New journals in the shop and a bit of creative experimentation, too!

One of the very best things about journaling is that there are no limits. You can write as much or a little as you like. You can draw, you can collage, you can make audio of video recordings. You can delve deeply into the mysteries of your soul one day and record point-form snippets about nothing in particular the next.

I am in love with the possibilities that journaling brings. I love the search for meaning. I love gathering up all of the ideas and values that are most important to me and looking at them from as many different perspectives as possible. Most of all, I love the surprises, the discoveries about myself and the world around me, that happen along the way.

I strive to bring all of these elements to each of my guided journals and I'm thrilled to let you know that I've recently added a new spiral-bound journal to the collection in my Etsy shop -- Volume 4!

I've also been experimenting with the idea of adding a little something extra to a small number of my spiral-bound journals: a little piece of original artwork in the form of a hand-lettered quote (painted in gouache by me!) and an accompanying, hand-painted (and secret!) prompt -- all tucked into an envelope inside the back cover.

No extra charge, just a personal touch, created with care, from me to you.

These two sets were early attempts. Just to sort out how it might work:

After that, I created two more sets with two different quotes and I've just put them in the shop. (In the first one, the quote and the prompt are a surprise!)

I've called them Special Edition journals and you can find them here and here. If this is something you'd like to see more of, please let me know -- I'll get out my paint and paper and create additional listings.

Wishing you lots of inspiration in your journals and your travels,
Christie

Sticky notes

I've been thinking a lot about the ideas that inspire me to journal. One day, not too long ago, in order to sort through them, I got out a bunch of sticky notepads and started writing.

It began simply enough with the words discovery, connection, and thoughts into action (up in top left corner of the photo) and, quite unexpectedly, a sticky note mosaic sprung to life on the wall behind my desk. It's not a permanent installation, as each square is doing its darnedest to peel itself from the wall, but it has been a welcome (and colourful) reminder of the many possibilities that every journal holds -- as a place to experiment with new ideas, commit and re-commit to projects new and old, work through fears, build courage, play with colour and curiosity, and to create an enduring record of the experiences in between. All of them, opportunities to inspire.

Mirth

After posting yesterday's theme-ish words over on Facebook, Stephanie suggested mirth in the comments. Playing with words is such fun. Can't stop myself.

Pluck, exuberance, and doggedness

I was thinking about putting together a set of themed prompts. I started with some theme-ish words like focus and courage and wrote up a bunch of prompts, which, as it turned out, were quite dull. It was a chore to re-read them. So I deleted all the prompts, shelved the whole idea, and went in search of tea and a cookie. Today, it occurred to me that maybe I just need different words. Like pluck and exuberance and doggedness. I drew up some word headers and all of a sudden, it's back on. Words are the best.

Work in progress

I've been writing journal prompts today, which generally starts off quite slowly. But when I really get down to it, when I sit down (or pace the hallways or wander the sidewalks, as I sometimes do) and really think about all of the possibilities in life and all of the good questions there are to be asked, it always leaves me . . .

Wishing you lots of inspiration, too!

On my desktop

Working on some days-of-the-week hand lettering for a new set of journal pages.

I've been reading about the practice of journaling and thinking a lot about the ways that we make (and perhaps discover) meaning in our lives. The next set of journal pages will be slightly different from previous sets. I'm adding one new element. Can't wait to show it to you!

More good things . . .

Making slow progress on a new set of journal pages and working for a few moments on my letters.

What are you up to?

Practice vs. Practise

I love a good grammar dilemma!

Yesterday, I wrote about my efforts to improve my hand lettering.

I posted the following photo of my ongoing attempts and wrote that I had taken a quick break to practice, practice, practice my lettering.

Now here's the dilemma: The lovely Margot/NZ left a very kind comment about the use of the words practice and practise. Practice is the noun and practise is the verb.

Which I totally agree with . . . except I think it depends on where you live.

When I was a kid, I was taught exactly the same rule that Margot/NZ described. I grew up in Southern Ontario, Canada, where I still live. I've noticed in recent years, however, that the s just isn't used around these parts anymore. Which is why I went with practice instead of practise in my post. Also, I understand that in the U.S., practice serves as both the noun and the verb.

After a bit of brief research, however, I've discovered (thanks to Margot!) that the distinction is alive and well and in regular use outside North America.

So, I was going to rewrite my page for Margot as practise, practise, practise. Except that now I'm confused about whether that would be the correct course of action.

I get that I should have written: I took a quick break to practise, practise, practise my lettering (the verb), BUT on my page, I think it should still be practice, practice, practice (the noun). Right? I think? Ack, I'm not sure.

For example, the phrase practice makes perfect is totally clear. In that context, practice is the noun.

But I only wrote the word practice three times, so it's not as clear. Was I referring to the noun practice or the verb practise? Help me out! Which is it? If it should have been practise, I am totally going to rewrite that page!

P.S. Thank you so much for all of the comments on my last two posts. I have stopped by and replied to each of them!

Practice, practice, practice

It has been a quiet sort of day around here, which gave me the chance to start the next batch of journal pages. Mostly, I've been working on lightning round questions - my absolute favourite thing. I'll post a few tomorrow!

Also, I took a quick break to practice, practice, practice my lettering.

How is your day going?

5 Ways to follow through on your goals

Okay. So. Wow, I'm a little nervous, guys. This is the finished graphic that I mentioned here and here:

For ages, one of my goals has been to improve my lettering. I absolutely adore anything handwritten and I would love to be able to add more hand-lettered variety to my guided journals. This graphic came about not only as a way to work on my lettering, but also as a reminder of some of the ways I can continue to follow through on this goal.

1. Divide and Conquer - I know my lettering won't improve without a lot of practice. So far, I am nowhere near the level I hope to achieve some day, but the best way to get there is to take it one step at a time, i.e. find one little thing I'm keen to write about (goal-setting definitely fits the bill!) and do it, then pick another little something and write about that next. And so on and so on. I have faith that I will see improvement if I just keep at it.

2. Put Fear in its Place - As I write this post, my heart is thumping and my palms are clammy. There's a little voice in my head suggesting not so gently that I probably shouldn't post this. The composition is not what it should be, the lettering looks amateurish, the colour scheme needs work, . . . But whatever, stupid voice. I'm posting anyway. This is the place where I try stuff out. This is where I come to fail, if necessary. If I wait until I'm not scared, I'll never post again.

3. Expect Setbacks - Yep, stuff gets in the way. Available working hours are few, interruptions are many, crises of self-confidence are frequent. That's life. The only imperative is never to give up.

4. Learn Along the Way - This has been the best part so far. I finally figured out how to scan a drawing and colour it digitally in Illustrator. I have lots more to learn on that subject, but it feels awesome to add a new tool to the kit.

 5. Shout if From the Rooftops - And here we are. This is my rooftop. This is where I pledge to make my goals a reality.

That's my story for now. What goal have you pledged to follow through on?

On my desk . . .

On my desk today: hand lettering a few thoughts about following through on goals. Almost done!

What are you working on?

More good things

Good things

What's on your list?

Right here right now and Treasure your muchness (Doodle giveaway - parts four and five)

These recent posts, in which I've been doodling my thoughts, have been a bit of a departure from my usual journal fare, but they've been huge for me.

I was stuck.

I didn't know where my guided journals were headed, but now I do.  I wasn't sure how I wanted to proceed, but now I am.

This little side trip, this exercise of playing with thoughts and words in ways I haven't tried before, has helped me to see my existing journals in a new light and to imagine new paths for my prompts, my pages, and all sorts of new journal projects.  Finally, I'm ready to get back to journaling and I have A LOT planned.  There will be some changes, some new printables, and new additions to the shop.  Something for everyone, I hope. 

So, today will mark the last day of my doodle note giveaway, with my two last cards, and then it's full speed ahead on the journal front. 

Which brings us to the final two doodle thought note cards.  The first is a reminder that right here, right now is a fabulous place to start.  It goes to Mary Renee (busyknittymom), a mom of 5 who wrote that she never met a needlecraft she didn't like.

The second card is a reminder to be all that we are, which never fails to inspire me.  It goes to Margot/NZ, who wrote about her passion for scrapbooking, which she pursues when she's not working at her local library or in her olive grove.  Olive grove!  In my northern climate, there are no olive groves.  Up here, at this time of year, it's all about the apple orchards.

Mary Renee and Margot/NZ, if you'd be so kind as to send a quick note with your mailing addresses to christie(at)graceisoverrated(dot)com, I'll put your notes in the mail.

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by to leave a comment for this giveaway.  I hope you'll stay tuned for the new adventures in guided journaling to come!

hugs,
Christie

Let curiosity reign (Doodle giveaway - part three)

Today's doodle thought note card is brought to you by a healthy dose of curiosity:

I'm delighted to announce that today's doodle will be mailed out to Melissa, who wrote about using her daughter's smencils as a way to begin filling in my journal pages.  I love your approach, Melissa -- that you found a way to start that worked for you and I hope that you have many happy journaling moments ahead of you.  If you'll send me your mailing address via a quick email to christie(at)graceisoverrated(dot)com, I'll put your note card in the mail.

If you're just learning about my doodle note project and would like to enter your name to receive a hand drawn, handwritten note in your mailbox, there's still time to pop on over to this post and leave a comment.

See you back here on Monday with doodle thought note card number four!

hugs,
Christie

Shine on my friend (Doodle giveaway - part two)

Happy Monday, friends!

I'm stopping by today to show you my second doodle thought note card:

I'm very happy to announce (thanks to the random number generator at random.org) that I'll be sending it out to lisbonlioness who wrote about her recent discovery of a very unfortunate allergy.  I sincerely hope that you're feeling better these days, lisbonlioness, and if you'll send me a quick email with your mailing address to christie(at)graceisoverrated(dot)com, I'll get that doodle out to you post haste.  I hope it brightens your day.

On Wednesday, I'll be back to show you my next note card and to announce who'll receive it.  Until then, here is a peek at an idea that might make it to card form.  We'll see . . .

If you're just learning about my doodle note project and would like to enter your name to receive a hand drawn, handwritten note in your mailbox, there's still time to pop on over to this post and leave a comment.

See you back here on Wednesday!

hugs,
Christie

Make today the day! (Doodle giveaway result - part one)

Thank you so much for stopping by over the past couple of days to say hello and tell me a little about yourselves!  I have loved reading your comments and learning about all of the things you're up to.

I have also completed the first doodle thought note card to send out:

After consulting the random number generator at random.org, I am pleased to announce that the first note will go to Silverlotus, who wrote about her love of needlework (knitting, cross stitch, and crochet) and her desire to write a book!

Silverlotus, I can't wait to put your note in the mail!  If you could send me a quick email at christie(at)graceisoverrated(dot)com with your mailing address, I'll send it off.

I'll be back on Monday to show you my next doodle note and its recipient.  Until then, here's a sneak peek at my progress so far . . .

If you're just learning about my doodle note project and would like to enter your name to receive a hand drawn, handwritten note in your mailbox, there's still time to pop on over to this post and leave a comment.

See you back here on Monday, friends!

hugs,
Christie

Doodle thoughts, mailed out to parts unknown (a little giveaway)

Update:  This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to leave a comment!

~~~~

In my last several posts, I've been drawing out my thoughts:
Muchness
A fine mess
It isn't supposed to be easy.  Don't let that stop you.
Different is not necessarily wrong.
It's easier than you think.  It's also harder than you think.  Paradoxes abound.
Listen first.  Talk later.
It's not about the numbers.  (Except when it is.)

I have loved this creative side trip and it's gotten to the point where I'd really love to try sharing my wordy sketches in a new way, perhaps by making them a little more interactive.

Last post, I brought up the idea of mailing them out -- a little side project as I work on longer term goals.  Then, this morning, I was thinking about life and progress and new things -- the usual -- and I drew this into my sketchbook:

Sometimes, seeing the words on paper makes all the difference to my attitudes and actions.  Do you find that, too?  Maybe that's why I'm a little obsessive about words and journals.  :)

So, in the spirit of making today the day, I'd like to announce a doodle giveaway.
I'll start with today's drawing, add a little colour, then cut out the sketchbook sheet and fold it to resemble a note card.  Inside the card, I'll write a short note and mail it off.

I'll plan to do, say, four more.  Five in total.  (If all goes well, maybe a few more.)

If you'd like to enter your name to receive a happy little doodle in the mail, just leave a comment on this post.  Stop by to say "hello" and tell me one thing about yourself.  If you're a teacher and you'd like to tell me about your class, I'd love that, too!

For each of the five doodles, I'll choose one reader to receive it.  If I announce your name in one of the five upcoming posts, you'll need send a quick email to christie(at)graceisoverrated(dot)com with your mailing address (which I would never, ever share elsewhere).

See you back here on Thursday, when I'll post the first finished doodle, plus the name of the person who'll receive it.

hugs,
Christie

Doodle thinking

So I've been posting all sorts of wordy doodles recently.  I'm at a bit of a crossroads, contemplating inevitable change, and the doodling has offered a fun way to work out my issues; to think new thoughts and organize old ones.

Beyond the doodles, I find myself really paying attention to the world around me and looking forward to writing out the resulting reflections in distilled snippets.  Searching for perspective or humour, at least, in the uncertainty.

I've was thinking this morning, that I'd love to add an interactive element to the doodling.  What do you think?  A giveaway perhaps.  Doodled notes mailed out to parts unknown?

Sounds like fun.

Working on, thinking about, doodling

Working on:  My Emmy acceptance speech

Kidding.  Still plugging away at the second pocket journal.

I've also been working on getting to know my camera a little better.  I began a six-week photography course last week and the homework involved using the ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings.  After completing the homework, I have so many questions.

I cannot wait until that magical point when my brain stops resisting all of this new information and begins to integrate it.  Can't wait until I know how to make all of the individual settings work together.  If all goes well, there will be new and improved product shots in my shop's future.

Thinking about:  Consistency, practice, patience, work-life balance, work-community involvement balance, fatigue, numbers, the absence of numbers, creativity, isolation, social networks, innovation, uniqueness, stubbornness, guidance.

You know, the usual.  It's all a bit of a jumble, so I'm letting my subconscious take first crack at it.

Doodling: Yet another of life's cheeky lessons.

It's that last part that takes a little getting used to.

hugs,
Christie