Inconsequential Journals

           If you spend any time at all on-line, you have likely come across a "trail" in your state that highlights something for which your area is known. Often it is wine or cheese but it can be more distinctive like chocolate. My state has several. Yet, it is not all that exhuastive. Several popular food items can be found in a wonderful variety of places not currently listed together. This summer is a great opportunity to collect places for your own list. Set a mile limit and create a trail with a specific theme, it doesn't have to even be food. Try to visit as many as you can in the coming months. Record it all in your journal to look back on next year. 

 It's May the Fourth! A day to celebrate Star Wars and recognize one of the most well known catchphrases of all times. Movies, television shows and other forms of social media have changed how we communicate with one another.  Some have even become part of our everyday language like "my bad" which was around long before Clueless but made much more popular by the film.  What phrases do you find yourself repeating often? Is "D'oh" or "...we're not in Kansas anymore." on the tip of your tongue? Write down some of your favorite in your journal today. Be sure to highlight the origin and give it plenty of flare. 

     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.