Inconsequential Journals

  The summer heat arrived earlier than normal this year. We broke several long standing records. Some people love the heat, some do not. Regardless of our preferences, we all still need to eat. Admittedly, my menu changes drastically during these warm spells and suddenly everything is a salad or sandwhich. The word "baked" is not to be considered. Ripe fruit and crisp vegetables take up more room on the table so there is a healthy element to the change. The upcoming holiday week makes me think about all the various dishes I've eaten or made for summertime get togethers. What is your favorite dish bring to the neighborhood potluck when the heat index is on the rise? Do you carefully carve a watermellon bowl or empty a bag of baby carrots next to some homemade hummus? I still remember a popular recipe that made the rounds at summer cookouts when I was a kid. It was basically vegetables and cream cheese. What's not to like? In your journal today, take a few minutes to wr...

 Do you ever feel overwhelm? Many of you are probably saying something along the lines of 'last night, this morning, right now, of course I do'. Work has been very time consuming for me this week and I feel like I've been tumbled a few too many times in the wash. I would have liked to cut down on my obligations, said no to a couple of things. However, it simply wasn't possible. Yes, I know that boundaries are important and that I should advocate for myself and think more about self-care. But, as I am sure you can all relate, I live in the real world. Our journal, however, does not. We can do whatever we like here. So, today I am writing out all those nos I wish I could have said. Unleash it all and don't hold back. Hopefully, we'll all feel a little better when we are done.   

    Summer is on our doorstep! The kids are getting out of school. The sun shines bright into the evening hours and we all have the urge to get outside. It's not just the humans feeling this way either. In fact, I have spied many more woodland creatures of late as well and that is the subject of our post today. Be they sweet or slimey, large or tiny, viewing the animals that share our environment is a great way to enjoy nature. I am often greeted with birds in the morning, bunnies in the evening and hoping toads at night. On occassion, we are visited by foxes, deer, and owls as well. Make a page to record all your sightings and fill it with as much as possible.  You might even consider narrowing your focus to a particular time or day or type of animal (think warm vs. cold blood etc.) Don't neglect the ones you see daily either. Sure, some critters may seem very ordinary but when you put them all together you might be surprised and a little delighted with your collect...

  We are on the doorstep of summer now. The weather is better, the flowers are blooming and cute little animals are everywhere. In short, now is the time when I start to believe that I will enjoy spending the summer outdoors. This yearly burst of energy is short lived. The humidity and heat will arrive. The bugs will swarm. But, that doesn't mean we can't take advantage of this time to make some plans for our outdoor spaces be they manicured yards or window sill. Make a short list in your journal of fun and easy projects that you might like to try out this summer. Think of it as a bit of DIY for when you feel like trying something different. It's okay if you don't accomplish a single one. The list is there should you ever want to revist it. This is just an idea page, a chance to enjoy daydreaming a bit. Here are some ideas to get you started... New Doormat Bird Feeder (paper tube ones count!) Rock Art Wind Chime Game (ring toss, giant dice, etc.) Decorated pot or plante...

  Recently, I have become obsessed with cat pillows. I don't know why. Something about them is just really appealing. I have pinned quilted cats, knitted cats, cartoonish cats, realistic cats... You get the picture. I am never going to make most of these adorable creations. I know this because long before the cats, I had a rather extensive list of other interesting pillow ideas. A few have made their way into our home but most remain just a thought.  I am betting that you might have some similar inspirations too. Let's sketch out a few of our favorites in our journal today. Do they favor a mood or special location? Add some other items that might compliment the idea. Do they include a pattern? Try it out in various colors and forms on the page. Be creative in all the fabulous ways your heart desires. 

 I was inspired recently when I saw a video on social media encouraging viewers to "shop their house". A person transformed two spaces in her kitchen by simply rearranging knick-knacks. Now I am sure some of you are having thoughts. I did too. She has so much extra counter space that she has areas just for knick-knacks?? Must be nice. But, I have no idea what this person is going through in life and, if we put those judgy opinions aside, this is actually a really good idea. Imagine, for instance, decorating your table for a Fourth of July picnic with stuff you already have. Sure the stores are currently stock full of adorable picnicware preparing for a summer of patriotic events. But do we truly need it? I looked in my cupboard and found little red, white and blue plastic cups in my kid's assortment of drinkware. They could make a cute center piece. I have left over red paper napkins from Valentine's Day that might help my usual plates appear a bit more festive. Will ...

 Life can be frustrating sometimes. Often, we forget to have moments of fun. Still, it's essential to our well being that we enjoy ourselves from time to time. We live life every day not just on special occasions. My suggestion for today is to allow yourself a bit of a treat. First, let's remember that this is an inconsequential journal so it has to be small. Think ten dollars or so. What would you do with that money if you were thinking only of yourself? Pretend you don't have any bills, responsibilities or other people in your life. How is that money being spent?  Will you buy a bag of your favorite candy? Rent/stream a film? Visit a state park? Write out as many ideas as you can and, if you spare the money, go out and make it happen. You are important too.