Shared Journaling With a Dear Friend

This was taken on the coast of Maine
when Becky came for a visit.

Several years ago my childhood friend, Becky, and I started a shared journal project. We decided we would trade a more traditional journal where we shared memories, thoughts, and stories about what we were up to.  We agreed it would have an art component...but that part was optional.  It would be a good place to put a doodle or a snippet of something fun...in between our thoughts and stories.

There were no rules, no expectations, and no judgement.







We started with one journal going back and forth but quickly decided we needed two going at the same time...so we each always had one.  At some random point in time we traded.

It was a little weird at the beginning...I had never kept a diary or a journal.  I started a few...but always abandoned them after a short time. But in this journal I was writing TO someone....someone who I had nearly a lifetime of shared experiences...and that made a difference. Becky and I had known each other since we were five years old having both grown up on farms in Edgerton, Wisconsin. We raised two kids at the same time, we both were teachers, and shared similar interests and hobbies...so we had a lot to talk about.

We have 4 or 5 full journals at this point over several years. We have taken a break...but we're sure we will pick it back up again.  It's a good thing.

This was an entry I made back in 2010...no, it doesn't matter what happens to these journals or if anyone else cares about them...and no, we will not run out of things to say.  It's about joy...and sometimes sorrow...mostly it's about connecting!

Thanks Becky!

My next journal sits ready when it's the right time to start again....even with a few little snippets I had to put somewhere. Don't you love the puzzle punch?