Lil Journaling Project

I decided I need something to help me deal with my stress at work a little better.

I would love to do some yoga.  But honestly, getting to a gym at a specific time in the day, especially the limited times that they have classes, is next to impossible for me.  I don't know.  Maybe that's just an excuse on my part.

But then, I saw Ashley's blog post about the Lil Journaling Project.  She will be giving journaling prompts once a day....starting two days ago.  I've always wanted to be good about keeping a journal, but I've never been able to stick with it.  Too much work.  Too boring.

She promises this will be fun.

So, I'm giving it a try.  It will be my way of doing something creative every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.

  For day one, we had to write this with our nondominant hand.  And draw our pencil with our nondominant hand.

  For day two, we had to draw a map of the first classroom we remember.  I drew my first grade classroom at Ernest Horne Elementary School. 

Although we didn't have to write anything, I had a few memories that I wanted to quickly write down.

1. I remember having a huge crush on Bobby.....I forgot his last name.  Oh, I think it was Stewart.  Isn't it funny how that just comes to you?!   I wonder what he's up to now.
2. I remember walking to and from school with Brian.  I really miss him.
3. I remember that my dad used to surprise me now and then.  He'd just show up and take me out for lunch every once in a while.  It made me feel really, really special.  I loved it.

I couldn't remember much of the classroom.  I sort of have a "feel" for it in my mind, but I am having a hard time remembering a lot of details.  I do remember one side was full of windows.  And it was always sunny in the room.

  Sweet Pea wanted to join in the fun, too.  So, this weekend, we went to Barnes and Noble and each bought a journal.  She picked a Justin Bieber one.  LOL.

  She had a lot of fun trying to write with her nondominant hand.  She didn't want me to show you her whole pages.  She was worried you all wouldn't think her writing was good enough (because it was messy--according to her--with her nondominant hand).  Isn't it sad how fast that self-consciousness develops?  She agreed that I could show you little snippets....

 

Last night, when I got home from work, she grabbed my computer and said, "Mom.  What's that website?  Let's see what today's prompt is!"  She's into it.  I love that she cued me to work on it with her.  So, we sat down and did our classroom maps together.  She did a map of her 3rd-grade classroom.  It's really nice time together.  We are enjoying it.

I'm keeping all my supplies in this puch that Terri gave me at our Gruber's retreat this summer.  I love surrounding myself with beautiful things.  Thank you again, Terri!

Maybe you'll be interested to check it out and join in.   Just sayin'.....

While you're there, you might be interested in checking out Ashley's story.  She's kind of amazing.  Her cancer chronicles are....interesting, sad, uplifting, joyous.  I don't know Ashley.  But for some reason, I am addicted to her blog.  She sort of inspires me and gets me thinking about being a better person....

Until next time,

Comments

[carolld]

Oh, that looks like something I really need right now as I'm going through a lot of stress. Love what you've done so far and it is wonderful that E is joining in. What fun! Thanks for sharing and the link!

[kathy olkowski]

This is a great reminder that I need to get out some of my journals and start making entries! Thanks!!! Yours are awesome!

[jenclair]

:) I like the way you are approaching journaling! Even better, Sweetpea's decision to join you. Journaling is a good experience for any age, but how wonderful to start young!

[Linda in Calif.]

Great ideas for writing. She really is making it fun. I suppose your next post will be a tutorial for a journal cover. hehehe

[liveacolorfullife]

This is such a cool post! This is what I remember from first grade--we had to write our name and then go to the teacher to make sure it was correct, and then we could go back to our desk and color. I couldn't remember how to spell Cynthia and had to ask the teacher. It was traumatic!

[Lynn]

Sounds like fun! How cute that Sweet Pea is excited about it too! I might play along a few days, but I just can't commit to another thing right now! Even a low pressure, nobody will know if I don't do it thing like this. *sigh*

[Carla]

Great idea! I have so many "failed" journals laying around my house. The prompts will help you out a lot, I bet. I have no recollection of my 1st grade classroom. I do remember that I loved the teacher, whose name was Mrs. Dempewolf!

[April]

I haven't been able to stop thinking about your journaling project. I am sooo busy right now but writing is so therapeutic for me. I'm so tempted. However, I could not recreate my kindergarten room with the same details that you have. Alls I remember are the round tables we sat at and my teacher. And a couple other things. You've got one great memory!