Journaling: Technique #4

Technique #5: Clustering

This simple technique is fun, focused and may quickly rope those thoughts into a clear picture. Take a piece of paper and in the center write one word. Look at the feelings or thoughts that one word conjures up. Go one direction and branch off that word or thought. Go another direction and see where that leads. Using colored markers, pens, pencils or crayons circle the words that seem to fit together. Now, step back and look at your creation - do you see a theme? Maybe a solution? Are things looking clearer to you, now? To journal the outcome of your cluster may bring you to a clearer understanding or at least a direction you may not have thought of to take.

(again, taken from Kathleen Adams' workbook, Journal to the Self)

Journaling: Technique #3

Technique #3: Springboards

This is a simple statement or question that will help you focus and clarify your writing. It's a jumping-off point to help you combat those "what shall I write about?" blues. Here are a few suggestions to get you started, then make a list for yourself to keep handy when the blues hit and you've no where to go (or so you think). Have fun!

• What makes me laugh?
• a song lyric -- especially the ones that are stuck in your head
• a card saying
• a quote
• I never realized......
• Where em I going......
• If I knew I was OK.....
• I'm getting closer to knowing.....
• Next year at this time.....
• I remember.....
• What other time in my life have I felt this way?
• It's time to let go of....
• It's time to make space for....
• These are the things I love.....
• I regret that I.....
• What is my heart's desire?
• What chapter of my life is beginning or ending?
• The next step is....
• If money were no object, I would.....
• What feels easy and effortless?
• The turning point of (a resolved issue) was when....
• I want to overcome.....

Journaling: Technique #2

Technique #2: Character Sketch
This is a form of descriptive writing. It is a written portrait of another person, or of some aspect of yourself. It's handy to use when you're having a conflict with someone, when you want to see how you might come across to someone else, or when you want to get to know the different parts of yourself in a more direct and intimate way.

Examples:
• Imagine you're writing a novel and describe the character/person in detail. What they look like, how they think, their quirks, their humor, their personality.
• Imagine that you are a detective and write a character sketch of a person you know
• Write a character sketch of your best friend or someone you admire
• Write a character sketch of yourself, from the perspective of someone who knows you
• Write a character sketch of some aspect of yourself -- your youth, your future self, what you would/will look like in 5 years (your successes, your accomplishments, where are you? etc.)

Why Keep A Journal?

(this site did some wacky things to the post -- if you're reading really small and then really big - sorry!)
Recently, I took a class on Journaling. Why not - I make journals, I might as well find out how to fill them. And fill them I did. The class was based on Kathleen Adams' workshop called Journal to the Self. We six woman gathered together to learn techniques, ideas, share stories, and write. We were lead by a certified instructor, in a safe environment, once a week and came away with new friendships, new insights and pages filled with words. The words are written just for me, no one else need see (or by invitation only) and not a diary per se, but a journey into discovering, through the written word, more about me. A new tool in resolving conflict, sorting feelings, having fun and letting the pen take me to places I hardly ever brought to light. You too, can become a writer of your words or at least learn some new techniques to add to your repertoire of writing the written word just for YOU.
(and here's the disclaimer: I'm not a certified instructor, just someone who likes to share. So, take the following few days of ideas and techniques with a grain of salt. Use them or ignore them --it's up to you.)
Why keep a journal?
Discover the writer within you
Keep a record for the future of how your life unfolds
Get to know the different parts of yourself
A journal is a friend in need
Heal your relationships
Access information stored in your subconscious and unconscious minds
Explore your dreams
Develop your intuition
Explore your creativity
Track the cycles, patterns and trends of your life
Get in touch with feelings, develop spontaneity, master self-discipline,
try on new behaviors, imagine your own possibilities
Or other reasons that appeal to you ... now!

The equipment and notes on journal writing
You'll need a journal or notebook (always one available at sam'studio.etsy) and
a writing utensil
notes:
Date every entry - allowing you to observe cycles, patterns and trends.
Keep what you write - it might have little relevance, now,
but may make more sense when you read it a few days from now.
Write quickly -- it will provide much more ready access to subconscious information and less liable to let you start thinking about what you're writing. Don't worry about spelling or grammar. Just write.
Start writing and keep writing - Just begin
Tell yourself the truth - Give yourself permission to write your own truth
Protect your privacy - Your journal is only for you. It is your true friend.
Write naturally - There are no rules! Write when you want to or when the mood strikes. You're the only one person who can write the story of your life , let yourself be you.

Technique #1
The five-minute Sprint
Pick a subject (any subject) Set the timer or check the clock and blast away. Stop writing when the time is up. Don't lift your pen off the page, just write - if you block, just write the subject word over and over. The time will go fast and you'll be surprised at the end what you've written and the direction you've taken.
Can't think of a subject? Use the first word that pops into your head. Or open a book and point to a word without looking and then write it. At a later date, we'll create a list to use, if you like lists. The five minute sprint is fun, easy and a rewarding start or finish to your day.
And most importantly -- Have Fun!

No Foolin'

Still doing the scrapbook world's Project 12 and this is what I came up with for my March layout and how I spent my March, 2010, no kidding. The last time I actually did a scrapbook page was for the February layout --- I need to stay home more and get back to scrapbooking (or at least put the journal making aside for a little bit --- well, more pictures would help, too).
(the digi credits will be given upon request)
((click on the picture for an up close and personal look))

They're Popping Up Everywhere!

I've been out grazing in the Mushroom Patch and just can't get my fill. The Mushroom Patch Journals will eventually make their way over to www.Sam'Studio.Etsy and hopefully (IF I get in again) to Allied Arts Festival next November. Until then, join me in grazing through the Mushroom Patch.

A snippet here . . . A snippet there

A simple word can invoke a instant feeling, mood or thought. I came across some inspirational snippets by Katie Pertiet (DesignerDigitals) to mark a page, create a card or maybe put on some journals. Either way, they are fun to read and more fun to make up some of your own. I've added a few to Katie's list --- try it, you'll like it!

and... Even More New Journals

Last year (geez, was it just last year?) I sold my journals at the Bellingham Allied Arts Festival. When all was said and done, I took stock of what actually sold --- the styles they bought, the colors they went for. I was a bit surprised to find that all my black and white (or ivory, as the case may be) had SOLD OUT. I love working with black and white, but didn't think others would respond to the combo as much as I loved making them --- who knew? So, IF I get into the Festival again this year (come November) I plan on lots of B&W items for shoppers to take home. These are just a couple of what's to come in the B&W format.

More New Journals

Whimsy - Colorful - Fun!

New Journals

Think Gatsby, Grey Poupon, My Best Friend's Wedding, or just something fun to write your thoughts in. I've been playing with some new ideas for my journals --- they may go into my Etsy store or be saved for Allied Arts next November, or both. More are coming --- I've been a busy journal maker.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Spring Forward

Tonight's the night we move that hour ahead one hour.
Sunday March 14th at 2:00 am

and as I always say......
If you always do what you've always done
You'll always get what you've always gotten

Tag You're It!

A great tagline can take your company's branding a step in the right direction. A tagline is associated with your company name. It stays with you wherever you go. It doesn't change unless you totally redefine your company. If your business name doesn't say it all -- a tagline is just that - an expansion of your business name and product/service.

A slogan is a bit different. The word slogan comes from a Scottish word meaning "battle cry". The slogan goes with the battle you're waging right now. Using it for attention to a sale, a company event, a new campaign.

We've all seen taglines used on every commercially advertised products. They pay the BIG BUCKS to get one that fits their image, their product or service, who they are and what they will do for you. But, you can do it yourself --- Keep it simple --- Stay Relevant --- Be Unique. Use it below your business name on your business cards, on your web site, on your business blog. It'll tell people a little bit more about your services when your name doesn't tell it all or when you want to explain what you can do for that customer in a simple, concise, statement.

--- Plan the work and work the plan ---

And I quote........

Testimonials from satisfied customers

You've received compliments on your work, your product, your business practice - use them to show new customers that;
1. your experienced
2. others value your work/product
3. people respect what you do
4. an affirmation of your character and qualifications
5. that your product has merit
6. it's evidence of trust
7. it's that 3rd person talking again, backed-up with proof

First and foremost, get permission to use the testimonial! You don't have to give a full name. Using "Susie said" or "from a satisfied customer" or "what people are saying" is just fine. And ask for your customer's comments. Either send them a returnable, form post card as a follow-up correspondence. Thank them for their business and a short questionnaire on your work (with the fine print stating you may use their comments as testimonial of your work). When you've received that compliment via email, etc., thank that person for their kind words and ask if you may use their statement. Just ask -- people are flattered that you would want to include them in your business marketing.

Then use it! Use it! Use it! And once again, people will believe what others think of your business before they'll believe you just telling them (even when they don't know Susie at all).

Testimonials are a great marketing tool --- use them!

"Variety's the very spice of life that gives it all its flavor" (says William Cowper)