Archive | December 2015

Coloring: Lessons Learned

Dec16

mandala-1I thought I would take a break this week from Journaling and discuss another favorite pastime: Coloring.

These days Coloring Books for Adults are available in nearly every store (I dare not say Adult Coloring books for obvious reasons). While I would never call myself a trend-setter, I will admit to coloring LONG before it became the national obsession.

In college I would de-stress during finals week by purchasing a Christmas coloring book and a pack of 24 crayons. Perhaps it was the nostalgic images of Santa, Christmas stockings, and decorated trees that relaxed me. Or perhaps it was the vibrant colors that awakened my senses after reading pages upon pages of black and white text. Or perhaps it was the kinesthetic movement of coloring that relaxed my mind, body, and cramped hands. Whatever the reason, it worked. After a few minutes of coloring I was ready to tackle the books again.

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Totoro Family Recipes: Angel Bites

Dec12

angel bites-3Most of you would recognize this confection as Puppy Chow, but in our family it is affectionately known as Angel Bites. Personally, I think we should rename the recipe and call it “Heavenly Crack” … because once I take a single bite, I can’t seem to stop.

My mom collected angels for years. At one time she was even a member of the Angel Collector’s Club of America. At one of their annual conventions, she purchased a fundraiser cookbook that included this recipe, and it was love at first bite.

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How to Journal: Developing a Routine

Dec9

journal and pen

So by now you have experimented with various notebooks and pens and found some that feel right. You have investigated some journaling options and played around with journaling styles. Now all you need is some consistent journaling time in your already over-scheduled life.

Once again, experimentation is key.

There are several factors to consider:

  • Time
  • Location
  • Atmosphere
  • Security

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Totoro Family Recipes: Gingerbread Houses

Dec4

Gingerbread-5In 1992, our family established this Gingerbread House tradition.

Initially we would invite a family from church to join us, but as the children grew over the years and added significant others, we now limit the crowd to immediate family members.

Each “child” receives his/her own gingerbread house and cardboard base. Currently that would be my three children, their spouses, and one grandchild. One double batch of the recipe makes approximately three houses. So this year I will plan to make three-double batches and have a bit of leftover dough for gingerbread men and women to decorate as well.

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How to Journal: Various Methods

Dec2

journal and penThe first rule of journaling is… There is no one right way to journal.  So let go of the need to do it right and just do it.

The second rule is… Ignore the inner critic. Forget all the spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules your high school English teacher drilled in class (and I can say this… I was a high school English teacher) and simply write. Let go of your definition of “good” writing and just write. It’s ALL good!

For those who would like a bit more guidance, however, I will attempt to offer a few methods to help you get started. Try several different ones and then adapt them to suit your personal needs. As long as you are writing – no matter how much, how often, or what method – that’s all that matters. Continue reading →