Mapping Happiness

Sometimes it pays to NOT rip up something that you aren't happy with. Such was the case with this journal page that I started some time ago. I didn't like it in it's original guise and had been tempted to tear it out of the book and toss it. I hadn't even opened this particular drawing pad in a long time but when I did I decided to rework the page. It looked like a map to me and I wondered what it was a map of....

About the same time I happened upon a copy of a poem by John Trudell that I particularly liked. It spoke of things that I have often thought but have not, perhaps, acted upon as much as I should.

 It reads like this:

we are part of the dreamtime

happiness is one of the colors

there are shadow casters who trick us about happiness

we are taught to wish for things to make us happy

we are not taught to wish for happiness itself.

we can't buy happiness

we can't sell it,

we can't steal it

we can't borrow it

and we can't capture it

but we can create it

love can't bring us happiness

but happiness can bring us love

power can't bring us happiness

but happiness can shoe us power

on the line of what is real and what really isn't

dream for happiness

somewhere between heart and mind

the spirit of life can be seen

happiness comes and awaits dream

Perhaps it is a map to happiness after all. I'm glad I saved the page and found the map. Now I just have to follow it.

Tales of Papers, Inks and Finding The Perfect Journal. Thanks Exaclair!

Note: gray fonts indicate links - fort some reason I have not been able to change the color in this template.

I have reviewed the Quo Vadis Habana journal in the past. It has become my favorite journal for general use. When friend Karen from Exaclair asked if wanted a new colored plain Quo Vadis Habana journal I say "of course". She asked if I wanted raspberry, lime, red or black. Of course I chose Lime. What I did not know until it arrived that it is so much better than just lime. The color is called anise green and it "the" green that makes my heart sing. This plain paper journal is 6" X 9" and contains 80 sheets of Clairfontaine premium 90 gr paper. Totally yummy stuff to work on! Clairefontaine makes - IMHO - the best of the best papers for writing, drawing, painting, sketching etc. They are also, in a world that sometimes seems mad with unending waste - very environmentally correct. They manufacture their own papers made only from sustainable forests. and are PEFC  rated. The Habana journal's cover is made from a silky smooth material that feels warm to the touch. I love it!. The corners are rounded- another small detail that I love, it has an elastic closure (color coordinated of course!) and an expandable pocket in the back of the journal for all of those little bits of ephemera that you always seem to find along the life's way

Knowing that I go through sketch pads at a sometimes alarming rate Karen also graced me with a chance to have a look a Clairefontaine sketch book too. This book (8.5" X 11") is filled with 160 pages of 90 gr lovely white  paper - it's great for all general sketching and mediums and even will handle a light wash with something like watercolors - which I am know to spritz about with wild abandon at times - who needs hair color if one has a watercolor spritz?! (only joshing!). While it is true that I am indeed grateful to be able to review Exaclair products my being enamored of them has ONLY to do with their superiority and excellence. My opinions on not biased - if I found anything wrong or inadequate I would chime in....I just have nothing but praise. If you are looking for fine art papers - go with Calirefontaine. Need a new journal, blank, lined or day planner style? - go with Rhodia, Quo Vadis or Exacompta. For any paper need Exaclair offers a superior product that will suit. They also market my favorite fountain pen inks - J.Herbin. Who can;t get excited about glorious colored inks made by a French company that has been in business since 1670?!

Speaking of inks and J.Herbin - here is their newest ink - an anniversary issue called, simply enough, 1670. It is a deep rich red. I could not wait for it's release here in the states so I had to order it from France directly. Problem is that I hate to break that authentic looking seal! Think of all the history that this company has endure and prospered though. Amazing! Unusual and wonderful!

Journal Pages: End Of August

Here are two simple journal pages I made during the last week in August. "WHY" was because of the loss of Senator Kennedy and Dominick Dunne - both in a week or was it just a day in between? Both of these men were people that I respected and admired. They will be missed. It was also a 'why me whine" for the limitations that some physical issues have caused me to have - limitations that I absolutely grapple with and, from time to time, want to scream 'why'??? Then, in the next moment, I realize how blessed I am to be fairly healthy and not have life-threatening health problems - and I take a moment to say a prayer for those who do have such terribly agonizing things to contend with.

This page, "Only Birds Fly Free", was just a fast spur'o'the moment thing with a Joseph Campbell quote that has always rang true - for me at least. " You have to be willing to give up the life that you planned for in order to have the life that's waiting for you". This bottom photo is most true to color though the pages really are a bit less bright than that

I'm back to work in the morning - so I need to go read "The Virgins Daughters" by Jeanne Westin - and hope for some fairy tale Tudor sweet dreams.

Journal Pages - The Latest

These are a few recent journal pages. They are all "clickable" for a larger view.

The page above was done when I messed up my computer. This, for me, is like being cut off from the world. It was a cat-tastrophe. I have never been more grateful for an extended warranty (Apple Care) than I was that day. I had not thought of buying it because of the price tag, but DH thought it was a good thing. Boy oh boy was I blessed that he had gotten it for me. The turn time was 3 - count the t-h-r-e-e days from out the door to back again. Needless to say, I love my Mac - and Apple Care

This was my Woodstock Memories. All of the hub bub about the 40th anniversary of Woodstock had me really reliving it all. The odd, furtive story that a friend and I told out parents - that, amazingly, worked. The ride to the Woodstock site in bumper to bumper traffic in an old Rambler in that odd teal-y blue. The music, the mud and the fun. The bliss of a hot bath and room service when I checked into a hotel after leaving the music fest early because, although I may have been considered a hippie at the time, I still disliked being dirty!

This page is all about my ever growing historical fixation. The portrait is that of Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner who married Edward IV for love. The story that is, in part, the subject matter of the "White Queen". At times, it seems, that I feel more comfortable in an imagined centuries old 'skin' than I do in this present form. I look at people and wonder how they would have looked in this fashion or that. I feel the desire to take a trip - to return to some of these spots and walk in the steps. I wonder if I am losing my grip or just enjoying a fertile imagination. Nah! I can't be losing my grip any more than I have right?! Anyway, I am a sucker for romance and for history - so how could I not be carried away by this notion of " another time and another place". I mentioned to a friend that, had I truly lived before in this time frame that I cling to so ferociously, I would most likely have died young because of my asthma. She replied " but if you had lived then you might not have asthma! I had not thought of it that way - but she was right!

So - that's it - some of my recent pages.

A Couple of Journal Pages

The little page that's up above here developed as I played with a new kind of tranfer. The transfer was only partially successful so I decided to enhance the tree with paints. I have always loved Robert Frost's Poem " Two Tramps in Mud Time" and this page just reminded me of it.

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.

You know how it is with an April day

When the sun is out and the wind is still,

You're one month on in the middle of May.

But if you so much as dare to speak,A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,

A wind comes off a frozen peak,

And you're two months back in the middle of March.

This page just developed from playing with some gel medium and gold leaf. More playtime!

You can double click on these and get a super close up view if you want to!

Something To Caw ABout

I had a "to do" list this past weekend and I surprised no one more than myself when I actually managed to finish the list! One of the things I had wanted to was to add more pages in the new journal that I started. I have a new journal partner now whose name is Judy. The journal swap program is from the Yahoo Group Blissfully Art Journaling. Once you are paired with a partner you swap your journals out once a month for a year. I knew that a journal page or two a month for a year was something that I could commit to. I am really looking forward to seeing the results! I know I will learn a lot and, although Kim (BAJ's list mom) could not have known it when she paried us, Judy & I actuallly share many common experiences. Very interesting! We will be sending off our journals to each other next week & so I have wanted to do some introductory pages about myself. I'll finish the pages up this coming weekend in time to get the "little black book" sent off in the post early next week. Of course no introduction of myself would be complete without a page that honors my love of Corvids (crows & ravens).

I found a new technique that I wanted to try in a book I have been browsing through about Book Binding. I used a candle to drop wax "droplets" onto paper, applying paint coats in between. The wax becomes a resist. I really liked the effect that I got but, as with anything, I need some practice. I also think that soy candles might be easier to remove than the old candle that I had on hand - that had been languishing in a drawer awaiting the next power outage. I think the technique - which could not be any simpler really - bears some further experimentation. Of course this technique is now making me think about seeing what encaustics is all about. There is always something new to try isn't there?

When Art Meets Journal The Result Is Perfection And It Is Called A "Rag & Bone"

Who would think that something as simple as a journal would elicit an "Oh WoW!!" as I opened the box? This journal/notebook did! This is a one-of-a-kind, totally handmade journal from Rag & Bone Bindery. The company makes a wonderful array of journals, photo binders, guest books (weddingd,showers etc),address books, brag books, growth charts for children - well, you get the drift. This company has special occasions and everyday ramblings covered - heehee. That's the thing with Rag & Bone - their covers. They offer an amazing variety of cover fabrics for your journal or notebook. This fabric is a new pattern called 'Pomegrante' - there are also some dupioni fabrics that I have my eye on for a future journal! The paper is heavy weight: I used fountain pens, water colors, Sharpies, pencils & acrylic paints and I found the paper is almost "bullet proof as far as no bleed-through. I am planning to use this journal for mix media explorations because the paper is so hefty that I think it will take that kind of treatment easily. Even the paper is hand cut for these little beauties !

Rag & Bone is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Here is what the company has to say about themselves:

" Rag & Bone Bindery creates Photo Albums, Journals, Guest Books, Baby Books, and other fine bindings distinguished by their craftsmanship and enduring beauty.We've been creating handbound books since 1991 in our Rhode Island based Bookbinding Studios.

"Made By Hands" Skilled artisans handle every aspect of the production process from start to finish, resulting in quality, archival, well constructed books.Our Books, Albums & Journals can be found in fine Gift Shops, Stationery Stores, Photo Studios and Galleries across America.

Not A Faceless Corporation As a studio, we're dedicated to the fine art of Bookbinding, paper arts, book arts and journaling. We enjoy what we do and take pride in producing well bound books at an appropriate cost. Please browse our site to find out more about our products, who we are, what we do and where we work. "

Have at a look at their great web site - I doubt that you will be able to resist ordering a beautiful, extraordinarily well made journal of your own!

A Favorite Journal Accompanied Me To Festival

Although some folks might think it odd ; I generally travel with two journals. One that is strictly my written (and sometimes illustrated) personal journal & one that I bring along for taking notes on things that catch my eye, observations, thoughts to develop for quilts or felted pieces - that sort of thing. For the Houston trip this was the little beauty that I used to capture those scattered thoughts, and to hold all of the information I needed for the trip. It's a lovely notebook that's available in two colorways from Exaclair. Called the Quo Vadis Robert Le Heros this journal definitely has a lovely European flair. I love the Clairfontaine paper - works great with just about any ink I use in it - including some watercolor washes. Here I am holding up this great journal in front of one of my more traditional quilts at the Houston Quilt Festival 2008.

The other two pieces that I had in the show were art quilts. This quilts, called "Butterflies & Cream" was in an exhibit called In The American Tradition. I can't think of a more quintessential traditional American Quilt pattern that these butterflies that were so popular during the last great depression. I bought the beginnings of these blocks as orphans from Ebay. There were certainly not enought to make the large quilt I wanted from them so I had to dig into my stash of vintage fabrics and construct the new-old butterflies to match the original blocks. Now, I can no longer remember which blocks I made and which were the ones I purchased. I used a bright cheerful yellow for the setting blocks. The batting is an 80/20 cotton batt and the backing is plush fleece. Warm, cheerful and traditional. This quilts is actually my hisband's. I was once offered $1200. for it, but he loved it so much that he "bought" it for that same amount so that we could keep it at home - ans till give me the money I needed at the time. Although I make a lot of art quilts now , it is traditional quilts that I always seem to return to. They brings me peace and make me happy - and there is nothing better to sleep under IMHO!

I think my lovely Quo Vadis journal goes quite well with my beautiful quilt ! Don't you agree?!

Soul Journaling WIth Doodles

I recently joined a wonderful Yahoo group called Soul Journal - somehow when I discovered the group it just fit in exactly with what I had been doing - and wanted to continue to do. Each 'challenge', or topic, is called a 'Journey' (I love that way of looking at it!). The latest was on doodling - a topic that is near and dear to me as I do some doodling almost every day in my journal - my written journal. These are the latest doodles from my journal - they all seem to be fitting into my "working in a series theme" 'Circles'. I sometimes think that I should doodle in my strictly visual journal, but my written journal is the one that's always in my hand - so I guess that this will do for now. I am thoroughly enjoying each of these journeys and have already learned a lot from the talented artists in this wonderful group!

The Unrelenting Search For The Perfect Journal: Black Cover and Their Enduring Search for The Perfect Alternative to Moleskine ALternatives

As my journaling has become more and more of an important component in my life so has finding a "perfect' journal. Many of your may recall that I have used Moleskein journals for quite a few years but have recently been gifted by two wonderful new journals - the Quo Vadis Habana and the Quo Vadis Robert LeHero. Now, I am so excited to have found a contest in which I may be able to win a set of three new notebooks - that may just be "the" journal for me -- and all of my impossible doodlings and writing. The Black Cover, a site devoted to the search for the perfect journal is holding a fabulous give away. These journals/notebooks are made by Picadilly and I would be so excited to try them - mostly because they might present an alternative for size as well as for quality. Please wish me luck .... I would be thrilled to finally win something that I would be so glad to actually use !! The best way to help me win these journals is to check out Black Cover's site - hot link above. Please, please visit them often for my sake ..... yes, I will appreciate it a lot !

A Beautiful New Journal: Helping Me To Get Ready For Houston !

I was gifted with this beautiful new journal especially to take to Houston with me. It's a perfect, manageable size of 6.5 X 9.5 " to slip into my bag. I have a habit of never having a pad close to hand to write down notes about the show. This year I wanted to be more prepared. This beautiful journal/notebook is another in the Quo Vadis line. I has a beautiful cover - as you can see! - that also come in a light colorway. The paper is bright white,eco correct, clairefontaine.

I am excited to be going to Houston this year, and I am trying to be as organized and simplified as I am capable of being - so I had to share this lovely new piece of "equipment" !

A Tale Of Fine Paper: Quo Vadis Habana Notebooks Offer A Smooth Writing Experience

Size comparison between the Quo Vadis Habana and my Moleskine

Journaling has been a part of my daily routine for many years. I always had a 'diary' as a kid & I began more regular journaling in the mid 80's. For a few years I used nothing more than an engagement calendar to recount only the most salient points of my day. Gradually my needs changed & I began to require considerably more space. I began using Moleskine journals about ten years ago & they have served me well. Recently, however, I decided that it was time for a change and, thanks to a surprise bit of generosity, I became the happy owner of a beautiful large size Quo Vadis Habana journal/notebook. They are available in two sizes - a small 4"X6" and the large (what I have) 6.25"X9.50".

Quo Vadis Habana journals are, first and foremost made with a 'green agenda'. The paper used is Clairefontaine. Originally made in France, Clairfontaine paper - and Habana journals- are now made in upstate New York &, as the advertisements say, the paper really is superior. Smooth, silky, clear white paper that makes ink colors pop in a way that the ivory/cream paper in my Moleskine journals don't. The press for Clairfontaine paper states that the naturally occuring mineral calcium carbonate is responsible for the ultra smooth surface and lovely whiteness of the pages. No chlorine is used in the processing of the paper either - which really is a feat as far as papermaking processing goes. The pulp is made from sustainable forests as well. One of the best features of Clairefontaine paper, to my way of thinking, is that there is almost no bleed-through no matter what ink you use (the caveat to that is that Sharpies do bleed though - but not as badly as with Moleskine paper). I have recently rekindled my love affair with fountain pens - as many of you who read my blog regularly are probably all to well aware! I am able to use my wettest writers with no problems. Additionally, pencils don't smudge on this paper, unless of course, you want them to! These journals offer a handy back pocket for those treasures that you don't want to lose or forget & it also has a color coordinated elastic to hold the journal closed.

What about color? Color really IS important to me - even when it comes to my journals. It's always good to have choices & Quo Vadis Habana journals come in several great colors. Naturally, I especially love this orange gem! The cover material really looks like leather & it's soft and warm to the touch. I always choose lined paper for my writing journals & the Habana has what I would call a medium width ruling - it's wider than Moleskine at any rate.

I am very pleased to have found another choice of journals that suits my needs so well & I welcome this beautiful orange Quo Vadis Habana into my journal writing world. If you are in the market for a new journal or want to try one that really does offer a superior, pleasurable writing experience (with a choice of color too!) you won't be disappointed by investing in a Quo Vadis Habana!

I auditioned a variety of different pens and inks

Here you can see the difference in page color between the Moleskein on the left
and the Quo Vadis Habana on the right

Here you can see the "bleed through factor". On the top (the Quo Vadis) this is, virtually none. You can see the difference in the Moleskein paper on the bottom - using the same pens and inks.
Bleed through bothers some, but not all, writers.