There were a few story ideas that I will transfer to another notebook in my desk for “some day” in the future, many I put in the recycling container because they were just plain silly or so vague I had no idea what I was talking about.

There was this one poem (for lack of a better term that was hard to read and I cannot for the life of me imagine that I was actually awake when I wrote it — yes, I think I must have been sleep-writing.

Life is Love, Love is Love

If I loved,
I lived
If I lived, I loved well.
But if I loved to
live did I love any less.
Can a love be well lived. Is life
well lived loved at all.
To Live life, Live well is to
love life and love well.
Is it even possible to love
badly. How can love be bad.
Love is love. When loved
Whether good or bad
if loved well life is

For the life of me I cannot figure out what the last word is, my writing is so horrible. It could start with an “f” or could have an “l” or a “t” in it but really, I have no idea. Maybe “fuller”? But that does not seem to flow with the rest of it. I noticed too that even though I ask many questions I used periods instead of question marks. When typing it I was tempted to put in the question marks but I thought it was more interesting without. Were I do a full edit I would probably take out all punctuation all together.

Also in the realm of interesting are two pictures I drew. I vaguely remember dreaming about two cows, bulls or whatever. One poofing and saying “Excuse me” and the other being shocked or rolling its eyes. For some reason when I woke up I was laughing hysterically and felt the need to draw this so I could remember it. Looking at it now the only thing I find funny is that I actually drew it. And one has an utter.

Then there is this other drawing of three symbols in their own boxes joined together. Obviously some secret code I was meant to remember for some important purpose — not a clue what.

There were a few good ideas for making lenses that I added to one of the piles near my desk but otherwise a lot of wasted paper.

I learned a few things about my habits looking through these old notes: I have terrible handwriting. I need to review my notes sooner so I have a better idea of why I wrote them. I need a bigger notebook so my thought process is not squashed. And I have a weird sense of humor. A poofing joke seems more up Jeff’s alley than mine.

Even though I threw out the majority of the pages I still think keeping a bedside journal for note taking is important which is why I replaced it with a fresh one and put a fresh one on Jeff’s bedside table with his own pen too. I know it is just a matter of time before my pen disappears.

The problem with having an open grid system is that everything easily collects dust and when you do not use the items often, well they collect even more dust — and I am a terrible duster — if I do not put it on my calendar it will not get done.

In an attempt to cut down on the dusting I decided to make a tower cover from my leftovers/bought for future use materials. I cut four pieces of fabric the length of the tower and one square. I quickly stitched all sides together leaving a two inch hole about midway on the top cube in the front piece to tuck in a ribbon I could use as a tie back when I want easier access to the shelves. While I was at it I made a trip to the dollar store and picked up a few baskets to sort the stuff on the cubicles and make it easier to handle.

When it is not in use I simple untie the ribbon and fasten it to the opposite side. Now every so often I can just throw the cover in the wash and do a light feather dusting of the items inside.

The fabric is pretty much the same color as the paint on our walls so it does not stand out and I actually think it makes that corner look a little tidier.

Why? you ask. Because I can. And it is fun. And I thought it would make a great challenge lens at Squidoo. You may remember last year I did a 30 Day Zendala challenge. This is along the same line but on a smaller scale.

So… you creative types with old dominoes sitting in your closet doing nothing, I challenge you to decorate your dominoes with some doodles. Learn more about the challenge at my 91 Domino Doodle Challenge lens.

In general I hate cat stuff. I may have an offhand curiosity in it when I am in the store but I do not buy cat stuff. I will admit to having a few miniature curio cats I bought when I was sixteen with my own hard earned money and I have a white bisque tealight holder which you can barely tell has a cat on it that was gifted to me. But DEFINITELY NO CLOTHING or ornaments. Unfortunately, because I have two cats, people, especially my mother-in-law, feel the need to buy me cat stuff. I have said many times that I am not into cat stuff but for some reason people feel a strong need to buy it for me. It has come to the point where I quietly re-gift to people who actually collect cat stuff.

I love all animals really but it was not until I actually got a dog that I realized I really am a cat person. I still love dogs (all dogs, all horses, all snakes, all bunnies, all toads — no spiders or other bugs, unless it’s a lady bug or dragonfly… or butterfly) and will probably have another dog in my lifetime but I definitely prefer the company of a purring cat over that of a dog that insists it must lick me.

I have been known to doodle the odd cat but I would not under any circumstances wear it on a t-shirt or even wear an applique sweater with cats on it. I do not hold a grudge against people who do, ok maybe a little.

I am a cat kisser. I kiss my cats numerous times a day. I love my cats. I do not tongue kiss my cats nor do I kiss them on the month. If my husband can have the dog lick his face I can kiss my cat’s nose or other parts of their face. I do avoid the mouth and yes I know the nose is critically close to the mouth which does a lot of butt cleaning; but have you seen what a dog does with his tongue?.

I may raise my voice an octave or two when talking to my cats but I have also noticed parents do it to their kids which I think is just as strange.

I have hundreds of pictures of my cats and dog (only a few are actually posted around the house), and maybe a few of the fish and the husband.

My first cat was cremated. He was 18 years old when he died. That means he was with me for 18 years — that is a long time to love another creature whether it be a human or a cat. Quite frankly, I did not know what else to do with him. His ashes sit in a discreet urn on my dresser and I still do not know what to do with him. Nothing feels “right”.

As for having my cats stuffed that would never ever happen. I do watch movies after all, that is where you learn about the crazy cat ladies who stuff their dead cats for the mantle or curled up on a pillow. The lady either ends up being a psycho killer or the cats come back to life and eat her. No thank you.

I love my cats. I like cats in general. I am not a crazy cat lady.

A few weeks ago I was pinning at Pinterest, a social networking site that lets you save images you like into categories (as well as view friends categories and comment on images, etc), and I came across a recipe from The Gluten Free Scallywag for Nutella Cheesecake Pots. I chuckled of course but then I read the recipe and thought it was a quick and easy dessert option. I am all about no fuss and of course I love chocolate. So I repinned it to my food and beverage category on the off chance I would take the time to convert the recipe ingredients (I hate doing that).

The off chance came! I was walking past the Nutella at my local grocer and it was on sale. I then had a chat with my husband about the recipe before slipping the jar into the cart. It took a couple days before I cracked open the jar but when I did, holy heavenly scent. Out of curiosity I dipped in a teaspoon and took a lick. It totally tastes like the filling from Kinder Bueno bars — in other words totally yummy. But there is still no way I am putting this on my bread and having it for breakfast.

That being said, it makes a totally acceptable cheesecake dessert. Even the man liked it and he is not a big chocolate fan.

The Scallywag version is written out in annoying (g) measurements so my conversions are not exact and I am sure mine probably tastes much different than hers. I also changed some of the directions along the way because I like to put my own twist on things as I am creating. Oh, and this is now definitely not gluten free (just in case you had any doubts) so follow her directions in the link if that is how you roll.

I used oven safe ramekins because they are convenient and have their own lids for easy storage but any dessert dishes that are microwave safe will work. I made six small portions but it could easily be made into four larger ones.

Nutella Cheese Cake Pots Recipe

Servings: 6 petite servings — just enough to taste and fill!

Ingredients:

Base

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup graham crumbs (I used the 3/4 the first time and thought it was too much but the man liked it with more. Use the 1/2 for a thinner layer.)
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Cheesecake Layer

• 250g brick of light cream cheese (room temp)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of Nutella
• 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips

Directions:

In a small bowl cut the butter into the graham crumbs with a fork or pastry cutter. When crumbly divide between 6 ramekins or other glass dessert dishes. Put all six ramekins on one plate and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on high for one minute then set aside to cool while making cheesecake layer.

Blend the room temperature cream cheese with brown sugar and Nutella until smooth. In a microwave safe mug micro the chocolate chips for about 60 seconds just to get the melting process started. Stir with spoon until smooth then quickly add to cream cheese mixture and blend.

Divide between the ramekins. Cover than refrigerate a few hours or overnight before serving.

Thanks for your patience.

Moe

Go ahead, blog about your own 8 random facts. I dare you!

“The great challenge of adulthood is holding on to your idealism after you lose your innocence.”

~ Bruce Springsteen

How long have you been journaling?
I have been journaling for twenty years though I was first introduced to the technique at a youth camp when I was eighteen. I must have pigeon holed the technique only to pull it out years later after my first son was born with a disability. It really helped me to download all the confusing thoughts and process the feelings.

What kinds of journals do you have?
I have probably experimented with them all. I prefer a spiral bound with no lines because I like freedom which kind of sets the stage for the journaling. I don’t use anything smaller than A4. It’s not very convenient to throw into a handbag but it inspires letting go, particularly if you combine some art.

How often do you journal?
I try to journal every day. Even when I think I have nothing to say I am constantly awed at how much is there. Research suggests we think in excess of 70,000 thoughts per day. Most of these are unconscious so there is always material. The thing about thoughts is they produce feelings. If we can trace a feeling to our thoughts through journaling then the charge from the feeling dissipates. The belief behind the feeling arises in the exploring and this gives us an opportunity to decide whether it is actually of our own value system or has been modeled from family or society.

Why is journaling important to you?
Journaling is my medicine. It is free, it is my truth and it constantly converts to peace. Something I aspire to in this world. It also offers me all the answers and guidance I need. It helps me to know myself. When we know ourselves well we know what we want and need. It downloads feelings and leaves me in a space to communicate clearly without blame, judgement and reaction from my feelings. From this place it is a peacemaker. It also then puts me in a place where I can feel compassion for others.

You were trained to facilitate journal courses, could you describe this?
I decided I wanted to share the miracles I had experienced from journaling. I trained as a facilitator. This training taught me how to run groups and write up courses. I then researched some other authors’ experience of journaling and together with my experiences had plenty of material.

When did you become a psychotherapist?
Three years ago. As my processing went deeper I found the groups were going deeper. I needed to train to be able to hold that space and help others continually forward their own journey.

Can you tell us about your weekend workshops?
My work is constantly evolving. Over the last couple of years I have been including art and no longer extol journal writing but journaling. Our bodies are a journal and have oh so much to teach us. I always use the body in the work now. Feelings can have a shape or color.

For example a knot in the stomach could look like a matted green ball of wool. Extracting this visually is really important. To be able to see it offers further insights. We also always use collage and I inspire people to get a display file and start a library of images that invoke a reaction from them from the newspaper of magazines or anywhere. You begin to see themes coming through. Mine are Body, Family, Home, Environment, Words, Colour, Art, Inspiring articles and people, Cultures, Travel and Fashion. The headers evolve naturally as a result of what you are drawn to tearing out. These images are journal prompts. You can pull one out and glue it into your journal and dialogue with it to see what it has to teach you about yourself.

When we have a feeling about anything, even if it seems unrelated to our life it is actually mirroring something deep inside. The visuals are fantastic for forwarding your journey. My most recent work has included full body collages in response to the chakra psychologies, for example base chakra issues relate to survival, prosperity, family and belonging. This is an awesome prefect. Through various prompts an image depicting the journey is pasted on and we go from there. It is very healing to see your full sized body staring back at you.

One of the main questions writers ask about is discipline. Do you think discipline is important in journaling and could you provide a few tips on improving one’s journaling discipline?
The best disciple is LISTENING to your body in this busy world. From this space a regular journaling journey naturally evolves. Track a feeling and see where it takes you in the journal. Unravelling dreams can be a good discipline. All dream images are about ourselves and have something to gift us. Simply have a conversation with the characters. Julia Cameron’s morning pages can not be ignored. They are very powerful. Journaling simply has to become part of our every day life. There just is no other way. I cannot extol the virtues of journaling enough. It is important to know journaling isn’t just about writing. In fact when other techniques are integrated it becomes a holistic approach to our wellbeing.

Interviewed for the Journaling site at BellaOnline.

Going Home is a simple creative non-fiction book about the migration of ten interesting and varied animals for children aged 4 to 8. You can read the full review at The Homeschool Club.