Archive | November 2015

Totoro Family Recipes: Monkey Bread

thanksgiving dinnerThanksgiving 2015 was a bit different for us.

For the first time, we spent the weekend alone. Just the two of us.

Prior to children, we had a holiday tradition. Thanksgiving was spent with my parents – and Geoff’s family was invited. Christmas Eve was spent with his grandmother, who prepared the Italian vigil – and my parents were invited. And Christmas Day was spent at his parents’ house with everyone in attendance. We were fortunate that the two families lived close by and enjoyed one another’s company.

Once we had children and moved to Kansas, however, we would host the holiday feasts, and all children and grandparents gathered around our family table.
But this year all the children had plans of their own – and all parents have passed on. It was just the two us around the dining room table.

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Types of Journaling

journal and penJournaling is not a one size fits all.

As we have already noted, there are a variety of notebooks and pens or online programs to use, depending on personal preference.

In addition, there are a variety of journaling methods. While this list is by no means exhaustive, hopefully it will give you a few ideas of how to begin a journaling practice.

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How to Journal: Computers

journal and penLast week I discussed Journaling Supplies, detailing various types of notebooks and pens available in the marketplace. And I suggested you experiment with several different styles to determine which one(s) work best for your writing temperament.

But I know there are times when electronic journaling is preferred. This will be the focus of today’s post.

Privacy is a real concern when it comes to journaling.

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How to Journal: Supplies

journal and penTo begin a journaling routine is simple. All you need is something to write with, something to write on, and a desire to write.

You can easily start with supplies you already have on hand: either a computer or tablet with word processing capabilities, or if you prefer the old-fashioned way, pen and paper. However, I would advise experimenting with a variety of supplies to decide which method works best for your writing style.

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How to Journal: Introduction

I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.      ~ Joan Didion

I started journaling about three years ago. I always loved the idea of journaling – keeping a diary – but somehow I never followed through with those intentions. After experiencing a mild mid-life crisis in early 2013, however, my counselor prescribed expressive journaling as therapy. I have not stopped writing since.

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