My Necklace Revealed

This is for all those who were keen to see the entire piece I created for the Use the Muse 3 contest, as recently revealed on Scarlet Lanson's blog The Beader's Muse. So, here's a close up of the part you couldn't see before with the muse revealed. I hope you enjoy:



Heather
Photo is my own
Click here to visit Planet SARK.

What is it about a Challenge?

I'm not sure if you're a creative type, other than using your journal, but I have always been into some kind of creative expression. Be it painting, drawing, making stuff or jewellery. Over the last few years creating jewellery has been the most satisfying expression of my creativity yet.

I have found, though, that I respond really well to a challenge. I'm not sure what it is. Something about a deadline, a theme, or limited choice of materials, just gets my brain churning over and my fingers working. I love it. There's always a new skill to acquire, a way of looking at something from a fresh point of view, or just the joy of creating something I will wear, no matter how it might place in any contest.

Recently I entered the Use the Muse 3 contest sponsored by Artbeads.com and TierraCast. Scarlet Lanson created the idea on her Beader's Muse blog, and it's been a hit with beaders and creative types the world over. I've only managed to participate in the last contest, but check out her blog for the other two.

Right now we're waiting for the Big Reveal, where we finally get to see what the 'muse' was and all the entries in the competition.

In reply to the question on Scarlet's blog today: "What is your favorite part about the USE THE MUSE Contest experience?" I would have to say, the challenge, reasons given above. There's just something about a challenge that brings out the best in even the very new beader. Challenges push you out of the excuses, the doldrums and the can't dos. You create because you must. Someone is waiting to see your piece. You've spent money and time thinking and working this piece. You can't back out.

Challenges always inspire me. I enter them, but win very few. And that really doesn't bother me. I am always a winner because I have a beautiful piece of jewellery to wear, sell or give away. What else could I want?

How do you feel about challenges? Do you join in to further your own creativity, skills or simply to take part? Do you set journal writing challenges for yourself? We could discuss such a challenge in the comments section if you're interested. Leave a comment and let me know.

Anyway, to inspire you, I hope, here's a sneak peak of my entry into the Use the Muse 3 contest:



Heather
Photo is my own

Click here to visit Planet SARK.

Don't Forget the Christmas Download Countdown

Don't forget about the fab free Christmas downloads you can print off from Ten Two Studios. All you need to do is link to your blog or website so you can download the art journal goodies for free. Of course, you can use them for almost anything. Spread the word.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
Click here to visit Planet SARK.

SARK Getting into the Holiday Spirit

If you're a fan of SARK you may already know about her fun holiday offer, but just in case you don't go check it out here:



Sounds like a fun way to greet your friends over the holiday period. Make sure you check out the other cool things SARK has on offer, which are bound to make great gifts for your journal loving friends, or just for yourself. I hope you enjoy learning more about this wonderfully creative woman.

Heather
Click here to visit Planet SARK.

Christmas Printables Countdown Starts Soon

If you're looking for cool Christmas images to download and print for free, you simply must take a look at this link at Ten Two Studios. As usual, they will be hosting some cool printables for you to use in your journals and art, but you must link to the countdown page, once it goes live. Sounds fair enough to me. I hope you enjoy the printables and share on your blogs and websites the cool news.

Heather
Image used with permission from stockx.chng

Win a Writing Book

So, I had to share this little contest to win a book called Will Write for Shoes by Cathy Yardley. You can win just by leaving a comment on the ewritelife blog entry. Couldn't be any easier. Good luck.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Yeah, I've been quiet

If you are following this blog then you'll have noticed I've been very quiet lately. I suppose all the pressures at home have built up. I needed some downtime and I've been grabbing that, just for me. It's not like I've got much time to myself at home these days. When I get online, for the most part, the family leave me alone, but I haven't had much online time of late. I've been just reading things, learning stuff, designing & creating jewellery, thinking, signing up for a course, journalling, and doing all the other things I have to do around here.

It gets tiring, being the one who everyone relies on. What I really need is a holiday, but that's not about to happen any time soon, so I've pulled back from things a little. I hope you don't mind. I will get back into full swing, especially as I am finally on broadband internet.

As far as journal writing goes, I am digging through my stashed gear to find the journal I feel like writing in next. This morning I made my last entry in the black covered one hubby gave me for my birthday this year. Do you like to find journals that inspire you to write in them, or don't you mind what it is you write on? I'm still looking, right now.

Heather

What You Need

In our worlds of absolute affluence, even in an economic downturn, it's easy to confuse what we need with what we want. While not every part of the world understands what this means, simply because their lives are centred on what they need, it's certainly healthy every now and then to refresh our minds on what it is we really need as opposed to what we want.

In your journal write a list of ten things you want, right now. These could be as simple a glass of water or a cup of coffee. Keep it to ten and just think about this moment. Write another list of ten things you need. By need, I mean, you do need them. A pair of new shoes because there are holes in your current pair. Enough money to buy groceries until your next pay day. That kind of thing.

Once you have your lists, distill them down to only five essentials. Investigate the wants and see how many of them can be eliminated altogether. Can you come up with a list of five things you need? Write about these needs. How pressing is this need? Decide what must be done about these needs and write about it in your journal.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Defining Your Search

Sometimes you can lose your way while keeping a journal. I began keeping a journal to improve my writing skills, but soon realised there was a lot more to gain from penning those words across the page each day. But really, almost anything is possible. It depends what you want to gain out of your journal. At the beginning of every journal I usually write a statement of intent, what I plan to write about in this particular journal. Sometimes this helps on days when I feel less than inspired. I will reread this statement and get to writing about whatever I have declared there.

Just like using a search engine online, it helps if you define your search. If you're looking for pens you know you'll be there a long, long time if you simply write the word pen in the space and hit search. To make your search more fruitful you will write much more about the type of pen you want. For example, ball point or nib, the colour of the barrel, the type of ink, etc. In the same way you may want to define what it is you hope to gain from writing in your journal as a way to begin.

It's ok if your intent changes and adapts over time. This is one of the best reasons to keep a journal, simply because the things you wish to discover or learn are forever changing. Keeping a journal reflects the constant ebb and flow of your ideas, moods, life experience and reflections.

If you've never written a statement of intent at the beginning of a journal perhaps try it out to see if you gain anything from the idea. I hope you enjoyed this blog entry. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #16

Today is Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

Think about a time you've received less than great service for something. You made a purchase for goods or services and you were treated poorly, in your view, by the staff or contractor. I know just about every one of us has some story about slack customer service, so this shouldn't be too difficult.

Once you have your moment think about the person who failed to deliver adequate service. Try to think of a reason they failed to do so. Today, I want you to slip inside their shoes and write a journal entry from their perspective of the transaction. This is a great opportunity to tune into what makes other people tick, but also to see yourself in a new light. Try to avoid being too nice about yourself. This is their view, their story, and you may look bad to them.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Getting Things Done

I don't know about you, but one of the main reasons I don't get into as much visual art journalling as I'd like to is because I'm hardly ever alone. It's not that I really care what my partner will say about it, I suppose it's just the fact that I would have to say something at all. I'd like to just get on with creating something without the necessary descriptions and explanations that go along with doing anything at home. He's not a busy body and certainly wouldn't prevent me from doing so, but I just don't want someone around when I'm creating. It's not really that personal, I'd just rather make and do in solace.

I've tried to do this in public places like coffee shops, but apart from having to carry a lot of gear with me, I think I feel a bit the same. I'd rather make art when no one is looking. It's most likely a silly notion, but I'm holding out over this one thing.

Write in your journal about the things preventing you from getting into more visual expression in your journal. I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Accomplishments

While I haven't been writing this blog I have been thinking and writing in my journal. I've arrived at one of those places where I need to make some choices and yet I stall and don't really know what it is I want to accomplish. So, I go looking and thinking and come back to the fact that I want to write. I have always known this. Roadblocks forever stall me, though I've made several good starts over the years. Having a little boy at 39 did kind of curtail anything too ambitious, though I could've gotten around that, I suppose, but just never have so far.

That same little boy will be attending full time pre-school next year. My mind is turning to ways I can use this time best. So, even though the beginning of February seems a long way off, I am starting to plan and arrange things so my dreams might actually be accomplished. It's been a good feeling. Thankfully, hubby is joining me on getting our lives into gear.

It might be difficult to believe, but I have five novels tucked away here somewhere. I want to get them out of hibernation and into publication. There's a long road from here to there, though. I'm being realistic, but I don't want to forget about the little things that matter to me, too. I will still add here, but perhaps not each day as I had been.

But, to get your pen going, or whatever you feel like using, write in your journal about all you accomplished in the past year. Is this anywhere near your dreams? Why or why not? Investigate your reasons for not reaching for what it is you want to achieve. Make plans or steps you can accomplish from today to get somewhere near reaching these dreams or goals. Have fun.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Random Acts of Kindness

Since I've been a little stuck for what to write in here I've been plundering the journal writing prompts at Creativity Portal again.

When I came across this one: "What's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for you?" I had to stop and write about it myself first. It was an interesting journal writing prompt, but it lead me to what is the nicest thing I've ever done for anyone. I know the things I think have been nice, but it's always surprising to learn what things those same people recall. Usually, it's those unattainable things, not so much what we gave them, as in physical things. It's the act of kindness that is long remembered over the object given.

Spend some time writing about random acts of kindness. What are they to you? Who deserves or doesn't deserve them? Has anyone done something for you that changed your life? Write about what they did and if you would be willing to do similar for another person.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #15

Today is Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

Today I was thinking about pioneer diaries. I'm sure you've read at least one, possibly more, journals from people making a start in just about any country, new or old. If you haven't, try these links and read a few for yourself.


Historical Pioneer Journals
Pioneer Journals
Emigrant Narratives & Biographies

The challenge today is to write as if you are a pioneer. Write a journal entry as if you are there making a new life with your partner, or family. Try to leave out any references and knowledge of the day you now live in. Write down all the things you would love a future generation to know. Answer the questions you've had on reading pioneer journals. What will you include in your journal that you never read in previous journals?

If you come across some good websites with pioneer journals, diaries and letters for readers to view please let me know. I'd love to add to my list. I didn't seem to come up with too many results tonight.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Struggling

If I'm perfectly honest I have to let all know I'm stuggling with several issues in my life right now. I've been feeling a bit like giving up on a lot of things. While I am still unsure exactly what to do I have been writing in my journal. It's been a journey of discovery. There's also a certain element of depression creeping into my soul. I am most often good at dealing with this, but lately I haven't been. For me winter is the most difficult time of the year. Here in Perth, Western Australia we've had days and days of rain and wind and cold. It really gets to me. When the sun shines I can be found sitting out absorbing the great light into my life.

What about you? How do the seasons alter your mood or general well-being? Are you aware of this at all? Spend some time rereading journal entries from other seasons to compare. When I began tracking my moods in my journal I began to notice a pattern of low moods during winter. Write about this in your journal, but please share your thoughts in the section below, too.

Heather
Image used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #14

Today is Friday. That means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

With the popularity of TV series featuring cartoon characters I felt it might be good to slip into the shoes of one of them for today's challenge. Check out the character bios for The Simpsons, Futurama and The Family Guy. I'm sure there are others, but you will need to do your own research as I'm just sticking with the ones I can think of right now.

Pick a character and write a journal entry in the voice of that character. You might like to write specifically about a problem you're dealing with. Have that character let you know what they think about the problem and how you're handling it. If you watch the TV programme the characters are from you should find this easy.

I hope you gain insight into an area of your life by allowing these cartoon characters to help you gain a fresh perspective. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Image used with permission from stock.xchng

Coloured Pencils

While reading my email I came across the Wet Canvas link to their monthly challenge in their forums. This month the challenge is on using coloured pencils. I was certainly inspired by some of the work in progress on their blog & in the forums. If you aren't already a part of their community you might find it useful to join. They have loads of info and endless inspiration for any artistic endeavour you might like to begin.

Do you make use of coloured pencils in your visual journals? If so, how do you use them? I tend to prefer crayons and watercolour pencils. What about you? Share you visual journal ideas when it comes to using coloured pencils. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo use with permission from stock.xchng

Sex Diaries

On Saturday night our church screened parts of the DVD called Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. I really enjoyed it and we did laugh a lot. What I really liked was how the information opened a door for hubby and I to have a frank & rewarding discussion about our own marriage and ahem... sex life. Which was even more interesting when I came across a study by Australian sex therapist Bettina Arndt where 100 couples were asked to keep intimate diaries about their sex lives.

The article makes a fascinating read, especially if you've been in a long term relationship. Make sure to check out Bettina Arndt's volunteer page, too. You might be interested in helping her out, or simply find the questions posed as usual prompts for your own journal writing, or perhaps to spark open discussion between you & your partner.

I hope you find something useful for your own journal in this entry. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Image used with permission from stock.xchng

Letters to the Editor

One of my favourite parts of the weekend newspaper is always the letters to the editor. There's something about reading what the people think on certain newsworthy topics. I will often read these letters with my journal beside me and jot down thoughts in response to the comments people make. If I'm stirred enough I will write my reply there, too. I've been known to form these into actual letters, too, and have had some published. Often, though, the exercise of responding to my thoughts in my journal has been enough.

Read some letters to the editor in your local newspaper. Clip out the ones that strike a chord in you for whatever reason and put them in your journal so you can write about them at your leisure. First write in response to the original writer, then address the topic with your views clearly stated, lastly try to see how the other writer came to their point of view. Put yourself in their shoes and write more about their point of view. It's amazing how much this will help your understanding of what other people suffer.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Telling Your Stories

I've been hanging out in book stores a lot lately. Hubby and I spent the morning browsing through interesting books this time without the little guy. He was at kindy. I liked looking at the biographies. It's amazing how many stories people have to share. I know I have several. What about you?

Spend some time writing in your journal about your stories. Create a list of the stories you have to share. Catagorise these into humorous, inspirational, thrillers, and so on. Which of these is worth sharing with others? Perhaps you've battled an illness or raised a child with a learning problem or disability. Even stories about breeding animals are interesting, especially if they're well told. Which would be a good base for a fictional account? Delve into the stories that make up your life and see what you can use in your writing or even art. How willing are you to share these stories with the world?

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Your Own Wimpy Kid Diary

While browsing in a book store this morning I came across Diary of a Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, which I couldn't resist taking a look at. What a great idea. If you're looking for a way to get your own kids into journal writing, this just might work. If your kids already read the hugely popular series by Jeff Kinney you're more than half way there. I have to admit I was tempted to buy the book just for myself. My little boy is just a bit too young for it at the moment, but I will keep it in mind for him in a couple more years.



Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather

Locating Your Feelings

I read another great prompt on Creativity Portal's Prompt Generator today. I often use it for days I'm feeling stuck on what to write in here. The prompt was a simple 'where do your feelings come from?' This is quite a deep journal writing prompt. I intend to use it myself tomorrow. Imagine locating the place your feelings come from. Spend some time writing about this place in your journal. I suggest revisting this idea in a few days, after you've had time to ponder the idea further. Perhaps create a visual page about this place where your feelings are generated.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Image used with permission from stock.xchng

Favourite Journal Books

One book I turn to again and again is The New Diary. This is a book I've owned for quite some time. I have several other books on journal writing, but Rainer's book remains a favourite. Please share your favourite journal writing books, also any with a focus on visual journalling. I'm compiling a list as a resource for journal keepers of all persuasions everywhere.

Please leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #13

Today is Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

This story is the most comprehensive online news item I could find on the murder of a teen girl in a small south-west town in my state. The news has shocked and upset many West Australians with continual updates as more is revealed on the story*.

It seems the poor young girl was murdered by her best friends. Of course, this leaves a lot of questions, especially for parents. But the purpose of me mentioning this news in the latest Freaky Friday was to bring yet another journal writing challenge your way.

Today, write a journal entry as if you are your best friend. You may want to write what your best friend thinks about you. Or perhaps you may want to understand something your friend is currently going through that you haven't fully grasped. Feel free to write on anything you like. These are simply suggestions.

I'm not implying either you or your best friend have murder in mind. The news, as mentioned above, had me thinking about best friends since yesterday.

*This is from an older journal entry from my previous blog

I hope you enjoy this journal writing challenge. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

The Idea of Perfection

I've run out of time today for much, but just wanted to express that when it comes to writing in your journal you need to leave the idea of pefection somewhere else. Look up the word perfection in the dictionary, but first define what this word means to you. Perhaps create a visual page on what perfection as one way to highlight how impossible it is to be perfect at anything.

I never worry about writing perfectly in my journal. Spelling errors don't matter. Just getting it down, the movement of my hand across the page, doodling, spirally my pen because it feels good, is sometimes enough. I enjoy words and express myself easily this way, but once I let go of the idea of perfection that was when I was able to really enjoy writing in my journal.

Try some free writing to warm you up, but you can even use this as your journal entry when you're feeling stuck with what to write. Write pages of free writing and then cut them up to use in a visual page. Let go of your ideas of perfection and enjoy writing in your journal. I hope this helps you to do the same.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Faces

I found this prompt on a visual journal group I've recently joined: Blissfully Art Journalling Group. The prompt was simply about making a study of faces. While this is a great visual prompt, don't forget to explore what the study of faces could do in writing. You could sit somewhere and look at faces on the people passing by, or do a search on google images, or look through photos. Then open up your journal and write. Make no plan, just write about the different faces and see where that takes you.

Of course, a study of your own face would also be a great idea to explore in your journal. Take a photo a day, create a montage of these faces after a week, a month, or whatever period you decide. Your children might be happy to pose instead if you feel reluctant.

I hope you enjoy this journal prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #12

Today is Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

This week I have another unusual journal writing prompt idea. Those familiar with the popular TV series The X-Files will understand what I'm asking you to do today much quicker. For those who need the information, read a description of the TV series here.

The two main characters represent different two extreme perspectives when it comes to the supernatural. One is a firm believer in supernatural activity. The other character is a true skeptic and needs further explanation, a logical way to answer the problems they encounter in the course of their investigations.

Today try to identify which character you are more like. Once you've decided this write a journal entry about your reaction to a specific supernatural event from the other character's point of view. You may choose one of the topics covered in the TV series or some other in the news lately.

I hope you have fun with this one. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

The Happiness Project

I came across information about the book called The Happiness Project today and thought it something worth sharing with my regular readers, just in case it's new for you, too. Author Gretchen Rubin has an interesting website called The Happiness Project Toolbox, where you can use her 8 Happiness Tools for yourself. You do need to register, but it's free. She also has a blog to follow. The book will be released early next year. My favourite tools were the one sentence journal and secrets of adulthood. A slightly different slant on journal writing you might need to refresh you own habit.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Brickstorming

On reading the Creativity Portal's newsletter today I had a good giggle at Chris Dunmire's Brickstorming creative prompt. I really liked the idea, too, and just had to share it with you. There's even a great page to download to use for the idea. If you create anything for this prompt, please be sure to credit Chris with the idea. I'm just passing something on.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Fourth Anniversary Challenge

Ten Two Studios is having a fun challenge to celebrate their fourth anniversary. All you need to do is purchase Fourth Anniversary digital collage sheet, which is available from their website. Looks like fun and since it only costs 40 US cents, some of your time and a little imagination, I think it's worth joining in.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Working Things Out

I haven't been online too often lately because I've had computer troubles. Since I don't have much money these days I've had to spend time working out what's up with it. I'm glad I find learning easy. I've been reading about computers and discovering stuff about this one I never knew before. So, as far as I can tell I've worked the problems out and things seem to be running as they should be.

Most of my life I've had to try and work out how things run so I could fix them myself. I suppose it comes from never really having all that much money, but I think I also enjoy discovering what is inside something and how it goes together. There's terrific satisfaction in getting it to do the job again, too. Hubby is the same. He is currently trying to work out what's up with the lawn mower.

What about you? Do you like to work things out, or are you happier letting someone else do that? Do you enjoy creating things, putting them together, be it crafts, machinery or furniture? Write about working things out in your journal. You may choose to write about working out emotional issues if you prefer. Just take the idea and write.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Sorry for my absence

Just letting you know I'm sorry I haven't been here writing in my blog. For some reason only half the page would open for me whenever I came to write an entry here on blogger. For some other reason it all seems normal today. So, I'll just get back to where I was, I gather.

I've been doing a fair bit of rereading of my recent journal. Each time I do I spend time writing about the events that almost stole hubby away from me. I keep thinking how close I came to being a widow, a terrible thing at any time of life, but one I certainly wouldn't have been prepared for. Although, it's early days for me, I know I will eventually write an entry about what I'd have done if I did lose him.

What journal entry or idea are you putting off? Is it time to write that entry or are you simply not ready yet? Write a list of things you will write in your journal about one day.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Great Expectations

I once read a funny statement on a coffee mug that went something like: "You will stop being disappointed in me if you lower your expectations." Sometimes I do think about how true that is, even if it's worth laughing about.

How often do you find yourself having high expectations of someone only to be disappointed? What about what others expect of you? What about what you expect of yourself? Write about these expectations in your journal. Write about what would happen if you lowered your expectation of others. Write about how it would make you feel if others did the same for you.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Playing Catch Up

After all the things I've been through recently, I decided I probably needed to play catch up in my journal. There were several days I didn't get a chance to write in my journal because I had mum visiting. So, yesterday I sat down in one of my favourite cafes and started rereading my journal from the day I was expecting mum to arrive. What surprised me was how I had actually managed, on the days I did make entries, to get everything important down. I suppose that comes down to being a regular journal writer. So, I made an entry about how well I'd covered the events under stress. I added more notes on my emotional state, as most of that was covered by thin description.

How about you? Reread a particularly stressful event in your journal and write another entry on how well you managed to record your emotional state at the time. What else do you learn from rereading those entries?

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

So, What Are You Reading?

With all the crazyness going on in my life recently I haven't really done any reading. The last book I read was an action adventure one by Clive Cussler. I read a journal writing prompt on Creativity Portal asking "what is the book you're currently reading teaching you?" Personally, I can't answer that right now. So, I'm going to the library tomorrow with picking up something to read in mind. What about you? What are you currently reading and what are you learning from that book?

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Freaky Friday #11

Today is Friday. That means it's Freaky Friday. If you need to know more about this journal writing challenge please read Freaky Friday #1.

Today I challenge you to take some time to write in your journal as if you are your partner. That may be your husband or wife, or, if you aren't in a relationship, your ideal partner. Let them have a say on the issues you've been dealing with together lately. Try to get a sense of how it feels to be them and see things from their perspective.

I often use this journal writing prompt when my husband and I have a disagreement. I find it always helps me see what he's been trying to tell me in words. I highly recommend this one journal writing prompt as a good way to resolve consistent issues for couples.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing challenge. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Getting Back to Normal

Hubby finally arrived back home from his nightmare trip late Sunday night. As you can imagine I've been spending a lot more time with him, hearing his story and helping him deal with things. There's been a few things to deal with. I'm just glad I haven't had to deal with anything worse, to be honest. Anyway, I'll be getting back to my normal routine as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy the artwork of one of the many Cambodian people hubby felt compelled to buy from. He bought me a set of hand painted cards. The one above is just one of them.

Heather
Photo of a Cambodian artist's hand painted card

Emotional Ups & Downs

When it comes to handling emotions I tend to sail on an even keel, even when the waters are raging around me. But just this last couple of weeks I've felt even my little boat rock some. Those who know me say I seem to be coping really well. I can thank two major reasons for this; one is prayer and the other is my journal. I am in the habit of taking my emotional turmoils to prayer and to paper in my journal, every day.

The hardest part for me has been dealing with the little guy's emotional ups & downs, though. He has been really good up until this week. On Tuesday night he ended up on my lap in tears, sobbing how much he wanted to see his daddy. That was hard to take. I comforted him and told him how much I missed his daddy, too. Somehow I knew he felt better once he's let the tears fall. Poor kid.

Do you have a place to deal with your emotional ups and downs? Is this place your journal? Write about dealing with emotions in your journal? Reread your old entries looking for emotional outbursts. How did writing about those feelings help you deal with them?

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Hubby Still Improving

I've talked to hubby a few times now since Sunday afternoon. He is feeling much better, but isn't well enough to travel just yet. He's got to wait for the doctor's all clear. That could be as long as a week, so we're still waiting, really.

I have been able to write in my journal a couple of times on my own. Having mum here meant I wasn't getting my usual journal writing time, except those couple of moments I went out without her and the little guy. After dropping her off at the airport I went straight to a place the little guy could play and I wrote in my journal. It was quite liberating. I managed to catch up on some important events, but I am setting aside a journal date on Thursday morning for some deeper thoughts and feelings work. That's a kindy day.

Do you set journal writing dates? Are you able to write deep thoughts out in your journal amidst distractions? What secrets do you have for gaining personal time to devote to writing in your journal? Write about these things in your journal or leave a comment in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Good News on Hubby

I haven't been able to spend much time online, so haven't really been thinking about this blog. With hubby so sick and away from me most of my energy has gone into thinking, praying and keeping the house running as usual. When I finally got a chance to sit and write in my journal yesterday I made it through a page and a half before weeping for a good ten minutes. I really needed that cry.

The bad news was that he had renal (kidney) failure in Cambodia, was airlifted to Bangkok, Thailand, and lapsed into a coma at some point. The good news is that four days later he is greatly improved and responds by opening his eyes when his name is called. He is still on a ventilator machine to assist his breathing. I will know more on Monday, so will update this blog with the news then.

Thanks for the comments. I have not had much time, so will respond at another point.

Heather

Sorry I Haven't Been Online Much

This is really just a quick update as I haven't had a lot of time to be online. My husband is travelling overseas, which I have mentioned in this blog. He's fallen quite ill and had to be air lifted out of Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand. That part just happened today. The worrying part has been trying to find out what was wrong with him in the first place, but maybe the details will be for another time. I will let you all know when he is able to speak to me. I haven't heard from him since Thursday evening. His sister keeps me informed, but it's not the same as hearing his voice.

Spend some time wrtiting in your journal about someone whose voice you long to hear. I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Safe Haven

One of the things I've always appreciated about keeping a journal is the guarantee of a safe haven. So long as you are able to keep your writing completely private you can write anything you like there.

The need for privacy is important. Your private musings could be taken out of context by anyone else. The ability to write without someone censoring your writings means you can be boring, complain, moan, or write about your dreams. Your entries can also exciting, sexy, or complete fantasy.

So long as what you are writing serves a purpose. Does writing out your boring day give you a sense of achievement? Then it's been good for something. Did writing your fantasy help release stress or help you let go of an unreal expectation? Likewise, the act of writing these in your journal worked for you.

You may even need to leave your own inner censor out of the picture while you write in your journal. It's okay to not make sense, to repeat words or sentences and break other rules of grammar.

Your journal should be a place you are free to experiment, play, relax and learn. Your journal should be a guaranteed safe have.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

What Are You Waiting For?

Although I've been busy for the last few days I have been aware that I am waiting. Waiting for my mother to arrive tonight, waiting for hubby to return from his trip, waiting for the mail, waiting for the dinner to cook, waiting for..?

There's always the things we're waiting for that we hardly acknowledge, too. Like waiting to gain wisdom or skill, waiting for someone to change, waiting to be appreciated, waiting for..?

Spend some time writing in your journal about all the things you are waiting for. Dig into the idea and list the things you rarely admit to waiting for. Describe what it feels like to wait for these things. Write about what you do while you wait for these things to eventuate.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Mr-Big on stock.xchng

Crazy Days

I've been having one of those crazy days when everything just goes wild. I couldn't have predicted it to be this way even if I'd wanted to. So many phone calls, waiting in lines, horrible mail... I did escape with the little guy to the park for a while after it all, though. And just as we left it rained.

I was able to gain a bit of sanity amidst all the madness by writing in my journal, soaking up the sunshine and watching the little guy play. It's amazing how much better I felt afterwards.

What about you? Do you cope with crazy days by writing in your journal? Or does that activity get pushed aside simply because it's so mad for you? Write about crazy days in your journal. Locate an answer to what makes you feel safe and saner on those days. Develop a plan so you won't let those kinds of days overwhelm you.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Extreme Journalism

I stumbled across Extreme Visual Journals, a technique developed by Juliana Coles, today while searching about on google. Read a description of exactly what an extreme visual journal is by Coles & her team. You can't miss the packing instructions for what to bring with you so you can be an extreme visual journaler and their manifesto. This just might be exactly what you're looking for with your own personal journal writing journey.

Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Handling Solitude

This morning, at a most ungodly hour, I dropped off my hubby and his sister at the Perth International airport. They're winging their way off to Cambodia for just short of two weeks. This leaves me with much more time alone they I usually have. For me this idea is bliss. I spend so much time doing things for and with others that moments of solitude are sweetly savoured. But I know not everyone feels this way about solitude.

How do you handle solitude? Is it something you enjoy or endure? Do you make plans to do projects to keep yourself busy through these times or do you revel in not having to do anything? Write about solitude in your journal. Discover what it means to you. Is it a tonic or a toxic experience? Has this changed at different times of your life? Create a visual journal page about this topic. Remind yourself to do the same exercise in say five or ten years, to see how your thoughts on solitude have altered in that time.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Ivan Vicencio from stock.xchng

Artsy Bloggers Round-up #7

Here are some more artsy links to keep you creating this week:

Digital effects techniques from Mixed Media Artist.

How to Make Quilted Coasters to Match your Decor from The Artful Crafter.

And I've shared the 1001 Journals Call for Submissions.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Pixel Perfect Digital

Freaky Friday #10

It's Friday and that means it's Freaky Friday. Please read Freaky Friday #1 to learn more about this journal writing challenge.

Today I want to challenge you to think about your ego. I heard the news*, or perhaps rumour, that Oprah and David Letterman were interested in interviewing the rescued miners from Beaconsfield, Tasmania. It made me think how it would feel to be in that place; the one being interviewed on TV.

Today write as if you have done some noteworthy activity and you are on either the Late Show or Oprah. You may decide to be a known author, movie star/director or singer/performer for this journal writing exercise, but perhaps you'd prefer to be yourself for this one. The only difference is that you have achieved your dream, whatever that might be. You are there in the spotlight answering questions. What do you discuss? How does this make you feel? Go into detail. Describe everything. It matters little if you don't know what it's really like. Use your imagination. Have fun with this one.

Heather
*This is an older entry from my other blog
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Just Before Bedtime

I don't know about you, but I pretty well know my nightly routine back the front. It's not something I really think about. I have a routine I could walk through in my sleep. Actually, it wouldn't surprise me if I was asleep some of the time. And if I leave anything out I can't seem to settle until I go do that omitted action.

How about you? In your journal describe or list your bedtime routine. Describe why you do each of these things. Some will be obvious, but not all. Explain yourself as if describing to a stranger why this action is important to you. Do you have a regular routine? Why not? Write about your ideal nightly routine, especially if you don't really like your routine now.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

1001 Journals Call for Submissions

Have you created something really cool in your journal lately? Have you a great journal story to share? 1001 Journals is putting out a call for submissions. For more details check out their web site. The deadline is 9th June.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Daniel Jaeger Vendruscolo at stock.xchng

Little Surprises

One of the best things about rereading my old journals is when I stumble on little surprises in my writing. Sometimes the surprise is in something I noticed, something I thought about and had forgotten, or simply an idea I see I need to explore. I will often list these little gifts in my current journal for times when I'm feeling less than inspired about writing in my journal. These are often starters for some in depth journal writing.

Even if you haven't been keeping a journal for a long time go back and read some of your older entries. What things did you leave open or unexplored? Find something from an old entry to write about intensely. Investigate what you really felt about that matter.

I hope you enjoy this journal writing prompt. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng