Eyes of Wonder

Packaged up and ready to go, at last

A Simply Lovely Life

Well, I finally got dear Elizabeth's journal fixing's packaged up and ready to make their way to the Post Office and on to Elizabeth, on Monday.

I'll share some photos of the pages/and pictures that I enjoyed cutting and pasting in the journal for her; to say hello to, and encourage Elizabeth--since I've taken so long to get everything done and sent out to her (and she's been so sweet about waiting on turtle girl) that yes, it's coming! And, to give anyone that's interested a few more simple ideas and a bit of inspiration in making your own journals.















And a few more pages from mine.













What a gorgeous day it was, today. A nice cool breeze blowing. The sun shining warm and bright. It was a total delight to be out in the garden. Another perfect day for picnicking outdoors, too. The gals and I always enjoy doing a fair amount of deep cleaning on Saturday's, so we rolled up our sleeves this morning got the house tidied and spruced up and spent some time doing the things that we allow ourselves to set aside and turn a blind eye to, 'til Saturday morning rolls around. I just love Saturdays. It is wonderful to have Big Papa home for the entire day, and have everyone busy working together in the mornings, here around the place, and then kicking up our feet and relaxing in the afternoon. The boys are excited because they just got a wonderful (new to them) big extended cab truck and got a great deal on it. God has blessed them in countless ways. I could never thank Him enough for his lovingkindness to my children.

I marvel, truly at God's sweet goodness, not just in the big things, but also (and perhaps most especially) in all the littlest day-to-day things in life. To think that He would take loving notice of us, each one of us, individually, personally, revealing Himself throughout each day in myriad ways. We all have so much to be grateful for, don't we. I think this over and over, not just for me and mine and our lives and, life together, but for others--those I know personally, and those of you that I'm coming to know through your lovely blogs, where you so beautifully share your hearts and your lives. Thank you for taking the time to do so. It fills my heart with love for God, to see Him tenderly watch over and care for those He made and so loves.

Thanks again for taking the time to come by. Thanks for your wonderful notes and letters and loving encouragement. Thanks for the friendship--and sharing of your precious lives with me, in return for me sharing mine with you. I treasure it.

And, speaking of precious lives and the sharing of hearts, I just went over to visit Brenda and read, and re-read, this wonderful post of hers. Like Charlotte, in "Charlotte's Web", Brenda is, truly, *a great writer*, but what makes her writing especially sweet and embracing, is that likewise, like Wilbur, in "Charlottes Web", she is also, *some pig*, most truly (intended, as it was in reference to dear Wilbur, in the most highly complimentary way). Beautiful, Brenda. Like all of your other writings, beautiful. Thank-you for sharing, from your heart.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Warmly, Jewels

So very Simple Journaling........

A Simply Lovely Life

Elizabeth :o)

Well, I learned one thing from this---I am not very good at it! I got all of the names written out and in the bowl (and included everyone that expressed an interest right up until the time I drew the name) but could somehow not bring myself to actually draw *one* out. I kept telling the girls "I feel so bad for the ones that *won't* be chosen.". " Not that I'm *not* happy for dear Elizabeth, mind you. You see, she was still *one of the ones that might not be chosen* at that point, when I was halting and hesitating and feeling bad :o)

Once dear Elizabeth emerged from the green pottery bowl, I heartily shared in her would be happiness over her new journal making good stuff, and at the same time looked ahead to the happy forthcoming month of July :o) Big Papa had the wonderful idea that next month--July, I could do another drawing with an apron that the girls and I will make, and some Mrs. Meyers cleaning supplies, to spur everyone on to even greater joy and delight in their happy homemaking. I figure if I get something going every once a month or so, I'll toughen up and barely bat an eyelash at name drawing time! :o)

Many, many, thanks to each of you beautiful precious ladies that shared in the journal making festivities. PLEASE do send me photos of your lovely journal pages if you decide to give it a try and I will post them on the blog to share with everyone--if you feel comfortable doing so. I have so enjoyed reading your emails, visiting your lovely blogs and getting to know you, bit by bit, more and more.

I am one tired gal right now and still need to head over to my precious friend and neighbor's. Her name is Jane, she's a beautiful woman, and I know her heart would be so touched to know that many of you are thinking of her and praying for her. Her precious husband, Byron was a kind, sensitive, caring man, and no doubt her very best friend in the world, so I know beyond a doubt that her heart is breaking right now. Thank you for remembering her and praying for her. It's brought tears to my eyes to read your loving notes of tender, sensitive care towards her. So, I'll write again, tomorrow, and will look forward to seeing you, then, if and as time allows for you to come by and visit.

I hope your day was filled with the peace that passes all understanding, the joy that fills to overflowing, and love unspeakable and full of glory--your day and that of those precious ones, that you let yours pour out onto and into.

I gave her a chocolate eclair, and she brought me a bouquet of maple leaves, in return. True love.



Congratulations Elizabeth (Quigley). Do send me your address when time allows, and I'll get workin' on the first few pages of your journal for you and get it ready to package up and send on it's way the beginning of next week.

Thanks everyone for being so sweet. Now, we shall turn our attentions to such things as donning aprons, doing dishes, scrubbing sinks and tubs, and ahhhhhhh......ironing :o)

Warmly, Jewels.

Simple daily journaling

A Simply Lovely Life

Tomorrow morning sometime, I'll be drawing one name from among all those that have expressed an interest in beginning a simple day-to-day journal.

Since many of you have asked for more specifics on how to begin, what to use, and what exactly to write down in a simple journal, I thought I'd just write out a quick note of supplies that I find useful and the basic things I typically end up jotting down in mine.

I basically use the same few things every day, which I keep handy in a basket.

Here's a photo of most of my stuff--minus the gazillion magazine cut-outs, photos, cards and ribbons that I use to decorate the pages. I use an 8x10 hardbound sketchbook, a few colored markers, sharp scissors, red and blue pens, large and small glue sticks, a razor knife/glass scraper--to cut along the edge of the magazine or book pages to remove them neatly, and folders--for storing all the magazine pictures, cards and photos that I have already cut out or would otherwise just be floating around getting lost or crumpled. I store everything all together in a basket.



And the basket. It's nice and sturdy--the kind typically used on shelving to keep things orderly, and everything stands up nicely in it.



I keep the markers and pens in a glass in the basket, and keep all the other loose items--glue sticks, post-it notes, scissors, scraper/razor knife, etc...in a gallon-sized ziplock baggie so they're not under and between everything. I keep the ribbons that aren't on spools in a separate zip-lock baggie.

Here's a photo of most of the supplies that I got for the dear one that the package will go to. This might give you a better idea of justt what might be useful to begin.



As for the things I write in mine, it varies. I think each person would have to get a feel for what's helpful for them in remembering throughout the day, as well as what they would like to look back and recall in the days ahead.

I tend to be a list person, and always have. And, I like to write down all the little things that I don't want to forget, would have to try and mentally hold onto, but appreciate being able to let go of and still refer to, indefinitely.

I keep a running list of people the Lord brings to my mind for me to pray for, projects I'm working on, lots of litle thing I need to do, errands to run, letters to write, encouragements to myself, scripture verses, poetry. I write out recipes, menus, ideas, desires of my heart, things my children do and say, shopping lists (though these would require an entire page spread to themselves if it were a grocery shopping list). The list iof things you could write is just endless, and can be whatever you like.

It's **very** simple. I can't stress this enough, There is no right or wrong way, and you will probably do it differently 2 weeks from the day you begin and differently 2 months from that, etc....

One thing I try to remember in something like this little journal, or sewing or cooking, or anything really is that what matters is that I enjoy the process, and it doesn't have to be perfect, or even please anyone else but me. Even if you write very little, the pages will be lovely with what you do write. I have so many things to remember that I use post-it notes to write out the things that I don't need or even prefer to be recorded for all time. Just stick them in over anything on the page and take them off when you no longer need the reminder or have completed what it was you needed to do.

Here are a couple more sample pages that might give you a better idea.





A number of you have asked me what type of magazines I use. I have quite a collection of magazines that have been given to me over the years--mainly old Victoria, Country Living, and Mary Engelbreit's magazines, that have very nice photos that are never outdated. I often see magazines like this in thrift stores, and/or at yard sales, and if I were looking for some now, would just keep my eyes open each time I passed through one or the other. Also, when people who enjoy buying and reading magazines discover that you enjoy doing something like this, they may very well be more than glad to pass theirs along to you when they've finished reading and re-reading them, and are tired of having them hanging around. One I have recently purchased and really liked is called "Cottage Living". It seems to have a minimal amount of advertising and lots of very lovely, inspiring photos.

Remember if you do decide to invest in a magazine subscription, that you do get **lots** of journal pages from one magazine and you'll enjoy the photos many times over. Also, I think it would be nice to start out with a subscription, because then you have fresh inspiration and photos to follow along with the changes in seasons and seasonal activities.

You could also use books with nice photos in them, if you had any that were available to you and might just sit unused otherwise, and/or be put to better use in your journal. Different people have different tastes, too, so you can choose magazines or books that have images that speak beauty to you.

Well, I hope this is helpful. I just want to say one last time, it's *so* simple and *any*one can do it. Instead of grabbing a piece of paper to make a list for this, that or the other thing, you would just write it on the pages of your journal, which you can have decorated in about 10 to 15 minutes and then enjoy using (and not losing :o) all through the day...after day.....after day.

I'd love to see photos of anyone's journal pages if you do get one up and going, feel like sharing and time allows. I'll continue to share mine here and there, too.

It was a beautiful day, here. I hope your day was lovely, too.

Warmly, Jewels

P.S. For those that are visiting from Brenda's lovely blog--welcome :o) Please make yourself at home, feel free to visit my About Page, and visit with me, and those dearest to my heart--through my blog, Eyes of Wonder.

Thanks so much for coming by.

Just so I simply remember

A Simply Lovely Life

Many of you have written asking about my daily journal. Truly, nothing could be more simple than this little scrapbook of my daily-to-do's.

A large black sketch book, glue stick, pens, markers, photos, pictures from magazines--old and new, covers of cards, stickers, drawings, poetry: and within a few leisurely moments, it's simply decorated and ready to receive anything my heart might desire to record in it.

What you see is all it is: very simple, very encouraging as things are crossed off, hard to lose--unlike a list on a single piece of paper. Just a scrapbook of memories; things to do, the weather, poetry, songs, ideas, inspirations, things the children said and did, recipes, shopping lists, a list of dear ones to pray for/write to/to call. A recording of my throughout the day thinkings and doings, and need to be done's--for my children and grandchildren--of the simple day-to-day things in life, that they'll enjoy remembering and looking back on, when they're older. A slow and easy way to begin the day. Like a friend, it kindly serves as my memory, both presently, and in the future.











What I'd like to do, is put together a gathering of all the things needed to begin a simple journal like this--for recording whatever you like, and if anyone is interested in giving it a try, you can leave me a note in the comments-- let's say, between now and next Wednesday. And, on Thursday, I'll take the names of everyone that's expressed an interest, place them in a bowl, and draw one of them out. I'll package up all the journal fixings (sketchbook, pens, markers, glue sticks, a couple of magazines, some cards, and a couple of sample pages with notes, perhaps a recipe, some pressed leaves and flowers from the yard, and a list of ideas) and send them along to the one whose name is drawn.

I thought this would be a fun and special way to say thank-you for taking the time to come by and visit, and might serve as a springboard of inspiration to the dear one, whose name is drawn. Any and every one is welcome (I don't at all mind sending the package outside the U.S.), and if you'd like to share a bit about yourself, your life, family, where you live--all the better and more special for everyone. But, only if you'd like to.

It was a busy, busy, day--lots done around home in the morning, shopping in the afternoon, and I am good and tired out. So, I'm off to read some stories to my sweet little ones while curled up beside them, and will soon be drifting off to sleep, myself. Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy days to come by and visit, and thanks for your notes and the sharing of your precious lives with me, and my family--We've been so blessed by them.

Warmly, Jewels