June Journaling Lessons and Random Reflections

While the whole world is busy jumping into life at warp speed, myself reluctantly included…I am checking in the quickest way I know how- right here on the blog. I am not sure the rules of etiquette for post-quarentine behavior, but as one who observes, and silently resists going with the flow, I’m still finding my footing in this strange, new, getting-stranger-all-the-time, world. Since I get by “with a little help from my friends” (from all over the world), I am poppping in with a few things while I take time to do other things, that are taking longer to wrap up. If you happen to be new around here, hang on, it might be a bumpy ride.

For those who have followed my blog for awhile and who may remember my crazy Monday posts, this might be reminiscent of those weekly ramblings. Let’s get this party started.

Let’s start here…

First, I want to congratulate those of you who registered and participated in Discover Your Journaling Joy in June (Journaling Tracks) ! Thank you for joining in the journey. I really appreciate that when I say, “Who’s in?”, at least 50 of you crazies jump in, every time! Well, we had 55 participants for this summer adventure, and all those who registered will be receiving an e-mail by the weekend with some great opportunities to connect online. I am planning a Live “Journal With Me” (open to all) and also a June Journal Reflections Zoom meetup (registrants only). Secondly, I will be announcing the winner of the giveaway in that e-mail. One of you will receive a handmade, one-of-a-kind pocket-sized traveler’s notebooks to hold the pack of Pockitudes YOU choose. So head there and prepare to pick a pack of Pockitudes! You know you want to say that like fifty times, right? If you want to purchase your pack of Pockitudes, PRONTO, (I can’t stop myself with this alliteration stuff, it’s addicting!), go ahead and use my Discount Code: DAWN15.

Meanwhile, my dear friend, Christine from Texas, made something special for one lucky recipient with some amazing Bison Leather. See the before and after below! Please be sure and check out her Etsy shop, Instagram and Facebook page and give her a big social media hug by following! She is the real deal! A genuine, big-hearted artisan in the heart of T-T-Texas! Thanks, Christine for this amazing piece and your generous, creative heart!

Thirdly, still trying to catch my breath since returning home from our Maine vacation…but here’s a few of the things that I am incorporating this Summer:

One Book July– Yes, I am…but everything is different. From our vacation to the things I am choosing to do, or not to do. For me, right now, just showing up is what I can do for …well, just about everything. Oh, my goodness, I just heard Rhomany say she doesn’t like Tomoe River paper! Hahaha- Me tooo! Yay! Thanks for that Rhomany! (Rhomany is a YouTuber, for those of you who don’t know- who co-hosts One Book July with a few planner pals). As I said, I won’t be watching a lot of the videos…I have yet to make my own, but I am in, because…heck, I love this ridiculous madness. UPDATE: I have added my first One Book July video !

Icad 2021- Index card a day with Daisy Yellow- I am behind, but making myself stick with it, because bursts of creativity are good for the heart, and mental AND emotional health. This is one yearly, creative adventure that is practical and simple. I’m still showing up for myself. Sporadically, but that’s where I am at.

Molly -n-Me– Seriously, if you haven’t met my friend Molly Totoro, yet…you need to! We have been toying with doing a podcast together about journaling. Meanwhile she is my weekly author check-in chick. Between the two of us, we’re juggling too many projects, multiple journals and writing adventures….but we can’t help it. If you are into geneology, journaling, Italian cooking, history, or good grammar, head on over and check out her offerings. Stay tuned because WE will do something together in the future. Once we narrow it down! Ha! Oh, did I mention the dogs? Molly (because she is awesome) wrote a book to support a local senior dog rescue: This Is Rescue: The Story of Our Little Red Barn  (Kindle and Paperback). ALL profits from the sale of the book go toward the rescue and care of the animals. How precious is that? I finally just grabbed my own copy! If you are looking for some heart-warming fur love and want to support this barn’s efforts, buy a copy for yourself or a dog-loving friend! Website: Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary Also, have I mentioned- my friend Molly is a fabulous writer?

Wickford Poetry and Art Event-Original Art with Responsive Poetry on the Theme of: COLOR October 6 – October 24, 2021. The 9th Annual Poetry and Art Event is being held on what would be my daughter’s birthday weekend. Her birthday is October 9th and she would have been 21. I am looking forward to this event and am honored to have written a poem in response to a piece of art. The wonderful fun of this event, is it presents such a challenge to the artist who must respnd to the piece of art without any communication with the artist they are matched. Poets and Artists meet at the opening night of the exhibit. Truly one of my favorite events to participate in- when I am fortunate enough to get in! This will be my third time participating (2017, 2020, 2021). Last year the Artists had to respond to the Poets, this year it is the opposite.

Closer to Home…

If you are local or planning a trip to Rhode Island, you can find my book at two excellent places. If you are looking for gifts, stop in to Gansett Goods on Boon Street. Be sure and say hello to Jaime. You will find unique, local artwork there and perfect gifts, and RI souvenirs. The second place is “…down on Main Street” – as in Wakefield. Rarities Books and Bindery is serving up local authors and HELLO- JOURNALS! Pass the coffee and take my money! Grab a coffee at Caf-Bar and check out the local flavor of authors at Kelley’s new place. Hallelujah! This is a long time coming. Love that our local Main Street is becoming amazing! Not to mention Greenline Apothocary’s new place…if you’re wanting to sit at an old time soda fountain and enjoy the relaxed setting of an old-fasioned drugstore…stop in and enjoy an ice-cream soda. If you are lucky, Tristan will do magic for you. Be sure and let me know if you are vacationing here and I will send you my best places to visit, and eat!

My Journaling Journey in June…

As many of you know I used the Pockitudes journal for the three week journaling in June challenge. To say I really appreciate the practicality and simplicity encouraged with these small journals is an understatement. I will be using them regularly. Of course this means I probably will now need some Pocket -sized Traveler’s Notebooks…to store them in, right? OK, not a need, but you know what I am saying! I have one with a bear on it and am considering dedicating it to pictures and memories of my daughter, Katherine. I am going to call it my Mama Bear Memories and remeber all the reasons I am thankful that I got to be her mamma , though only twenty (too short) years.

Tell me everything…

Now, tell me what how it went for you in the comments if you like. You can also e-mail me at dawn.paoletta@gmail.com if you want to share privately. As an FYI- if you want a happy mail Certificate of Completion for the Journnaling in June challenge, you will need to tell me everything! OK, OK, just kidding. BUT, if you have done Planner Boot Camp, you know I will make you beg... require some feedback on your journaling journey. Just a head’s up. Did you have any special insights? Lessons? I think my one take away- if it hasn’t come through yet- is to keep showing up…to the page, to life, to the day…and as always, a pen and a notebook…that’s all that you need. Sometimes the extras weigh you down. It’s OK to have the extras, BUT not if they weigh you down. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to keep it simple. But, sometimes, that’s the key to keeping on. For me, uncomplicating things is …complicated. Ha! I am expert at complicating things. Anyone else? Freedom comes in letting go of what hinders you…and yes, I remember my One Word for 2021 is Unhindered. I keep showing up and letting go. That’s what I am learning to be “expert” at in this season.

Can this count as my Newsletter ? I am showing up in your inbox, one way or another! Let this suffice for now. Thank you for being here, friends. I appreciate your continued willingness to walk with me. Phew. Until next time…this is, all she wrote!