I Love to Write Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, November 15, 2016, is I Love to Write Day. What can I say, words fascinate me. I could spend hours writing. When I am not writing, I am usually reading, taking photos or creating stories in my mind. I use my photography to capture moments in time. Often a simple photo leads to inspiration for an entire night of writing.

My first dabble in writing came from a simple outdated journal. My parents use to attend auctions where second hands goods and other oddities where available. They brought home a box with various items including an outdated calendar journal. The dates were two years old.

I carefully crossed out each day to make the year correct. I entered daily notes. The kind only an eleven-year-old in the late 70’s would find fascinating. Seeing a deer across the road, painting rocks with old fingernail polish than throwing them into the pond, playing hide and seek with my cousins, or riding a skateboard down the “large” hill. Reading the entries always make me smile and nostalgic.

The old outdated journal became my first source of a lifelong love of writing. I left my writing for a while to pursue a business career. After some time, loss of job, and reorganization of my priorities, I am slowly returning to my true love, my calling. The more I write, the more I realize who I am.

Never consider an old outdated journal or other “junk” items as a waste of money, for a child, the inspiration may be the root of a lifelong pursuit.

Until next time….peace

A Holiday Gratitude Journal

Posted on by Rebecca C.

November generally signifies the beginning of the holiday season. No matter how you celebrate, the holidays can be stressful. Normal schedules instantly over fill with holiday activities, extra school events, party invites and family obligations. During all the hustle and bustle, focusing on the fun part of the festivities may seem difficult. Consider creating a gratitude journal.

What is a Gratitude Journal?

Basically, a gratitude journal is a diary. Unlike normal diaries, the gratitude journal focuses primarily on the positive aspects of each day. Even the most chaotic, stressful days have a positive moment. Being thankful and focusing on the special moments can help ease the stressful days.

Creating the Gratitude Journal

The gratitude journal does not have to be anything fancy. A simple spiral bound notebook or composition notebook will work. Other types and styles of journals are available. Pick one to inspire your journal writing time. As you begin to order holiday gifts online add one to your cart. Or get creative; make your gratitude journal into a cherished memento. Later on in life, you may find the entries funny, heartwarming or unbelievable.

Writing in the Gratitude Journal  

One of the most important aspects to consider in keeping a gratitude journal is making the time to write. Getting into the habit of writing journal entries may seem difficult in the beginning. After a few days, the urge to write may surprise you.

  • Make your gratitude journal time part of your daily schedule
  • Allow yourself at least 15 minutes to write
  • Try to expand on your journal entries by adding extra details
  • If you have children, ask them about their best part of the day
  • Expand on your children’s thoughts of the day

Remember there is no right or wrong way to keep a gratitude journal. Focusing on the positives may help reduce the stress of the holiday season.

Many people decide to keep the gratitude journal just for the month of November or just the week leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. Other people decide to keep the gratitude journal throughout the entire holiday season right into the New Year. Some find the journal entries inspiring and decide to continue. The length of time depends on your personal desire.

 

 

Happy New Year!

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful,

and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

― Neil Gaiman

I came across this quote a couple days ago. I don’t think I could have found any better way to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope 2016 brings everyone peace and happiness with over amounts of joy.

Right now, I am just under six hours until midnight. I plan to spend the rest of the evening doing what I love…writing. The Michigan weather has brought a very cold New Year’s Eve. I am grateful for the fireplace this evening.

Once again, Happy New Year! Happy 2016!!

May we all find fewer things to stress about and more things to rejoice about in the following year.

Until next time…peace

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more.

If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.

Oprah Winfrey

 

From my house to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. If celebrating today, I hope it was filled with good food, family and friends. I will be celebrating tomorrow with my family. We had to delay a day to ensure everyone could be there.

I know I have been behind on my days of thanks challenge. I must confess, I have been ill with a cold and cough. But my days of counting my blessings were never gone. I have so much to be thankful for, life is pretty amazing right now.

Until next time….peace….

 

Arbor Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, April 24, 2015 is Arbor Day. So, what exactly is Arbor Day? In the simplest terms, Arbor Day is the celebration of trees; the overall importance the trees bring to the environment, planet and our very existence. I love being able to photograph birds and other wildlife as they play among the trees.

History of Arbor Day

Why the name Arbor? In Latin, the name arbor actually means tree which is perfect fit. Arbor Day is celebrated around the world. The dates may vary but the celebration is the same. The very first Arbor Day can actually be traced back to 1805 to a small Spanish village, the Villanueva de la Sierra. In the United States, the first Arbor Day was organized in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Approximately 1 million trees were in planted in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. The early beginnings sparked a worldwide observance for the importance of trees.

Arbor Day Foundation

To help aid in the observing the celebration of trees, the Arbor Day Foundation was created in 1972 by John Rosenow. The foundation helps in the efforts of selling trees and merchandise as a way to promote Arbor Day. The mission of the Arbor Day Foundation is “”to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees”.

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance

The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance wants to promote the celebration of Arbor Day throughout the year. I agree with this concept, I like the idea of day of observance to bring everyone’s attention to the importance of trees on our daily lives. However, I think the promoting of planting and caring for trees should be done every day.

Personally, I cannot plant trees today. The weather is just not cooperating. Even though I do see the sun finally peeking through the clouds; the weather forecast is looking better for next week. I do plan to plant more trees this spring. I want more fruit trees planted (if funds permit). I am trying to create my own fruit orchard in my yard. I have a good start so far, but I want to add to my collection. By planting fruit trees, I am observing Arbor Day (just a little later in the spring).

Sources:

www.miarbordayalliance.org

www.arborday.org