Writing/Journal Writing

  • COVID,  Family Legacy,  Writing/Journal Writing

    … And Yet, Every Day I Wonder (Part II)

    I wonder at all the beauty the world has seen in the midst of uncertainty the COVID-19 has brought us.   I wonder at: I especially wonder at the effect of human touch, the instant smile and warm feeling from the top of my head to tips of my toes when I get to hug my children and my friends.  I am in awe of the kindness, patience, grace and goodness of people during what seems like an insurmountable situation.  I wonder if COVID has been sent to test many of my core beliefs. Love is all there is. The universe rewards action. Everything happens for a reason. Everyone needs…

  • COVID,  Writing/Journal Writing

    Begin Again (The Virus Edition)

    My first blog post in two years was in the works. It’s called Begin Again, my reintroduction to the blogging world. I’ve worked through and come out on the other side of change. I’ve emerged into my 60’s with renewed focus. This post was to be my second Hello World, my start-all-over-again post.  In light of the world situation, dealing with COVID-19, words about me don’t seem important. What’s important is us – all of us. As we put faith in our leaders and healers to show us the way to the other side of great uncertainty, we make our own personal choices, daily. Many of us are in self-isolation which…

  • Family Legacy,  Writing/Journal Writing

    Chasing Peace

    I’ve had a tough time choosing my annual guiding word for 2018. In my journal, I keep my list of feeling words. They’re words that answer the question, “How do I want to feel when I get up in the morning?” My list is – joyous, beloved, creative, vibrant and wholehearted. Most years I choose from that list or go with something related to one of those words. This year is different. My attention keeps turning to peace. Peace. I want some. It’s difficult to maintain a peaceful disposition at the best of times, even if you’ve been born with one, like me. In today’s environment, it seems harder than…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    Can One Writer Influence the World?

    Bryan Hutchinson is living proof that you can influence the world by committing to a regular journal writing habit. Today, I’m guest posting for his blog, Positive Writer.  Everyone seems to be touting the benefits of keeping a journal these days. I’m glad. I’ve always believed the world would be a better place if more people picked up a favorite pen and wrote their hearts out on a regular basis. … we become observers … It’s through a dedicated journal practice that we become observers of life, both our own and that of others. We start on a small scale, creating inner awareness by looking at ourselves. Eventually, we observe…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    The 40 Reasons “Why” Challenge

    Bryan Hutchinson over at Positivewriter.com is challenging his readers to a “Why I Write” challenge. I know we aren’t all writers, but we all have ‘that thing’ we do. You might love dancing. Maybe you paint, maybe you scrapbook your photos. We all need a creative outlet. What’s yours?   Listing the reasons we write is a popular exercise for writers. It’s a good reminder for those times when we just can’t get ourselves to practice. I’ve journaled my list at least a couple of times over the years. Since it’s been a while, I think I’ll accept Bryan’s invitation to sit down and consciously revisit mine with, perhaps, some…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    I’m Late, I’m Late, I’m Late…

    Oh my goodness, I just realized my last post was April 4th – almost two months ago. I’m so far behind on updating my blog! There’s just been so much going on, it seems. I know – excuses, excuses. But, here’s what’s been happening around here.   I piloted my workshop, Journal Your Legacy, on-line. I had eight students work through a four-week program and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The course will improve as it goes on, thanks to the involvement of my freshman class. Watch for more information, coming soon. 2.  Our trip to Zihautanejo, Mexico. Another dream spot checked off the bucket list. The Consultant and I…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    Starting The New Year Off “Write”

    “In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.”  – Alex Haley    Today, I’d like to share my plans for 2016. I hope you’ll share in my excitement as I launch my journal writing workshop business, Writing Life Matters. My first pilot class – Journal Your Legacy – is coming up fast. I’ve realized that the time has come for many of our children to leave the nest — or maybe they already have. Although you’ve done all you can for your kids – taught them how to be their best possible selves, given them an education, and more importantly unlimited love –…

  • Writing/Journal Writing

    A Brand New Year – I Will Be Brave

    Slow as molasses in January. That’s me. (Especially on a January day like today where the temperature will be -27 C.) I like to be sure. My tendency is to “sell no wine before it’s time.” I write, rewrite, and change a word here, a word there. Leave it for a day and revisit it the next to tweak some more. In other words, I strive for perfection. Perfection is weighty. It presses heavily on my shoulders, keeps me still. It stresses the body and suppresses forward motion. It repeatedly asks, “What if this work isn’t good enough?” Understanding perfection has been part of my creative process. This year, I…