Inconsequential Journals

           Today is Memorial Day, the end of a three day weekend with a big agenda. Not only is it a time to honor our fallen soldiers, but it is also the start of summer, the blockbuster movie season, graduation parties and first trips to the beach. Many feel conflicted wanting to wish everyone a "Happy Memorial Day!" but knowing that the sentiment isn't quite right.  I spoke with a few members of the silent generation recently. They remember the holiday celebrated very differently in their youth. Each of them recalled reflective trips to the cementary and simple picnics with a small group. Memorial Day wasn't a business opportunity. It was a day of rememberance. This is not say that we shouldn't enjoy our day off. These older individuals were  thinking back to years shortly following the end of World War II when the world was healing from a collective grief. But, we can pause briefly and acknowledge the sacrifice of those who served sometime in ...

           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 exhaustive. 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.