• coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  journaling,  quotes

    Maybe a blankie

    February 16, 2024

    Writing by hand is thinking on paper. Thoughts grow into words, sentences and pictures. Memories become stories. Ideas are transformed into projects. Notes inspire insight. We write and understand, learn, see and think – with the hand.

    The above quote is from the packaging in my newest Leuchtturn1917 journal, which I have been using for several years. It seems that the first sentence can be attributed to a writer and teacher, named William Zinsser. Not sure where the rest of the quote comes from. I relate to his idea that writing by hand is thinking. And, writing by hand also has a way of slowing my mind down. I’m posting this image because it goes along with the quote and I began a new journal today. It’s also a new color of journal for me as I have exclusively used black. It is hardbound, has two ribbons, and 251 lined pages. I average around 6-9 months of journaling in a book. In one strange period of time, where I had a lot on my mind, I filled one journal in three months. I find having a quality journal with 80 gsm fountain pen friendly paper and a quality fountain pen will inspire me to pick them up more often and use them.

    As some of you know my dad now lives in the warmer climate of Arizona, so I sent him the following message this morning: “Good morning! It is cloudy, 23 degrees, 84% humidity and expected to snow later today. It seems like a wise choice for me to stay inside, making it a day to read and journal.” And he responded: “That is what I would do with maybe a blankie.” Stay warm!!!

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  • journaling,  musings,  nature,  Plants,  pond,  quotes,  reflections,  water

    This Galaxy of Stars

    January 30, 2024

    “Tomorrow is never ours until it becomes today.”

    It was 62 degrees yesterday afternoon as I sat in my yard soaking up the sun and journaled. Had lots on my mind so the words flowed. I was joined by three squirrels who were also enjoying the sunshine while chasing one another, seemingly in a game of tag. Mallards and geese floating on the open water were making quite a racket as they enjoyed the water. And as I watched, listened and wrote my mind settled down. Then a thought came that I should take my camera for a walk around the pond, stretching my legs and flexing my shutter finger. Before I knew it this short jaunt became a lovely gift as I came across this galaxy of stars.

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  • coffee life,  journal,  journaling

    Coffee Life

    January 3, 2024

    “Religion isn’t about believing things. It’s ethical alchemy. It’s about behaving in a way that changes you, that gives you intimations of holiness and sacredness.”

    Karen Armstrong

    It’s cold or at least I’m cold. Have been all day. It was 20 degrees this morning when I headed for the coffee shop and I haven’t really warmed up since. However, walking into a warm coffee shop then having this work of art presented to me made it worth bearing the cold. Found a place upstairs and settled in for about an hour of journaling time before meeting Mark for breakfast. Had a pleasant surprise today as my youngest daughter had an electric throw blanket sent to me. I am enjoying it now. I wonder if the mocha latte is a form of alchemy? And, I’m assuming it’s ethical. Stay warm as it looks like much of the US is going to be cool the next few days and behave in a way that changes you!!!

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  • journaling,  quotes,  Self-portraits,  writing/reading

    Give it now…

    December 20, 2023

    One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes.

    Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

    As I was journaling at Mugs yesterday morning i noticed the lighting was perfect for a photo that symbolizes my journaling. So I asked one my barista, to take this image. Jess volunteered and this what she gave me. I like it.

    I’ve journaled for years and feel that the past five years have been the most productive. I don’t mean that in quantity but in the quality of my writing. Every time I put pen to paper I find unexpected words. I’ve uncovered truths and lies I’ve told myself for years. My journals have help me dig deeper into my soul helpsing me to know myself more while hopefully being a better human being. I am learning to put into words how I see the gift of this natural world I live in. I also am learning to put into words the gift of this inner landscape of myself.

    Finishing up laundry then some reading, walking and photography. It is overcast but warm.

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  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journaling,  quotes,  writing/reading

    A Grateful Heart

    December 12, 2023

    “Union with God is not something that needs acquired but realized.”

    Martin Laird

    It has been overcast and cold all day. After quiet time and a bowl of cereal I took the bus and walked to Mugs for my mocha which helps me get in my steps and exercise. I was greeted with a big smile from my barista, Jess. Met with high school classmates for our monthly lunch today then met with a friend at 1:45 pm at my place. Had a wonderful phone call with Duane after that. And, maybe snow later tonight.

    I have been reading from a few new authors, and enjoying them, as well as rereading some books. I’ve found it true that we never read the same book twice. And, now that the colder weather is here I will probably be reading more. I have a couple more books coming from new authors which I really am excited to read.

    As I look at this image I realize that it depicts how I’m living my life now. It includes my coffee life, my journaling, my reading and in the background, my camera. The coffee life provides a social outlet for me, time with friends and making new friends. It is not just about the mocha latte, although that’s an important part of it. Journaling is my way of documenting what is unfolding in my day, to continue to ask deep questions, and enjoy the pleasure of writing with fountain pens. It is also a letter to myself and the union with the Divine within me, what Meister Eckhart calls the Ground of my Being. And, I see books as seeds of discovery that hopefully take root and bring transformation within me so that I can become all that I was created to be. The hidden part of my life that is not seen in this image is my camera. It is through photography that I have come to see the world with the photographer’s eye, while accepting all the gifts of living this life. And, finally the essence of this image depicts some of the tools I use on this Spiritual Path I’m walking. Yes, I have a grateful heart this evening. Stay warm!

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  • coffee life,  journal,  journaling,  quotes

    The Gift-Experience

    November 28, 2023
    The gifts of journaling and a mocha

    The experience of spirituality involves recognizing new and different realities, especially the qualities of the gift-experience, appreciating not only the gift itself but also the sheer freedom and generosity contained in a genuine gift. We need to give ourselves gifts.

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  • haiku,  Humor,  journal,  journaling,  musings,  writing/reading

    Morning Musings

    July 15, 2023

    blue pen, blue ink
    words fill pages of journal
    morning musings

    mws

    Welp! Yesterday was Friday the 14th with a touch of Friday the 13th in it. Let me explain. The coffee shop I wanted to go to was not open when I arrived at 7:00 am so I went down the street to one that was open. When I arrived at the second coffee shop I noticed I’d forgotten my Fitbit/watch. No problem. When I got home I noticed I’d left my phone at the coffee shop. No problem. Later in the afternoon I stopped to look at one of the new e-bikes, that’s in my price range. Bending down to look at the belt drive I bumped my head on their rack. Hurt like hell! I cursed profusely! Began bleeding so I went to the ER to have it looked at and because I’m new to this blood thinner stuff. Now we have a problem. I had to have staples put in my noggin and a tetanus shot. Will have the staples removed in 5 days. I then stopped and got a DQ blizzard on the way home for any pain I may have. Seemed like a good idea at the time. I then stayed on my porch the rest of the day and kept all sharp objects at a distance. I took a shower this morning, gently washed my hair and then gently combed my hair. Will need to watch that for the next few days. Put on a crockpot of vegetable soup and will enjoy that later today. Hope you enjoy your day!

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