. You can find princesses, animals, or science fiction heros. They are in our cars, on our desks and even hiding on cruise ships. Do you have a collection?  What duck theme would you love to see? Pick something fun, ridiculous or even absolutely horrible and create a ducky journal page. May you have bunches of smiling orange beaks at the finish!

      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 ...