  Poetry
This week: Ode to a Journal Edited by: Quizmo LaGrande  
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"The only thing I have done religiously in my life is keep a journal. I have hundreds of them, filled with feathers, flowers, photographs, and words - without locks, open on my shelves." ~Terry Tempest Williams
"For any writer who wants to keep a journal, be alive to everything, not just to what you're feeling, but also to your pets, to flowers, to what you're reading." ~ May Sarton |
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Alas, dear friends, my bedside journal is nearing the end of its pages--and a lovely journal it is too. A hard-cover, spiral-bound volume that looks of aged leather with a bit of gold leaf trim. The parchment-like pages are heavy, thick enough not to allow the variety of colored pens I use to bleed through. Guide lines, barely visible, help keep things tidy. Oh, how I will miss this friend as I venture into new binding with the coming year.
"I should rather like to tear these last pages out of the book. Shall I? No-a journal ought not to cheat."
~ Dodie Smith
Cheat and tear out the last few pages? I dare not! In fact, I fear to fill them as I haven't a replacement journal as of yet. Where will my thoughts go after I fill the last page? But dare, too, not to cheat and leave something out. Oh, woe is me.
My journal has to be "just right." The pages must be subdued and strong, for here is the visual sanctuary to host my pen and house my innermost thoughts. It's my playground for recounting events, doodling, drooling, ranting, raving, but mostly, it's my comfort zone.
Oh, I have several journals happening at once. Like the small ordinary notebook I keep in the glove box of my '70 Volkswagen Van. It's filled with adventures noted while waiting for rescue. (And yes, there are many in the last two years alone! Watch for my future compendium, Tow-trucks Across America!)
There is the one I keep on a Word document (that's several hundred pages long), one in my book bag, one with daily praise for my lover (a surprise gift for later), one with songs and lyrics, one with drawings, one for the beach... you get the idea.
But my favorite is always the current one at my bedside. It's private. It's perfect. It's me.
I humbly offer a small peek of a bit of poetry inside:
Of lovers long ago and far away
Of sighs and longing...
cheers
and the knowledge
of what was
so sweet in the heart
Of love
the truest moment of "then"
and forever a memory
gliding over time and space
forgiving no one - no regrets
only wishing, perhaps in vain.
One more blissful moment
one special kiss
just one
that lasts
forever
gliding over time and space
landing in
eternity.
With this last edition, I vowed, on page one, to keep the journal on a positive slant, and for the most part, I did. A gratitude log, if you will. There are a few, if not some, frustrating moments... but good was found in all, as it should be. An autobiography, a memoir, a love letter to myself.
"Advice to Young Journal Keepers. Be lenient with yourself. Conceal your worst faults, leave out your most shameful thoughts, actions, and temptations. Give yourself all the good and interesting qualities you want and haven't got. If you should die young, what comfort would it be to your relatives to read the truth and have to say: It is not a pearl we have lost, but a swine?"
― Rosamond Lehmann, Invitation to the Waltz
So with Ms. Lehmann's quote in mind and with my call for a new diary, may I suggest in your holiday gift shopping frenzy, a journal. A journal for that quiet child, or pensive parent (for yourself)? Something handsome that would look good on the shelf, if nothing else. Something fun and worth saving. Oh, and a good pen or set of fine markers may help ignite the fire. The writing utensil, in my opinion, is just as important in the pleasure of writing as is the paper.
Remember, you are the writer of the dream... the poet of your soul. A journal is the melting pot of your existence. May all your pages be filled with gifts of wonder and delight!
Happy Holidays and much love, my friends! |
I love this... "otheropinionosity." Sunflower couldn't have said it better!
Here's an interesting compilation of poetic musings via one of our lovely Joy's journals...
Yep.. it's so easy to "write and create your own company." Woo-hoo!
This gem came up in my search. A gift for the holidays... and always!
More from Dan. He sure loves his journal.. good stuff! Be sure to check out his port for lots of good poems on journaling.
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Thankful submissions in answer to last month's Thankful Thanks newsletter.
A*Monaing*Faith  started out slow but gathered up speed nicely!
Don't know what to say,
not sure what to write;
I'm thinking, I'm trying with all of my might.
Surely I'm thankful,
I'm full of such glee
how can I possibly list all that's important to me?
My car, my house (apartment for sure);
my invisible dog, my family and more;
I love my life, hate my job, could take or leave a shopping spree;
at the end of the day I'm just glad to be me.
I've no right to complain,
no need to be blue,
I'm thankful, SO thankful,
just to share this with you. 
BIG BAD WOLF is hopping  certainly knows the most important ingredient to a Thanksgiving feast...
" Feast of Thanksgiving"
Turkey
Ham
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Cranberry
Corn
Beans
All around the table,
All are steaming
And warm to the touch.
Rolls
Pies
Bread
Ice Cream
Pudding
Jello
And More
All are good to eat.
However, they taste better
When company is around.
A Thankful List, offered by Titch 
I am Thankful For:
1. The people in my life who love me just the way I am.
2. I have a home that is warm and safe.
3. My scan came back "normal" today.
4. My husband, who still brings me flowers.
5. My garden, where I spend happy hours.
6. My online friends; whose support means so much.
7. The birds' morning song.
8. My dog, who runs to me for a little cuddle.
9. All my children and their children.
10. Every blessing that I often forget.
11. All of my gazillion "hobbies."
12. Old photo albums to enjoy.
13. Turkey already in the freezer.
14. Rain (but not too much).
15. A yummy cream cake.
16. Repairing our fence is done.
17. I have survived another year.
18. A zillion happy childhood memories.
19. Each new day.
20. Being able to write this list.
Ain't life Grand! Congrats on the "normal" scan.
* * *
And we received this lovely message from troy ulysses davis
Thanks for the inspiration, it's continuation in advance.
The opportunity to leave words
behind as a reference, is a blessing.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Thank you, Troy. It is a blessing to have you are a reader!
* * *
Here's one from readsalot.. who claims not to be a poet.
I'm thankful that I have a mind that can set on something and a hand to wrie it.
I am thankful that I have a home when some may not.
I don't know what most of my family is thankful for
but to me I am thankful that I can thank.
Some may be paralyzed this thanksgiving and not know their family
they are the ones that truly need the thanking.
There is so much to be thankful for--ALWAYS!
My thanks to each and every one of you. And, of course to Writing.com for all its support to keep us happy healthy writers improving our craft day by day.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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Poetry: December 11, 2012 Issue [#5402]
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