I'm keeping an illustrated journal for a few months. I've tried this before and it's never really worked out, but this time, I seem to be getting into the habit. I got the idea from an arts organisation in Peterborough. They're encouraging 100 people in the city to keep a diary for 4 months. They are hoping to enlist people whose voices are not often heard, so for example those who are marginalised for some reason. At the end of the allotted time, the journals will be shown in an exhibition in the city museum. I think it's a lovely idea. Now, nobody could say that I don't have a voice, what with a blog, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and regular articles, but it has encouraged me to give it a go and one of the people who is running the scheme was kind enough to give me a journal (I think she could see the look of labrador-like enthusiasm on my face when she was telling me about the plan as I interviewed her for the local magazine).
I'm hoping to use drawing, painting, writing and collage in the journal. I try not to agonise over it, just sit down and write whatever comes to mind. Recently, my oldest friend found a stash of letters that I'd written to her between the ages of 10 and 21. She moved away from my village when we were at junior school but we remained very close, and so I've photocopied some of those letters and included them in the diary as they have been on my mind. I have since found her letters to me, so we now have the complete correspondence. It's hilarious, touching, and also a bit strange, to see them.
Although nothing much happens in these letters, they do capture a moment in time, growing up in the 1970s pre-mobile phones, email, Facebook, Snapchat, selfies and screens. Not necessarily better, but certainly different and I think they show that there was less pressure to grow up quickly, but also just less pressure generally.
Keeping the journal is also a great way of drawing more often, and making time to sit down and write it. I like the ritual of it. It's not perfect, just scribbles and sketches, thoughts, and observations.
Haven't written about quilts yet, but I'm looking forward to writing and drawing that one.
I know there are some other bloggers who are keeping journals, and I've seen some beautiful ones on Pinterest and I have a few books about them too. Has anyone else had a go at this? I'd love to hear about it.
Such a great idea. I do have a scrapbook for each of my grandchildren to look back at them. I keep photos and a record of their firsts including art work they have done which is similar to a journal. Good luck with yours.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea. There'll be less tangible memories for future generations, as we're increasingly paper-less, so it's a lovely thing to do for your grandchildren.
DeleteThis one looks so interesting already, it's a lovely idea, you're so lucky to have found your letters to incorporate into it. Can't believe I threw out or lost all the letters my husband and I wrote to each other when we were apart as students. These journals will be around to enjoy visually long after all the rubbish of facebook etc has moved on.
ReplyDeleteIt's really down to my mum and my friend that the letters were saved. Although I must say that I must have inherited the hoarding gene because I have saved all the letters that my friends and I wrote to each other in student days. I have just been trying to file them to keep them safe, but just keep getting distracted by reading them! And there are a lot, so it takes ages....
DeleteI LOVE your journal! I envy your ability to draw and paint as it makes your journal seem even more special. Such a great idea.I fear if I was to keep one it would be rather boring!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea! Your journal looks lovely! I am crossing my fingers it will be on display at the museum.
ReplyDeleteHappy week!
Madelief x
Thank you!
DeleteWhat a great idea! A perfect way to slow down a little and to experience everything better. When my boys were young I encouraged them to make a journal of our holidays and at the time it wasn't a big thing for them. Now they are older it was a nice surprise to "find" them in their belongings and re-experience their childhood. It would be so very nice if your journal will be a display at the museum but I think it's a beautiful keeper anyway! Anita xx
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, yes my sons did the same. My youngest, now 16, always likes to read his through, especially his ski diaries. I don't mind if this is for the exhibition or not. As I said, the exhibition is not really aimed at me as I write for my living. I'm just really enjoying doing it.
DeleteHow beautiful - as much art book as journal. It suits your style, and your life.
ReplyDeleteI have many of your letters tucked away in a silver box. This is a reminder not just to treasure them but to read them! And maybe we should spend an afternoon sharing our collected correspondance.
Do you remember a certain slightly pompous man of our acquaintance at university who made a copy of all his letters before sending them? I thought it was terribly self-regarding at the time but I guess I can see why now.
One of the lovely things about being in South America is that even in places where there is fast and ubiquitous Internet, it coexists with paper. There are plenty of serious stationers selling a plethora of pens, notebooks, envelopes, papers and the whole range of satisfying clips, folders and bits from glass-fronted wooden counters.
Perhaps I will purchase some onionskin and write you a letter. (-:
Ruth, I have many of your letters too, and they are as fantastic now as they were then. The other day I put a load in a file. I'd love to share them when you return. I can't think who the pompous photo-copier was but I'm sure you'll tell me another time ;) Maybe you could take a photo of those stationery shops, I'd like to see them. Or, as you say, perhaps an onion skin letter....now that would be good. Lots of love to you. I miss you!
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