Journaling - Part II

Mar 8, 2002 - © Virginia Marin

So, you want to be a family folklore keeper, but don't know where to begin? Begin with yourself. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, but sooner or later, one has to branch out. After all, no one belongs to a family of one.

Journaling

What is the best way to begin with myself? Why not keep a journal? A journal is preferred to a diary, because diaries are usually of a more private nature--things that one does not particularly want made public. A journal, on the other hand, is an account of day-to-day events, experiences, ideas, matters of current interest, and personal reflections kept regularly for private use, but not of a sensitive nature. Journaling can also be a journey, in that it documents one's flight from a dark inner turmoil to a life of clarity and completeness. A journal can be of Shaker simplicity, or mirror an interest in, say, illuminated letters.

Journals can be a rich source of family folklore. The content of all journals should be respected, and permission obtained from the owner for use in any family folklore project.

One does not have to be terribly meticulous in journaling, in fact some journal writers go as far as to encourage no thought to correct spelling or grammar. I would never encourage sloppiness of this magnitude in my own journaling nor would I encourage others to be so in their writing, however, impromptu journaling is not usually done with Merriam Webster's at fingertips. This is not to say that some degree of care should not be given to one's entries.

What to Write

Writing in a journal is somewhat like taking a journey. In a journey one travels from one place to another, makes passage from point A to point B, spans age from youth to maturity, or travels through time. In each instance he is said to be journeying. In like manner, one can enjoy journeying through journaling, without engaging in journalism.

Begin where? Wherever you want. This is your journal. Do you like poetry? Pen it. Don't be concerned with meter, unless it comes naturally. What are your thoughts on the environment? The Alaska Pipeline? Gardening? How about your pet? Family vacation spots? Dreams? Dreams often provide a writer with an abundant flow of words and ideas. Do you remember that first date? Your high school graduation? How did your husband propose to you? Why did your parents give you the name you carry? Do you like your name? How does your name figure into your family heritage? Are there any funny or unusual stories associated with your name?

The copyright of the article Journaling - Part II in Folklore is owned by Virginia Marin. Permission to republish Journaling - Part II in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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