Journaling
This I know for Sure

I don’t quite remember when I started to journey, writing down my thoughts, aspirations, dreams, etc., but I always liked writing essays in school.

I found it very relaxing to put pen to paper. Remember, back in the Dark Ages; there was no autocorrect or AI assist—just our brains doing their thinking, analyzing, and putting thought to paper. I still find it relaxing.

During high school, I set out to write a book; after all, how hard could it be? As I recall, the story’s hero waved goodbye to his friends and family and headed off on a train to find his way in life. That is all I remember about my first book. Boy, I wish I had kept that draft, as you never know. It could have made it to a Hallmark Movie.

I recently read a novel that was written by one of my cousins. I ordered it last summer and pulled it out of my bedside table just a few weeks ago. I thought, OK, for my cousin’s sake, let’s give it a read. Well, I loved it!

It’s a fun, easy-to-read story about a ‘handsome stranger’ who shows up in a little rural Saskatchewan town. Well, that did it for me. I quickly could relate to the characters of small-town Saskatchewan. And who doesn’t like the idea of a handsome stranger? It was the perfect summer read. When finished, I passed it on to Jeff, who also read and loved it.

The book is called “Along Came Jones” by Victoria Bernadine, her pseudonym. Bravo to you, cousin dear.

I can’t imagine how someone goes about writing a novel. Building the characters and their interactions would be mind-boggling. As a visual person, I would have my studio walls filled with storyboards.

A book about all the creative, witty, funny, eccentric artists I have met along the way would make for an entertaining read. But I might have to change a few names along the way.

I have been journaling and jotting down random thoughts for many years now. Sometimes, it is a list of things I wish to accomplish in the next five years. Sometimes, I write about things that I am grateful for. Other times, it’s jums rambling words. It’s fun to reread from years gone by and see where you were at.

I don’t write daily, but I write often enough that my journal and pen are always handy. This morning, I took my journal outside with my 6:30 a.m. coffee and scribbled, ‘Take me down to the ocean and let my soul sing.’ Later, we got in the car and went to a little park in Nanoose that overlooks the ocean, and yes, it did make my soul sing.

I always enjoy writing a few pages on my birthday, and it starts like this:

Today, I am ___ years old, and this I know for sure.

I recap the year, highlighting some of the things I have done, and things I still wish to do, etc.

Wherever you are, at any stage, buy yourself a nice new book, put pen to paper, and have some fun. Do this for yourself, no one else.