I discovered the Moleskine journal back when I was at UTM and loved it almost immediately. It was the first journal-- the only journal-- I truly enjoyed writing in. Now-- I can't draw as the example in the photo-- but certainly, mine is filled with everything. I'm on my 7th one and am starting to really get a stack full. I like seeing them lined up all together, like taking them down and reading a bit of what I was thinking. I suppose that is part of why I have a blog about books and not my normal bitching about life-- I have my journal for that. And, I have about 3 years worth of bitching and worrying in them.
When I taught last year, I tried to get my students to journal. It didn't go well. I don't think I checked them enough or gave them enough class time to write in them. I know had I not had a prof who demanded about 100 pages (typed) journaling, I wouldn't write so much as I do now. So, I don't think it's that important what you write so much as you write something. I'll have my little students writing all manner of stuff come this fall so they are in for a treat. I am told that when I talk about these things, I look animated and very happy. I suppose that says a lot, doesn't it?
Writing isn't easy though. I suppose for some folks it is. But for me, it's so hard. One word after the next and it is always easier (and perhaps more desirable) to take them away than to add them on. But, I love to write-- doesn't matter if it amounts to anything. Goethe said, "Writing is busy idleness." Goethe was right. Good writing, however, is terribly more-- it's strenous editing!
