The 2nd year of my journey begins
On January 1, 2023, I began my first perpetual journal. What is this type of journal? One in which you make weekly entries year over year on predated pages.
There is a bit of planning and prep work for this type of journal. The journal has to have enough pages to allow for multiple entries each week for 2 or 3 years. I chose a square, Seawhite of Brighton journal with all media cartridge paper. Then planned each week to be a spread. In addition, each month would have a title page and 2 extra pages at the end – just in case I need more notation space.
I was initially inspired by the lovely journals of @laragastinger – a fabulous botanical artist that pretty much began the perpetual journal movement a few years ago.
What is the focus of this journal?
I chose to keep track of the weather forecast, flora & fauna of our yard and around our corner of the South Carolina lowcountry. Design wise, a rhythm developed over the year. I’m sure new ways of recording will come my way. I love journey of keeping a journal! Here’s a brief video showing more about the set up this journal.
A recap of 2023 journal entries
Early on in the process, I found myself excited to begin making the 2nd year’s entries. However, time goes quickly enough without wishing it away. I settled into the weekly routine of making notations and let the year and journal unfold. Some entries contain just written notes, others have sketches, and some monthly title pages were illustrated. Here are a few pages to peruse…
You, too, can keep a perpetual journal!
I urge you to keep one. Begin any time that you want. Perhaps on an Equinox or Solstice? Really any time will work. I dated my pages a bit at a time. It was July before I finished the weekly dates! That’s what’s so great about your journal(s). They are yours – fill them as you can. It’s a love thing, not to be pressure induced.
Need help with sketching or watercolors? I’m here for you. I invite you to sign up for my monthly newsletter (link at the top of the page), and do watch for my IG live sessions on Tuesdays at 2 pm. Sessions are available in my feed for at least 2 weeks after. The next ‘Live’ will be January 16th.Â
Questions? Leave a comment, I’ll be back to you!
My ‘perpetual’ journal isn’t quite as disciplined as yours, but I can vouch that keeping a regular journal over time, is a wonderful thing. Over and over I go back to refer to something in my journals … and sometimes I even find something I’d forgotten (that’s what happens when you keep a journal for over 50 yers).
Oh Elva, you have me giggling! I’m right there with you with 50 years of journals to look though. Oh the magic of being transported right back in time! When I plan an outdoor workshop I go perusing through to check weather patterns. Actually, that was the driving force to start this journal. One stop shopping so to speak for past weather reports! This year I want to devise a system that will log the actual weather. The forecasters can miss it completely… A lot! I log directly with ink. So perhaps keeping the forecast on a separate sheet, correct that and enter info in at the end of the week. Just don’t want to get behind in that exercise. All of it is joy filled : )
What a treasure you are developing here. So lovely.
Hi Kathleen,
Yes, this journal has a big piece of my heart. Some weeks it seems like I could fill all the allotted pages up. I keep another backyard journal so I can feel free to let loose when time is on my side : )