Journaling #18: The Memory Jar

A memory jar is a jar that you use to hold little notes or memorabilia about happy experiences or personal accomplishments that you would like to remember or recognize. You may have heard about memory jars but never really considered them to be a form of journaling. Because you write about experiences, according to Webster’s dictionary, a memory jar is indeed a form of journaling.
 
People sometimes save memories in their jar for a year and then open the jar on New Year’s Eve to enjoy those memories all over again. Reviewing your memories doesn't have to be a once-a-year event. Looking through your memory jar after a tough day is a great way to remind yourself that good things do happen.
 
Memory jars can also hold keepsakes from a vacation or special event. They make great gifts for birthdays, retirement celebrations or wedding showers. Guests can write about special memories and fill the jar with slips of paper or little cards created especially for the event.
 
Memory jars have also been used to help people process grief. Celebrating loved ones whom we have lost is part of the grieving process. Create a jar as part of a celebration of life with contributions from friends and family or on a more personal level fill the jar with your own memories and mementos of your loved one.
 
Memory jars can be used by individuals, groups or families. They can be large or small. You can decorate your jar or leave it as is.

You probably already have a jar that would be perfect for memory jar journaling. Why not start preserving those special memories one at a time?

•Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for many types of journaling.

Check out other journaling posts here: Journaling Posts

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Early Literacy #10: "Baby, it's the beat!"

Recognizing beat in music is associated with strong reading readiness in preschoolers.² Beat is what makes you want to sway, tap or clap along to the music.
 
An understanding of the concept of a steady beat helps a child speak and read with a smooth cadence, which in turn enhances communication skills and reading comprehension.¹
 
Musical beat can help young children develop phonological awareness, prediction and cognitive skills, such as, memory, attention and pattern recognition.
 
Things to try with your littles²:
• March, stomp or jump to the beat of the music. Have a fun Family Dance Party.
• Use instruments to keep the steady beat with the music. You can even make your own instruments. How about a Family Marching Band?
• Clap along as you recite your child’s/grandchild’s favourite rhymes.
• Have a steady beat Treasure Hunt. Search for things that make a steady beat. The clock? Dripping water? A timer?
 
Music is important to the development of young children on so many different levels. Recognizing and keep the beat is just one of the ways to help your young one experience the wonder of music. Major Lance had it right, “Baby, it’s the beat.”
 
See other Literacy Posts here: https://cupolacorner.blogspot.com/search/label/Early%20Literacy
 
The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. #readingisFUNdamental 
 
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References:
1. Kindermusik. (2024, April 4). 4 ways to test the positive effects of Steady Beat: Kindermusik. Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog. https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/the-benefits-of-steady-beat/#:~:text=Cognitive%20Development:%20Engaging%20with%20steady,positive%20academic%20and%20general%20growth.
2. Music benefits early literacy archives. Minds On Music – The Kindermusik Blog. (n.d.). https://www.kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic/tag/music-benefits-early-literacy/#:~:text=For%20preschoolers%20and%20early%20school,and%20show%20stronger%20behavioral%20skills.
3. Steady Beat: Why it matters. Song of the Heart Studios. (2024, June 30). https://songheart.com/steady-beat-why-it-matters/

Journaling #17: Letter Writing

Letter writing as a journaling technique is used in different ways for different reasons. Sometimes you write a letter to yourself. Sometimes you write to someone who has passed. Sometimes you write to a fictional character. This form of journaling is often referred to as Unsent Letters.
 
Letters written as part of a journaling exercise are not written to be sent or given to anyone. They are a way for you to process your experiences. They are personal. They are for your benefit. You may want to keep your letter as a reminder of your personal growth or maybe you just want to destroy it as part of moving on. Tearing a letter into a hundred little pieces can feel cathartic.
 
Letter writing is often used as a tool for processing grief. When you experience a loss there is almost always something that could have been said in the past or something that needs to be said about the future. Writing a letter can help you develop clarity.
 
Letter writing can also promote healing when you have suffered a traumatic experience. It can help you cope with anxiety and manage anger. It can help you deal with frustration. It can help you to embrace forgiveness.
 
Looking for an affirming experience? Try writing a letter to yourself. Acknowledge your personal and/or professional accomplishments. Praise and encourage yourself. Make plans for positive steps forward.
 
Letter writing as a journaling strategy helps you to organize and evaluate your thoughts. It helps you release feelings that you have buried. It helps you to develop insight. It can also promote self-reflection and self-regulation. 

Letter writing for the purpose of journaling may feel awkward when you first give it a try. Remember that you are the only person who will see this letter. You may sometimes be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your own best friend. As the mole said, “Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses.” (1) 

It all starts with paper and pen. No fancy stationery required, although that might be fun. Salutations and closings are flexible. Spelling and grammar are not evaluated. It’s just you writing an unsent letter.

 Dear Me,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time now…

 

Reference:

1. Mackesy, C. (2019). The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse. First HarperOne.

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Did you know...? Holly

Holly is an evergreen plant that can be a shrub, a tree or a climber. Fossil evidence indicates that the holly species has been around since the time of dinosaurs.
 
There are many different varieties of holly. Most have spiny leaves that are green year-round. Holly berries (drupes) are red, brown or black. Rarely, they can be green or yellow. Holly leaves and berries are toxic and can be fatal if ingested by children.
 
This hardy plant has made its home in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, some varieties that are produced commercially have spread into native forest habitats and are crowding out native species.
 
Holly is an important food source for birds and animals, especially in the winter. It also offers them shelter from cold and windy storms.
 
Early European cultures believed holly to be a symbol of eternal life because the leaves stayed green all winter. Holly later became a part of Christian symbolism and is associated with Jesus Christ.   
 
At Christmas when we decorate our homes with boughs of holly, we aren’t just doing it because it looks nice. We are following traditions from cultures and people all the way back to ancient times. Holly symbolizes eternal life, happiness, protection, peace, hope and good luck. All good things to celebrate at Christmas. So go ahead. Have a holly, jolly Christmas.

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Journaling #16: Creating a Travel Journal

A travel journal is where you document your experiences out and about in the world. As you explore, you write.
 
Perhaps you’ve packed a suitcase or maybe a backpack. You might be day tripping. You might be a weekend warrior. If you are visiting or exploring away from your home base, consider recording your adventures in a travel journal.
 
In addition to writing about where you are and what you’re doing, you can also include photos, ticket stubs, maps, brochures and small mementos in your travel journal. Write about new discoveries and new perspectives on life &/or the world.
 
Your travel observations can be not only about the places that you visit, but also about the people whom you see or meet. People watching can help you learn about places, especially if you are experiencing a different culture or society.
 
Try using your five senses to guide your journal entries. What did you see, hear, smell, taste or touch today? Beautiful sunsets. Noisy traffic. Fragrant cherry blossoms. Sweet milk chocolate. Hot sand between your toes.
 
Emotional and cognitive experiences can also be recorded in your travel journal. Fear, surprise, anger and joy come with you as you travel. Thinking, learning and making memories are part of every travel experience.
 
Creating a travel journal is a great way to help you remember your experiences. It can be fun to look back on the places and people that were a part of your travels.
 
Travel can change you and a travel journal can help you process those changes. Gaining new perspectives and having new experiences makes you a different person. Writing can help as you integrate your past and present.
 
The next time that you jump into your car or hop onto an airplane for a travel experience, pack a notebook and give writing en route a try.

•Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for travel journaling.

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Did you know...? Parsley

 

Parsley is from the carrot family. It is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean area but is grown worldwide.
 
Parsley requires full sun and well-drained soil. Parsley is a biennial but it is usually grown as an annual. In your home garden you can harvest as you require, picking the outside leaves first.
 
Parsley can be dried and then stored in an airtight container for use throughout the winter. If you have a sunny window, you could also repot a plant and bring it inside for the winter. I have successfully grown parsley in my miniature indoor hydroponic garden.
 
Flat-leaf parsley (Italian) is used in cooking. It is used in sauces, soups and salads. I love a bit of parsley in pasta dishes. Curly-leaf parsley (French) is most often used as a garnish.
 
Parsley has lots of nutrients, is rich in antioxidants and just like its carrot cousin it helps to protect your eyes. Lots of good reasons to grow some parsley in both your indoor or outdoor gardens.
 
"Parsley - the jewel of herbs, both in the pot and on the plate." Albert Stockli

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Journaling #15: Nature Journaling

 A nature journal is where you record your observations about your experiences in nature. It can take several different formats, including sketches, writing and photographs. Your nature journal can be whatever you want it to be.

Use your five senses to guide your journal entries. Photograph the animal prints that you see. Write about the bird that you hear. Smell, taste* and touch the world around you.

Your nature journal could include quotes, poetry (perhaps even your own), lists and leaf rubbings. So many possibilities!

Consider recording not only your observations, but also your reactions. What is your inner response to your experience? Emotional, cognitive, spiritual.

People often talk about being connected to nature. Have you ever experienced this connectedness? A nature journal is the perfect place to explore this awareness.

Getting out in nature can help lower blood pressure, boost mood and decrease levels of stress and anxiety. Nature journaling gives you the opportunity to take advantage of these benefits plus engage in mindfulness as you focus on the present moment.

Keeping a nature journal is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, including children. Making it a multi-generational activity adds even more potential for positive experiences and outcomes. Step up, step out and step into nature.
 
*Tasting in nature is not recommended without appropriate supervision. Not all plants are edible, and some are toxic to people and animals.

•Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for nature journaling.

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Did you know...? Thyme

Is it “thyme” for you to give this hardy perennial a spot in your garden? Aside from the many opportunities for some pun fun, thyme really is worth consideration when planning your garden.
 
There are over fifty varieties of thyme, only three of which are commonly used in cooking. French or English thyme is the most common culinary variety. Lemon thyme will give you a hint of lemony flavour, while caraway thyme has a nice caraway fragrance. Thyme has been described as having an earthy flavour.
 
The culinary varieties of thyme are all evergreen. They have small leaves and woody stems. You can harvest thyme during the summer and into the fall, as well. Take five or six inches off the top of the plants before they flower. You may want to leave some thyme to flower as it’s a pollinator plant and bees love it.
 
Thyme leaves can be used fresh, but you can also dry them by hanging bunches in a well-ventilated, dark place. You can also dry them in a dehydrator or at low heat in your oven.
 
Thyme is used with vegetables, soups, stews and meats like chicken and beef. You can even use it when baking. Use thyme sparingly until you know your preferences for it. Thyme is part of the Herbes de Provence blend.
 
Thyme is drought-friendly and does not like wet feet. Plant it in a well drained area. You can also plant it in a pot with drainage, and it will overwinter nicely right outside. Now that’s a “thyme” saving feature worth consideration!

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Journaling #14: Coffee Tasting Journal

If you love coffee, then a coffee tasting journal is a great way to turn your caffeine craze into a fun pastime. There are lots of commercially available coffee journals out there, but you can easily create your own using a blank notebook. So, grab yourself a cuppa and start doing your coffee tasting research.

At a minimum, an entry in your coffee journal should include the coffee shop that you are visiting, the date, the name of the coffee and your rating. Your rating scale could be a number scale (e.g.: 1 to 5), a star rating (e.g.: 5 ★) or a descriptive evaluation (e.g.: dishwater all the way to ambrosia).

You could also include information about the origin of the coffee, the grind and brew method. Additionally, use your five senses to comment on or rate your cup of coffee.

Professional coffee tasters (cuppers) consider sweetness, body, acidity, flavour and finish. Lots of opportunities here for expanding your coffee vocabulary.

Your coffee experience can also be influenced by your environment. Other suggestions for your coffee journal would include commenting on the shop that you are visiting. Make notes about the cup in which your coffee was served. Note the background sounds, such as, music or customer chatter.

You could take a photo of your cup of coffee and include it in your coffee journal entry. Coffee themed washi tape or stickers are great options for adding some colour to your journal. Use a pen with brown ink to write your notes. There are lots of fun ways to create a coffee journal that you will enjoy reading again and again.

Drinking coffee in moderation has positive health benefits, as does journaling. Together they have the potential to impact both your physical and mental health. Get out there, grab a cup of java and start journaling.

•Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for a coffee tasting journal.

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You're Invited! Join Cupola Corner and discover the world of journaling as we explore a new journaling experience each month throughout the year. Every month two new cards will be released. Each month we will explore a new type of journaling or a journaling strategy. Try something new. Learn something new. Click Here!

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“Let Me Know If There’s Anything That I Can Do”

“Let me know if there’s anything that I can do.”

How many times have you said it? Lots, I’m guessing. I’m also guessing that you were being completely sincere when you said it. Did you get any takers? Probably not many, if any...

"Let me know..." can actually be unhelpful. It puts the burden on the person who is already in crisis. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your offer or maybe it’s time to not even ask, but just do. After all, actions do speak louder than words.

When someone is experiencing a crisis, small or large, chances are they’ll have neither the time nor the inclination to contact you or any of their friends or acquaintances to ask a favour. Perhaps they are hesitant to impose or maybe they are just overwhelmed and don’t even think about asking for help.

Here is list of things that you can do to be helpful and kind to friends who are in crisis or who are experiencing stress due to circumstances or as a result of health issues, such as, surgery, illness, depression or anxiety. Chose to do something that you are comfortable with, and that takes into account the comfort level of your friend. This list is not lengthy, but will hopefully start you thinking about the things that you can do instead of saying, “Let me know if there’s anything that I can do.”

1. Give Food: Food has always been a great communicator. It says a lot when you drop off a casserole, a tray of muffins or a plate of cookies. If you aren’t into cooking or baking or if you don’t have the time, there’s always M&M or your local bakery. A gift certificate from a local restaurant that delivers is another possibility. If your friend has special dietary restrictions, you may have to take these into account.

2. Send a Card: If you can’t figure out what to say in a note card, buy one with a “Thinking of You” note already printed in it. For the cost of a card and a stamp, you’ll have done something and your deed will be appreciated.

3. Do Chores: This one can be a bit tricky, but if it’s appropriate, cut the lawn or shovel the driveway. Take your own mower or shovel. Perhaps an afternoon of housecleaning or a gift certificate for maid service would be appreciated.

4. Suggest an Outing: A lunch date may not always be practical, but it might be. Sometimes just getting out of the house can be therapeutic.

5. Make a Book Bag: Books make great gifts for any occasion or circumstance. They can be a wonderful distraction. Deliver your book or books in a nicely decorated gift bag. Perhaps include a bookmark. A Book Bag can be theme or author based.

6. Give a Small Handmade Gift: If you are crafty, you’ve probably got things around the house that would say “Thinking of You”. Perhaps a jar of jam, a sachet or a bar of handmade soap.  If you aren’t into making, you probably know someone who is and who could help you out. The next time that you visit a craft fair, pick up a couple of items to keep on hand for unexpected events or occasions.

7. Send a Text: Hi! How’s it going? (Copy & Paste)

8. Send Flowers: It will cost a little more, but “saying it with flowers” is a long standing and greatly appreciated tradition. If you have a garden, use your own flowers. Wrap them with a piece of ribbon or arrange them in a vase or jar.

9. Give a Potted House Plant: There are literally dozens of awesome plant pots out there. Check a local nursery or gift shop for really unique items. Add a plant and you’ve got an amazing gift that keeps on giving. If your friend can’t keep a plant alive, try a succulent or a small terrarium.

10. Give an iTunes Gift Card: These handy gift cards can be used to purchase music, books, movies and apps. Something for just about everyone.

If this list gets you thinking, that’s good. If it gets you doing, that’s even better.

Be a doer.

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