I love the idea of keeping a notebook or commonplace journal but I am too terrible at it. I tried index cards for a while but that too fell by the wayside. Do you always have your journal with you or do you go back later and write it down? I would love to learn more about your commonplace journal practice if you are willing to share!
Hey Laura, I am very imperfect with it too. I highlight and dog ear things in books and write on my notes app when I am listening to an audiobook or podcast and screenshot if it’s on my phone. Then on slow mornings with a cup of tea or if I am by myself in a cafe or dinner alone I bring my commonplace journal and write the things I came across that week or month. Or soon as I finish reading a particular book, I record the worthy sections. It’s rare my journal is right beside me when I come across something. It’s an effort for sure to record them but it feels like time well spent and quite cozy most of the time.
“Being in your 40s is so interesting. It's like you’re being asked, “Are you going to stick to what’s normal and predictable? Or are you going to take some big risks and live the incredible eccentric life you’ve always dreamed of” this one definately speaks VOLUME to me ! thanks for sharing xxx
Adding this to one of my favourite posts! When I want to remember something I've heard that is so profound, I tend to email it to myself so I don't forget it or save it in my notes. But I'm thinking of starting a common place journal. Thank you for sharing Janet! Your art is also so beautiful. I've been meaning to get back to painting. It's taking me a while to just sit and create. How do you make time to do that? Blessings for the year ahead!
Hi! So glad it resonated. Do go back to painting if you can. It made my 2024 very special. I work for myself and I am always home unless I travel for work so there’s accessibility to my studio daily. I sneak in painting time in between my 9-5 business calls on zoom. My art studio is also my business office so it’s easy to do. I also got off traditional social media which definitely helps being focused on my art. Hope all that helps. Be well!
My first exposure to a Commonplace Journal. I realize I had the same practice but save the snippets in all manner of ways. Notes app, pictures, daily journal. . I love the concept of keeping everything in one place for later reflection. Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of keeping a notebook or commonplace journal but I am too terrible at it. I tried index cards for a while but that too fell by the wayside. Do you always have your journal with you or do you go back later and write it down? I would love to learn more about your commonplace journal practice if you are willing to share!
Hey Laura, I am very imperfect with it too. I highlight and dog ear things in books and write on my notes app when I am listening to an audiobook or podcast and screenshot if it’s on my phone. Then on slow mornings with a cup of tea or if I am by myself in a cafe or dinner alone I bring my commonplace journal and write the things I came across that week or month. Or soon as I finish reading a particular book, I record the worthy sections. It’s rare my journal is right beside me when I come across something. It’s an effort for sure to record them but it feels like time well spent and quite cozy most of the time.
Thank you for sharing your process! I appreciate it. That even sounds maybe a little bit doable for me LOL
“Being in your 40s is so interesting. It's like you’re being asked, “Are you going to stick to what’s normal and predictable? Or are you going to take some big risks and live the incredible eccentric life you’ve always dreamed of” this one definately speaks VOLUME to me ! thanks for sharing xxx
That hit me too
Adding this to one of my favourite posts! When I want to remember something I've heard that is so profound, I tend to email it to myself so I don't forget it or save it in my notes. But I'm thinking of starting a common place journal. Thank you for sharing Janet! Your art is also so beautiful. I've been meaning to get back to painting. It's taking me a while to just sit and create. How do you make time to do that? Blessings for the year ahead!
Hi! So glad it resonated. Do go back to painting if you can. It made my 2024 very special. I work for myself and I am always home unless I travel for work so there’s accessibility to my studio daily. I sneak in painting time in between my 9-5 business calls on zoom. My art studio is also my business office so it’s easy to do. I also got off traditional social media which definitely helps being focused on my art. Hope all that helps. Be well!
Thoughtful post and paintings~ Thanks for the subtle book recommendations too! 🧚🏾
Thank you for reading!
Did you learn to draw before beginning painting?
Hey Brittany, no I didn’t. I took an oil painting class with a local artist so more painting first
My first exposure to a Commonplace Journal. I realize I had the same practice but save the snippets in all manner of ways. Notes app, pictures, daily journal. . I love the concept of keeping everything in one place for later reflection. Thanks for sharing!
It’s a gem of a practice.
I love your still lives omg 🥹🩵
Thanks Sab. I really enjoy painting them.