Morning pages...

a great way to start the day.

I have been very lax at keeping up with my "morning pages."  I was introduced to morning pages by Julia Cameron in her book The Artists Way.

From Julia:

Morning pages are three pages of writing (long hand) anything that comes to your head. Julia Cameron suggests that you make Morning Pages a practice that you keep every day while you are working through The Artist's Way, and hopefully, beyond.

When I first read about Morning Pages, my first thoughts were...Everyday? 3 pages? Only by hand? She's GOT to be kidding! What will I write about?

The point to Morning Pages isn't to write incredible, novel-quality prose. The writing you do in your Morning Pages may not even be suitable for a letter to a friend! It's the little bits and pieces that run around in your head out of control. The words may not even piece together into full sentences. What you write doesn't have to make sense to any person on the face of the planet -- or even to yourself a few days later.

I compare Morning Pages to my morning shower. While I'm not visually dirty in the morning, I feel refreshed and ready for my day after taking a shower. Your shower takes care of your body. Morning Pages is a shower for your heart, mind, and soul. There's no visible "dirt," but there might be something under the surface that needs attention. Or maybe a dream or two looking for a place to land. Or maybe a list of things you want to get done during the day. Or just random thoughts that plague you like a song you can't get out of your head.

When you start doing Morning Pages, you'll be surprised at the things you find lurking within. And, just as you feel refreshed when you step out of the shower, your mind, heart, and soul will feel refreshed after writing Morning Pages. You will walk a little lighter. Your mind will be more focused on the task(s) at hand. Your thinking will be more clear. Your heart will be open -- so you may find yourself more patient or less irritated with the day's events.  read the rest.  Julia offers some great tips and techniques.

Need more ideas and reasons for journaling?  Roger Hiemstra helps in Uses and Benefits of Journal Writing

Besides, who doesn't love a cute notebook?  

This is the journal I am currently using.  It was a hard cover 8 1/2 x 11 notebook from a bookstore.  I did the cover by using wallpaper from some old wallpaper sample books.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Spine.  I covered right over the plastic rings

And, yes - I use a fountain pen.

I've Been Away

Be sure and visit Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage to see "buckets" of transformations.

Transformation Thursday and a thank you...

Our household suffered another shock two weeks ago when our older doggie, Sophie died.  She was preceded in death just six weeks earlier by her best friend Elle - our other little doggie.  We placed Elle's ashes in Sophie's little casket and they were buried together in our herb garden.   Sophie was my husband's special little girl and, since he lost his son the day after Thanksgiving, it has been very hard on him. With just the two kitties in the house it is very quiet. 

Please know that even though I wasn't posting, all of your wonderful blogs were still on my reading list every day and managed to bring some sunshine and fun into my life during this difficult time and I thank you.

Read Sophie's story

During this time I decided it was time to do some major work on my daily schedule starting with getting back to doing my morning pages and prayer time first thing in the morning.  My morning pages journal is just an ordinary spiral notebook although the cover is made of nice vinyl.  Was it pretty?  Ummmm, not so much.

A few months ago I found my wallpaper sample books in the back of my hubby's office closet.  Oh boy - talk about beautiful paper!  I wouldn't put 90% on my walls (lots of shiny metallic), but it's perfect for journal covers. So a few weeks ago I started on transforming my journal.

The front was done with solid paper first, then the corners,  the flowers (cut from a piece of wallpaper), and finally the trim was added.  I used a brush to apply Mod Podge.  (I love Mod Podge)

 Next I did the back the same way.

The last step was to cover the inside of the front and back covers and add the paper over the spine.  A pretty silk ribbon became a page marker.

Isn't that much prettier??  I don't hide it my basket anymore, but instead keep it handy on the buffet in the dining room where I do my morning pages and my prayers.

Some other journals to inspire:

Kelly Kilmer - Artist and Instructor

Teesha's Circus Journal in Pictures - too cool!

Daisy Yellow has mega info on art and journaling

Let's go shopping...

A Mini-Tour of my favorite store.

8000 square feet of fun!!

We're really lucky to have a vendor mall here in smallish Post Falls, Idaho.  In the past, I've maintained a space in an antique mall, and I can recognize a well run one when I see it.  

Some of best buys have happened before I even get through the front door. Remember the end table I have next to my bed.  Found that here...

This is just half of the entrance area. I could use that garden arch...

And check out the cool concrete planters. I NEED these. Only $25.00 each...

Let's pop in the front door...

...and head down the first of four main aisle (with a few cross aisles) My usual strategy is to dump my purse at the front counter, grab a cup of free coffee (and a cookie), and head down the aisles. I view everything from eye level down and on the second trip through, I work from eye level up.

Ooooops, waylaid by shiny stuff...

and glass and porcelain....

I actually missed this settee first time through.  If you're planning a Christmas gift for me - this would be it!!!

Or..............you could get me this dressing table. So sweet!

 I have my eye on this birdcage for my coffee table.  Do you thing $20.00 is a good price??

This table top display cabinet is just too cute. I think it would be perfect for Cindy over at My Romantic Home.  I think I'm going back and purchase the blue and white porcelain ball sitting in front of the cabinet. I have no idea of what it's for.  I think I'll put it on a pedestal...

This is Jo standing in front of her space.  What a smile! 

I took over 30 photos so I have a lot more to share with you.  See you tomorrow. I have mega work to do.

I signed up for Kelly Kilmer's Prompt a Day Class and I'm two days behind on day two. Eeeek!
Live in Massachusetts? Kelly has EIGHT classes planned...

Massachusetts Workshops in December