Something a little different...
A written commentary to accompany my illustrated diary.
I have never been an artist. I paint with words. Writing has a certain structure, has rules and regulations.
Maybe being of a military background this is something I’m used to; the routine, the regime, the rigour?
I like to pepper my parchment with the dedication of loyal letters, forming a battalion of words.
But lately, lately I’ve been distracted by the allure of freedom. By the colours of life juxtaposed against the grain of inky hues. I started this journal back in January, between winter washouts and tenebrous skies, jotting down quotes and crude illustrations, I found something within that led me from my familiar path and opened up a world of polychrome possibility.
Monday - "Walk as if you're kissing the Earth with your feet." Thich Nhat Hanh"
April 22nd is Earth Day, and there is no better way to mark the occasion than to use the wise words of Thich Nhat Hanh. Wherever we travel, we leave a footprint, a mark, a scar; we must appreciate the world for what it is - something fragile, something beautiful, something to be cherished. Step gently, walk slowly, take a breath with each stride, and as you stroll with the grass beneath your bare feet, realise that there is peace in the lightness of being.
Tuesday - "All the world's a stage." William Shakespeare.
When I asked one of my classes today whose birthday it was, I was offered a multitude of offers -
"Yours, miss?"
"Miley Cyrus?"
Nope.
After informing them that it was, in fact, William Shakespeare's birthday, I was met with the following -
"But miss... How did a baby write all of those plays..."
And speaking of plays, my favourite comment this week was...
"Who can name any of Shakespeare's plays?"
"Romeo and Juliet!"
"Good!"
"Macbeth!"
"Yes!"
"Pirates of the Caribbean!"
"..."
I cannot wait to get stuck into this unit!
Wednesday - A little haiku!
The stars left behind
A whisper of promises
and hollowed out hopes.
Thursday - "Dig deeper." Anne Lamott.
In a recent interview with Adam Grant, Ann Lamott tells us to “dig deeper”. To excavate one archaeological level lower than usual to really find ourselves.
Finding out who we are beyond that initial persona is not only imperative for our progress as creatives, but also as human beings. By truly getting to grips with the very bedrock of our beings, we are capable of recognising our true selves, our needs from our wishes, the valuable from the insignificant.
As an optimist, I see light in the abyss, find hope in the resigned; but it is only through burrowing into the base of my very soul that I am able to take the downtrodden desolation and pull it kicking and screaming into the skies finding the space to just keep moving.
Friday - "Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining." Anne Lamott.
Another Lamott quote. I can't help it. The woman is able to articulate my thoughts in the most phenomenal of ways. My family, friends, significant other would confirm that I am someone who is intent on fixing things. Even if people don't need my help. Even if I'm not asked to help. I'm trying to back off, back down - but as a serial 'fixer', it can be quite difficult at times to keep from jumping in.
Saturday - "We are not rich by what we possess but what we can do without." Immanuel Kant.
Wealth cannot be measured by the items we hold in our hands, but in the freedom of empty palms.
Sunday -
This is something a little different... I really had to hold back on writing essays for every single day of the week!
I hope you enjoyed it!
A huge thank you to
for his suggestion!
I love the creative images. An art not all can handle. Thanks for the words that put this tall ogether.
I love your illustrated diary. Looks similar to the junk journaling I've been doing which I talk about in my cluttered life post. Such a therapeutic hobby and I love how your paired your writing with your journal art.