Last Friday marked the 6 months out UNTIL my 50th birthday. I had been thinking about it for a while now; trying to decide what I would do to mark the occasion.
I decided that I’d begin to journal again. I don’t write here everyday. Most of my grown-ups (that what I call my kids) don’t read my blog. I doubt they would want to read about my budget, repurposing, crocheting and so forth. But there are some things, that cross my mind throughout my day, that I think will definitely interest them or at least pique their interest.
When thinking about my days leading up to my 50th birthday; I have NOT been dreading it. I do make little jokes about it; and it has crossed my mind that leaving my 40s behind is like finishing off the last of the cake. It’s sickeningly sweet—you want it, but when it’s gone; that’s it. There is no more; and you’ll begin to feel better.
I still feel young in my mind.
That sounds good to be able to say that. Three months ago—I didn’t not feel well in my mind. I felt dense. I felt a heavy fog in my mind. I’m happy to say the Fog has lifted.
I created a post a short while back called Notes on the Fridge—it was written to my grown ups. I thought I might make it a regular feature. You’ll understand if I don’t. Even more recent, Honey and I spent a week watching Ken Burns: The Roosevelts -- wow! The archives, journals and personal letters left by the people of that time is mountainous! So much to hear in their own words. That was a big factor in my new endeavor to journal.
Their own words.
I have no idea if this archive- blog will be here for my grown ups or my grand children to read in the future. I don’t know that I would want to trust this machine to keep plugging away and storing information – who knows where?!
So I’ve decided to write. I have so far written something every day for them. I hope to continue well past 50! I’m sure the pages for this next 6 months will probably have a different tone—a different meaning for me. I don’t know. I am looking forward to seeing what comes onto the page.
Another thing—I am a much better speller when I have a pen in hand. I am not dependent upon spell checker. The words are more fluid. The passion is seen more easily on the page. The testimonies will hopefully come alive for them as they read them. Questions will be answered; prayers for them will be revealed. The story will be much more personal;
and in my own words.
I only have a few of my moms journals. She wrote volumes! There are prayers written inside the pages of those books. Prayers for me and my brothers and all our families. Future generations. My brother has most of them; and if I wanted to read them I could. I also have hand written letters. That too is something I’m considering doing. Writing letters and actually mailing them on occasion.
Great idea! I know!
It will be fun. I’m looking forward to it.
What are you leaving for your Children? Or future generations?
Til next time, Be Blessed!
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You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,so that your days and the days of your sons may be multiplied on the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens remain above the earth. Deut. 11: 18-21
14 comments:
Great pictures! There is something special about writing it out by hand. So many people don't physically write these days but I am a copious note taker. I type like crazy in meetings, but I have steno pads galore at my desk and I note everything. I've even gotten comments on my penmanship -- and the actual putting pen to paper and making your letters look good is more than half of the enjoyment. Good for you!
Oh I vaguely remember turning 50. Didn't hurt one bit!
xo Kris
Very good idea. I sometimes think about doing that too then think-- who'd care?? Future generations would just have solid proof of a nut in the family! LOL!!
I did a lot of journaling for a lot of years, Pat. Some of it is really bittersweet to go back and read it. I pretty much quit journaling when I started blogging. There really is something about writing stuff out in longhand. God bless you on that journey. It is a wonderful thing to leave your kids.
Happy upcoming 50th. I loved being in my 50s. It was a wonderful time for me. I used to think 60 was old but once I hit it that wasn't so bad either- lol It sure is better than the alternative. xo Diana
What a great idea!! How special for MANY future generations. I have a few old books that have my great-great grandmothers name handwritten in them and just that makes me feel "connected" to her. I can't imagine having a journal to read through. Perfect...
What a treasure to leave for your kids! I have a lot of my grandmothers journals. Reading through them makes me feel closer to her ,but also lets me see her as the woman she was. I still have a few years before the big 5-0, trying to tell myself its just a number! lol.. Enjoy writing in your journal!
Liz
A lovely post with wonderful photos! When I was a stay-at-home mom, I wrote two letters every day to whomever happened to cross my mind. Not exciting letters, but whatever was going on at the time. Our family LOVED it! When I went back to work, everyone fussed that they missed my letters! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Love the photos of the old building and your idea of a written journal. Mr. Z's mother wrote something everyday if nothing but the weather. My Mom did too.
My daughter gave me a beautiful book to write in, but I never got started. My shame!
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
As with all of your posts, this is a mixture of wisdom and whimsy. Interestingly, I've got a desire to write my mom's memoir and recently signed up for an online course in memoir writing. I set up a beautiful writing area at an antique desk that she gave me in a sunny corner of our guest room. The first and second weeks lessons are still waiting for me to begin. You are such an inspiration, Pat. If you can carve out time to take care of the Littles, sew jammas, reorganize spaces, change your diet and write a journal and a blog, I can certainly carve out time for some memoir writing.
I'm lost without my journals. Pretty soon I will have the chance to read my Grandmother's.
I love your idea...and would like to do it...just finding the time...or MAKING the time in an already-too-busy day...but what a treasure!
You can be as young as you feel.....I turned 61 a few months ago, but each year, my kids always come prepared to help me celebrate my 49th. I have had a lot of 49th birthdays!!! lol.
We have a good time with it... Those old buildings are just the cutest...great pics
I think that it is wonderful that you are writing in your journal and making it for your "grown-ups", but you must get it out of your head that 50 is such a huge passage . . . it's just another year, like thirty was. Remember how old you felt when you turned 30 . . . looking back, you were just a kid, right? Well, twenty years from now, when you look back at 50 it will be the same thing. You're going to say . . . I was so young back then:)
Happy early birthday, ENJOY!!!
Your blogging sister,
Connie :)
(I just turned 69 and I'm going strong . . . It is mostly a matter of the mind and not the body)
I remember 50 like it was yesterday. Sometimes I wonder how long I can continue to do what I do. I mentioned retiring last week and Jamie (daughter) said WHAT? you're going to retire? I laughed and said... yeah someday.
Your kids and their kids will appreciate having your journals someday (A LONG time from now)
gail
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