Wednesday, October 8, 2008

With Pen In Hand . . .



I love to write! I have always loved to write. I have kept a journal since I was a little girl. I believe I got my first diary when I was nine years old. It was a red leather 5 year diary with a lock. I got it for Christmas. It was truly the best gift I got that year!! I faithfully made my journal entry every night before I went to bed on the few lines dedicated to each day of the year - five years worth on each page. I never missed a day. I was a bit goofy back then in what I wrote about, but it was what was important to me at the time and I cherish that diary to this day.


When I was a teenager, I would write about boys and how I loved the boys!! I lived out in the country so most of my time was spent with my family. I loved going to school because that was my time to socialize and I found boys to be interesting and fun! I did learn, though, that it is best not to write all your thoughts in your diary, lest someone read the secrets of your heart.



I took creative writing classes in college and loved them immensely. It was so exciting to see where the instructor would encourage us to go in our thought process and it was a thrill to put those thoughts to paper. Those classes helped to expand my horizons.



One year I even sent away for information to write children's books. Have you ever done that? I'm sure they think everyone has potential as I never heard of anyone that was discouraged from participating in their writing program.



As I've travelled farther along life's road, I have learned that it is a good thing to nurture our talents as it is a wonderful way to bring pleasure to your life. I have found, though, that I was always hesitant to pour out my heart in my journaling as an adult because I just may have some feelings that might not be exactly what someone else may feel. I would never want to hurt anyone, so I've only written things where, should I ever get hit by a bus, feelings would never be hurt.



When pondering life this past weekend, I have decided to write from my heart once again and I feel renewed!! I started blogging with the intention of writing something every day, but I only want to blog when I am inspired to blog and when I have time to blog.



I am now journaling on paper as I am inspired and I am writing my heartfelt thoughts. I am so happy that I am opening up and writing like that once again. It helps me put my feelings into perspective in a better way than just tossing thoughts around in my mind and trying to make sense of them. That little red leather 5 year diary opened up a wonderful world to a nine year old girl that sparked years of creativity without her even knowing it.

9 comments:

Mo..."Mo's Cottage" said...

What a wonderful stroy.....I remember when I had a diary in grade school....I know it is somewhere around...I wonder what I wrote down back then....so glad you started a blog...I will look forward to reading your thoughts....great post!!!!!....
Hugs,
Mo :-)

Connie said...

I "journal" on my blog. That's why I have the blog. I've never been a "journal keeper" though, sweetpea. I admire people who do though....
Smooches,
Connie

Hope Go Blue said...

Joyce, This is such a great blog entry. It is very cool that you love to write and I think you do an amazing job at it. I bet you could write children's books! I must confess that I never liked to write and I still don't. After multiple journaling starts, I think I have hung up my writing hat. You, however, are doing great - atta girl! HJB

Glenda said...

I have tried a Journal off and on for years. But somehow can never stick to it.

I congratulate you on your sticking to get and getting pleasure from it.

Ciao

rachel said...

a 5 year journal!? that is so neat. and great that you stuck with it. i guess my blog is my journal, i tend to forget to write in a diary nightly, so instead i blog (: haha
your a great writer, and i don't know why i've never seen your name on a book cover before, i swear you need to be an author!

Victoria Lynn said...

You GO GIRL!! That's wonderful that you have the gift to write. The only time I kept a journal was when I was pregnant with my daughter. Kinda goofy entries, but still fun to read and remember! Do you still have the red diary?!
Blessings,
Victoria Lynn

Whitney said...

WOW what a great post!! I loved reading this post! That is so neat that you used to write in a diary..i did too! I think you are a great writer and I hope you will share some of your writings! <3

storyteller said...

Like you, I’ve written in journals for DECADES … almost always for an audience of one … myself. It’s been an interesting journey into blogging … and I notice some significant ‘shifts’ over time in my blogging (most notably and increased participation in Weekly Activities), but overall I still write for myself and feel grateful when anyone stops to read and/or comment. I do LOVE to write by hand still (more than to type), but I’ve learned to do both … interestingly with different results.
Hugs and blessings,

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Great post Joyce.I wish I had kept a journal all these years.