There was a time when writing in a blank book was called our diary. It was a space for releasing our heart with quiet thoughts on paper.
I remember this period because I had a variety of these books, some I filled with short stories or a poem and others I would doodle with ink.
The traditional diary became known as the journal. Some have chosen to use them as a garden or travel log, a biblical writing companion or for topics like dreaming and reflecting.
It wasn't that long ago that I kept a gratitude journal; at the time it was a natural process that helped me grow.
Something fantastic happens when we fill these blank pages with our handwriting. We give beautiful words a place to call home for generations to enjoy later.
My Grandmothers Journal
My grandmother was one for beautiful words. She was a hobby writer and wrote guest articles for the local paper. She also made handwritten scrapbooks for us grand kids (yes I still have mine) and she wrote pamphlets about our family history.
She was always writing something and when she was diagnosed with dementia, someone in the family had an idea to give her a daily diary.
A place where she could write something about each day to give her thoughts a rest. I had moved away at this point so when she passed on, I was fortunate enough to receive this book.
This purple diary is a gift for generations to enjoy and every once in a while I read it again. The one thing that stands out is how lonely she was when nobody came to visit.
Which makes me wonder if she found comfort with a pen in hand because when there were visitors she could fill an entire page. Her book, is a reminder how important it is to exercise our brain; writing is a positive tool for that.
My Garden Journal
Which brings me to my garden journal. I recently started this one about a year after I published my gardening book. I wanted to have a place to continue my garden story in real time.
This book has a smooth leather cover with blank pages where I can write in any form with room to add photos, seed packets and dried flowers.
This journal has become a treasure and I absolutely love to sit each month and share a new entry. There is no pressure to write and I love documenting my planting season along with sharing personal thoughts.
My Newest Journal
My newest journal is a gem, I found a green leather bound cover decorated with vintage flowers in my favorite colors. I love it!
I'm still in the deciding stages about what to write as the first idea was based on a series of poems. Then I thought about sharing stories from nature...
I have another thought about writing my life story and the thoughts keep coming. Whatever I choose it doesn't really matter because journal writing is therapeutic and it can take us places we never thought to visit.
So, I may just use it for reflecting...
Since I am still in the deciding stages, I would love to hear what you journal about. Or are you like me and still pondering ideas?
One things is for sure, these books will be filled with beautiful words for generations to enjoy.
Encouraging Goodness,
Carole West
Post a Comment