There's been considerable talk on garden blogs about keeping a garden journal. With it being the beginning of a new year, it's normal to consider such a thing. As bloggers, we already are familiar with the regular record-keeping about our activities in the garden and otherwise. Type out a few things, add some pictures, and click on "Publish." But to actually put pen to paper? That's another thing.
I used to keep diaries when I was younger. In fact, I recently found an old one that I'd kept in high school - my junior year, to be exact. I read some entries to Romie and we giggled, because I was dating him at the time. I call these "the girlie years." Listen to this entry and you'll know why:
Thursday, January 25, 1973
"Went back to school. I wore my burgundy print Betsey Johnson outfit today. I got in trouble in Chemistry. I'm reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Went to the basketball game and Romie was there. He's so sweet. I love him, I love him, I do!
I was pretty faithful about keeping an account of what went on in my life that year, until August 8th. There's nothing after that. Summer just got to be too much, or too boring, I don't know which. In any case, keeping a diary/journal ceased to become important to me.
On the last day of 2008, I had lunch with my friend Marsha. She gave me a garden journal. I love the idea of a journal and there are details regarding the garden that I don't chronicle here on the blog that I would enjoy reading in later years. My problem is sticking with it.But this year, because of this beautiful journal, I'm going to do my best to use it for those tidbits of information that I may find valuable and interesting in the years to come - weather, new plantings, what bloomed when, just to name a few.
This book is just too beautiful to remain empty.
"Bejeweled"
10 comments:
Wow! You and Romie go way back!
I kept diaries in high school too. I still occasionally journal about my life, but I've never kept a garden journal. Yours is lovely!
What a hoot having your high school journal. I don't have anything back that far. I think you would be happy if you wrote in your new garden journal. You don't have to write every day. I find it comforting to sit in the garden and write. Difficult to do with a computer. I know it can be done but I just like the feel of a good journal in my hand. Your new journal looks like such a comfortable welcoming journal. Have fun with it.
Robin ~ Yes, we do! We were high school sweethearts. We look back and wonder what we were thinking when we married so young! LOL! But we also say we grew up with each other. ;-)
Lisa ~ Isn't that funny? There's more, believe me! I also kept a diary of the first months with each of the girls. I'll give them to them one of these days.
I think I may enjoy keeping a written garden journal, too. This one has no dates, just lined pages, so I won't feel pressured to do it every day.
You did grow up together! Yes, 'the girlie years' would bring some giggles. Fun to read, for sure :)
I started a garden journal this past summer, but it's mostly record keeping so far...and a very long wish list or plants, plus garden books I want to read, etc.
Yours is such a pretty journal. I hope you enjoy keeping it.
I discovered two new ways to journal by reading blogs recently. Will post about it soon. Good luck with yours. I usually fade away from the practice myself.
Kerri ~ That's what I imagine my journal being, too. We'll see how long I can stick with it! I did write in it yesterday. A whole page!
Wayne ~ I have the same problem, Wayne. I think I have ADD or something. It's amazing that I've stuck with gardening this long!
Kylee-- I just blogged on how a lack of attention is not helpful. I love the close up of the peacock's eye.
Kylee, Fun post! (You had me going on the white peacock, though...!) ;-)
I wonder if you could just print your blog posts and paste them into your journal? Just a thought.
Oh! I'm so jealous — a Betsy Johnson outfit in high school. I had to wear a uniform but I well remember the one or two BJ outfits I had in college. Journals bring back all sorts of unexpected memories!
I also used to write diaries...when I was a girl/young women...it's long, long ago. And I also sometimes giggle when reading it now. Furthermore I also got a garden journal from my best girlfriend last year but I thought it is too beautiful to use it ;-) ! and I wrote in a shabby little book. However I've started now to write in the given journal...as a new year has started too.
I wish you a lot of interesting, helpful and positive entries in your garden journal.
Have a good time,
Barbara
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