Cool Journal Course to Win

I've been entering the draw each day just lately to win cool creativity classes from the new website Creativity Classes. You should check out the classes on offer, but don't forget to enter in the draw for prizes, too. Looks like loads of fun.

Heather - Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Computer Problems

One of the reaasons I haven't been getting to my blogs is simply because I have a problem with my computer. It won't turn on, more specifically. While this is frustrating, it's been kind of nice in a way. I've been using my notepad type of computer to access the internet. I get to sit all cosy in here with hubby with the heater on. I don't have all my usual tools on this computer, so I haven't been getting to the things I normally do.

I have been writing in my journal a lot, though. Possibly since not having my computer active I've actually been writing even more in my journal. I just finished a nice big fat one from Smiggle. It was purple and had creamy blank pages. But I picked up a fun looking one with colourful stripes and flowers on it from a sale at Angus & Robertson recently. I started in that one today.

Hopefully, I can get my computer working soon and will then get back to regular blogging.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

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Finding Quiet Time

One thing I find really difficult with my husband home all the time, is the ability to get a bit of quiet time in my own home. I often go to one of my favourite cafes to write in my journal, but what I really want is some place quiet I can do that here, at home, with no one else around. It seems to be asking the impossible.

For one thing, he likes noise going, even when he's studying. I prefer silence. He is pretty much always here, so just doing something without him there is not going to happen. I know I could insist on being alone, but I feel the need to explain myself. That just seems like a lot of trouble.

I have to make do with writing in public, but it's just annoying. I suppose all I'm doing is having a complain about it. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel a bit of solace in your own home is necessary.

Do any of my other readers cope with a similar problem? Please write about it in the comments section if you do. Perhaps you have some good tips for me.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Stock.xchng

Click here to visit Planet SARK.

The Artist's Way, Again

Just recently I became tired of not having much direction as far as my writing goes. I'd been getting little signals that I should go back and do The Artist's Way again, but had every excuse happening. The more excuses I made the more I realised I needed to do it. So, last week, Monday morning I rose early and got stuck into those boring old morning pages. The weirdest thing was it felt like coming home.

There's something about doing the morning pages that brings a low hum of energy to my days. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it. I've been doing the book, the 12 week course, but I'm feeling like some of the exercises are redundant. This will be the third time I've done this book. I'm trying to work out if all I needed was the morning pages or to slog through with the course again.

I'll keep you updated on what I end up doing, but please share your thoughts on doing the book or any other book to inspire your creativity.

Heather
Cover of The Artist's Way, photo no my own
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On the Hunt for Prompts

I know many journal writers are constantly on the look out for prompts to use in their journals and in their creative writing. After a recent catch up with another writing friend I discovered she has over 600 writing prompts on her website. So, be sure to go check them out at Writing to Inspire.

Heather
Photo used with permission from stock.xchng

Click here to visit Planet SARK.

Taking My Own Advice

I know I haven't been here very often. I've been quite ill, so that's my main excuse. Time gets away from me most days. I have yet to settle down to a regular routine now my little boy is in full-time school. But, one of the major things I have to share is that I've been using the keeping a food journal idea with much success.

Since reading stories claiming this makes all the difference with trying to lose weight I've intended to carry through and keep a journal. Most of the time I just didn't go more than a day or two. Since the end of January I've managed to carry through this idea and it is making all the difference. I have lost weight. The exact amount is beyond me, as I don't have scales, but I do now fit several sizes less than I did at the beginning of the year.

I suppose it helps that I feel somewhat accountable to my daughter, who is also keeping a food journal. She's having real success with the food journal idea, too. I hope this encourages you to give it a try yourself.

Photo used with permission from stock.xchng
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Fun Contest

There's a fun contest right now that will encourage your creativity and give you a chance to use your journal writing skills. Check out Chris Dunmire's Amazing Creativity Tool Writing Contest. This is an instructional humour writing contest and giveaway, but it sounds like something fun and a good reason to go and reread some of your old journals just to find what your unique knowledge to share with the world.

"Submit your unpublished family-friendly (and tasteful — please no bathroom humor) How-to Instructional Humor Essay, Lesson Plan, Project, etc. (min. 250 words/max. 500 words) on any topic related to creativity..." See, it's really easy. I hope you join the fun and enter, too.

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