Creative Discipline

This is my 100th blog post since beginning this project over a year ago.

I haven't always been faithful. There were long pauses between thoughts, especially last fall-winter. I was kind of busy trying to stay afloat in the sea of confusion that defined my job most of the year.

So, this summer I wanted to make some changes: more exercise, more mindful eating, more creative outlets to balance the lack of creativity that comes with teaching to state mandated standards.


I decided in July that I would give myself a challenge; write everyday. I don't mean just blog everyday, but to also get back into the habit of journalling regularly.

I find that I need the daily discipline as much as I crave the creative outlet. I've have a deep desire to get all of the thoughts crowding my brain, clamoring for attention down on a page. It's a driving need that helps me stay balanced and sane.


So far, so good. I have blogged religiously for the last 22 days and I have recorded my thoughts in my journal, too.

I found a cool app that allows me to write a quick summary of my day, and I am exercising more (walking and yoga), and eating less.

Life is good. But now comes the tricky part-maintaining all these disciplines when the school year begins.

Wish me luck!

Diary of an Ordinary Housewife

I love journals. I enjoy reading the diaries and letters of the famous and not so famous and I recently picked up a book called, "This Day, Diaries from American Women."

The book is the result of a project in which the author, Joni B. Cole asked women if each would write about one day in her life, or contribute a page from their own journals. The response was overwhelming. Over 500 women submitted entries. The book is a glimpse into the lives of many women from all walks of life.

I kept journals while my kids were young. Many days my writing was nothing more than a brief recall of the details of our day. But when I read over those entries, I am filled with bittersweet memories. Those days seemed so ordinary and mundane at the time, but now they are so very precious to me.

The author and her partners also asked each participant, "Whose day diary would you like to read?"

I want to read the diaries of my female ancestors. I would love to hear about their typical day fifty, or one hundred years ago. How did they spend their days? What were they thinking about, worrying over, celebrating?

So, now I'm going to ask you the same question. Whose diary would you like to read?