At the beginning of the year I started a journal for favourite poems, quotes and thoughts. I call it my stillness journal. It has become quite important to me though it really isn't anything special on the outside (but that will change when the time is right). On the inside however, it is exactly the way I want it. I'm filling it with poems and quotes that make my heart leap in recognition. Recognition of my thoughts and ideas about life that I have difficulty expressing in my own words. I don't want it to be a book that I'm afraid to write in. It has lines because crooked poems would worry me. I use pencil rather than pen and it's the sort of book that I can jot down comments in the margin without feeling that I'm spoiling the pristine pages. Leslie sent me an envelope of "scraps" from her studio. Leslie's scraps are my treasure and they beautify my journal.
I've been noticing many journals that would be beautiful for sheltering poems in. I love Lotta Helleberg's journals. Treat yourself to an interview with Lotta here . You won't be disappointed!
"And I have always wanted to write about everything. That does not mean to write a book that covers everything -- which would be impossible. But a book into which everything can go. A book with a little of everything that creates itself out of everything. That has its own life. A faithful book. I no longer look at it as a "book"." - Thomas Merton
(Thanks Shawna Lemay)
India Flint mentioned a workshop being taught in Scotland by Sandra Brownlee in August. TACTILE NOTEBOOKS. It sounds wonderful! Click here to read more about it.
