I was pleased to read this article by Paula S Morgan on Keeping a Beading Journal. In the article she describes why it is important to write the details of what inspires you to create.
I’ve written about Keeping a Design Journal before, but feel Paula’s article is worth reading. The part I’m pointing out is the second page of a two page article. Be sure to read the entire article for more inspiration on this topic. Remember to use details to help recall the image or moment.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal …read more

I enjoyed reading this news story about actor, writer and director Richard E Grant. Apparently he’s kept a journal for the last 40 years. Grant says of keeping a diary:
“It’s kept me sane — literally has kept me sane — and has been a great comfort and a great solace. I just love doing it.”
His directorial film debut, which he also wrote, Wah Wah, arose out of events he first penned in his diary some 40 years ago.
I hope this encourages you to pick up a pen and a chosen notebook. Just think what it might lead …read more

Today I had to spend a long time sitting around in a waiting room. I also had to look after my two year old, so it wasn’t a moment for journal writing. There were plenty of magazines only a couple of years old, though, so I made use of these. Instead of the usual gossip someone had provided various news and travel magazines.
One article mentioned a new restaurant opening in Sydney where diners would eat in the dark. I found this news story on the restaurant from 2005. Dining without the benefit of visual stimulation was claimed to improve …read more

Since beginning the Bead Journal Project I’ve been wondering what to put my journal pages into. While searching for the perfect journal I came across these on the Seven Gypsies website. It’s not likely I’ll easily find any of those here in Australia, though.
So, I’ve been looking at making a custom journal just for the beaded pages for this challenge. There are plenty of links in this entry.
If you don’t have time to make your own consider having one of the artisans on Etsy make one for you. I’ve spent some time there tonight drooling over the gorgeous …read more

This week the 784 page The Reagan Diaries was released. That’s a whole lot of reading. Apparently Reagan was considered the most detailed president when it came to writing in his journal. Let me know if you read this. Please share in the comments section below.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal writing resources.
Life Journal Software

Yet another celebrity will take up the journal pen to write their memoirs. According to this news story Paris Hilton plans to write about her prison experience while serving time. Personally, I can’t see that it would be very interesting, but she does have celebrity on her side. I’m sure someone will buy it. I can’t help wondering if she will actually write it or simply hire someone, though.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal writing resources.
Life Journal Software

I discovered a completely different take on keeping a journal tonight while reading my regular newsletters and email. Robin Atkins, author of One Bead at a Time started the idea of creating one beaded journal page a month as a journal challenge. Here’s her blog entry for more details. There are guidelines available so you know what’s expected if you decide to join.
There’s also an official blog called the 2007 Bead Journal Project, where you can post if you join. I have to admit I’m really curious, so may have to join in just to see how it all …read more

It’s Friday again and that means it’s Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read the First Freaky Friday entry.
Tonight the entire family went for dinner at Little Creatures restaurant in Fremantle. It was an unusual place, although I had no idea what to expect. The place is also a microbrewery. My daughter had a voucher for $100 worth of their food & drink, so we visited for dinner to celebrate Mother’s Day a bit early, since my mother was visiting.
Being in a restaurant my mind began to tick over. As …read more

I’ve mentioned firsts several times as excellent journal writing prompts, but lasts are equally useful. Lezlie Laws has compiled an excellent list of last prompts you might find useful for writing in your journal.
Read the entire article if you like, or simply scroll down the page for the list. I like how they’re categorised into lasts we relish, lasts we regret and lasts we were not aware of as lasts. These final ones are perfect for the inner work involved in journal writing. I hope you enjoy the journal writing prompts.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher …read more

When I have only moments to write in my journal, instead of the luxury of minutes, I tend to go for lists. Using a title helps focus on what it is I’m listing. You might want to use my Ten Things I Achieved Today list or Ten Things I Never Want to Forget about Today list.
Writing those ten things makes me zero in on what really matters. Lists force you to write the essence of the matter. Details are great, but they often require time, thought and some effort. I use details when I can and lists when I …read more