Idea Journal

I struggled for many years to journal regularly. Everyone told me it would be so good for me, and since I spent 15 years as a pastor, it seemed like something I should want to do. But I have 5-6 journals on my shelf which started strong and then sputtered out after only a few entries. Then, I would wait for a new year and buy a new journal, and repeat the process.

Then, I met a man named McNair Wilson. A former Disney Imagineer, actor, author, artist and playwright who introduced me to the concept of the idea journal. In it I collect ephemera...clippings from newspapers and magazines, business cards, quotes, drawings, photos and other bits and pieces from my daily life. I also occasionally write what would be considered journal entries. I think one day these journals will be a great gift to my children, and possibly my grandchildren...a rare glimpse inside the psyche of their dad or granddad.

These journals are also a treasure trove of ideas for me. Periodically I peer back through some of them, and am reminded of images or words that I forgot as the waves of 'urgent business' crashed in around me.

I also believe having the right journal matters. The picture above is my latest journal, purchased from Iona at the 2010 Main Street Art Festival in Ft. Worth. Interestingly enough, I have looked at these journals for years and never purchased one because there is usually an exceedingly long tie enclosure that I can't stand. But this year, I found several she had not finished yet, and lacked the tassel. I purchased one immediately. Now, I am going to use it for our Summer Trip to Colorado this year. Like I said, I think the journal matters.

Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do in YOUR journal. Just go out and find the perfect journal for you and get started...write, draw, collect...you name it! But don't let those great influences and ideas get away from you!