Monday, December 31, 2012

My personal journaling: Goals for 2013

1 My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Write my life story. Get all of my
memories on the page.
2 Blogging Monday through Friday to encourage and teach people to
journal and put their story on the page.
3 Teach my year-long journaling class.
4 Teach the monthly journaling classes.
5 Unspoken
6 Unspoken

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

2013 Goals: A Journaling Exercise or Prompt

What are your 2013 goals?

What do you want to accomplish?

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

The close of the year and the start of a new year: My personal journaling

2012 was a good year. I had several life-changing moments and cannot help but baffled by it. I cannot wait to look back on 2012 in 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

I look forward to 2013. The thought of a New Year is always thrilling. It is a blank slate I get to choose what to do with and how to fill the pages.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

Twitter

Follow me on twitter @storykeeper2121

~ Stacy Duplease

Journaling Classes

For my January class and the 2013 class--and everyone else,

I think you will note how I decided to post tomorrow's note and homework a day ahead of time. 

Why? To help peak your interest and see if anyone else might want to get involved. 

Just wanted to let you know my thinking and why it was early.

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir

Preparing your Journal for the New Year

Is your journal ready for the New Year?

I recommend starting a new journal for the New Year. 

Why? You might ask. Well, the answer is simple. It's the new start of a new year. It's a new beginning. start a new year with a blank slate. It's time to let 2012 go and start afresh.

Start with this blog post: 

Then, the moment you can, journal on the 1st of January your first blog entry. Stay up late and journal at midnight if you want. OR, write when you first wake and greet the New Year. 

Start the 1st blog entry with: "Welcome  New Year" as a journaling prompt and welcome her in and talk about your hopes and dreams for 2013 and of your journal. 

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

2013 Storykeeper Odyssey Class Notes and Homework

2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories Class Notes and Homework: Week 1

WELCOME
Welcome to the 2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories Class. This is a free year-long journaling class that's focused on getting all of your memories recorded in your journal over the course of a year. 

this year should be quite the journey and I look forward to sharing it with all of you. 

READ THIS
You might want to read this before you continue. It will help give a context to what I share here today:
INVITATION
You are invited on this Odyssey if you journal and/or if you want to write your memoir and put your life on the page.

JOURNAL KEEPERS AND MEMOIR WRITERS
This is a class for journal keepers and memoir writers.

ME? ME WRITE A MEMOIR?!?
Do you feel the pull to write your story? Do you wonder how to begin? If so, 2013 is the perfect time to start.
Do you have any idea what you want to write?
It does not matter if it is a story just for your journal or if you want to have it published. 2013 is the year for you to write your memoir and leave your legacy in whatever format you desire.

THE MEMOIR CALLING
Do you feel compelled to get your life down on the page?
There is a reason. You are supposed to do so. So, do it. This is your year. You can do this. 

EVERY WEEK
Every week, I will post a week worksheet on my blog and will link it to the Journaling & Storykeeping Google+ Community. I invite discussion about the week worksheet, by the way, on the blog and in the community.

I will also do extra blog posts throughout the week and will add thoughts, questions, discussions, etc. on the Google+ community. Make sure to check out both and join the Google+ community, please. 

Join us at any time. You don't have to start on 01 January. 

GOAL
Our first week has the goal to write as many memories on the page as possible. 

WEEK 1 HOMEWORK: JOURNALING EXERCISES OR PROMPTS
Ideally, at the end of the week, you will have 125 total memories listed. Do a minimum of 50. Remember the goal is to get all of your memories on the page in 2013. 

Day 1 List at least your top 10 strongest memories.
Day 2 List your top 25 at least.
Day 3 List your top 50 at least.
Day 4 List your top 100 at least.
Day 5 Memory Snapshots of ast least 5 different memories
Day 6 List 25 more memories at least.
Day 7 Write at least a paragraph summary more of each of your 125 memories.

THOUGHTS ABOUT WEEK 1 HOMEWORK
Try to list them off the top of your head. List them fast. Do not think. Just write. Don't stop. Write as many as you can without stopping for at least 10 minutes. Do a Stream of Consciousness List at first. 

If you complete your daily exercise quickly, jot down more memories. Also, write the story of what happened with each memory. start with making it a paragraph long description. Then, keep adding a paragraph description to each as you have the time. 

IF YOU NEED MORE HELP COMING UP WITH MEMORIES
Read these former blog posts. They should inspire you:

http://storykeeper2121.blogspot.com/2012/12/journaling-retreat-day-after.html

http://storykeeper2121.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-storykeeper-odyssey-journaling.html

http://storykeeper2121.blogspot.com/2012/12/another-memory-snapshot-or-mining-your.html 

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad Class


30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad Class: Day 1

WELCOME
Welcome to a FREE journaling and memoir writing class. You can journal, write memoirs, or do both and get a lot out of this 30-Day class. 

You might want to read this at this time so you can get a feel as to what to expect of this class: 

Let's face it. Our memories are parts of our stories. They are not the full story by any means. However, trying to retrieve  remember, and journal/write our stories can inspire us to journal about something more. It can stir the muse, inspire us, and transform us. 

Our memories are our legacy. The way we think of  remember, and apply the evaluated experience of these memories each add to this legacy. It does not matter if we want to share our legacy--or just write it, it's very important for us all to at elast write our legacy and our memories on the page. 

We are going to try to get as many of our memories down on the page in January as possible. This is our goal. 

HOMEWORK: A JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT
List at least 25 of your memories today. Write at least a sentence description of each. Write more about each if time allows and feel free to write more than 25 memories. 

TODAY
I am keeping it simple today and will go a lot more in depth tomorrow. 

Best of wishes to you as you mine your memories. 

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Writer

Happy New Year's Eve

Happy New Year's Eve, Everyone!

May it be a memorable close of the year and a safe one. Take some time to journal today if you can--and prepare your new journal for 2013.

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

Journaling and Memoir Classes


I am offering two FREE Journaling and Memoir Classes as of 01 January 2013. They are:

30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad Class

Every month thereafter, I will have a different themed class that are focused on getting or stories and memories on the page. 

And a year-long class. It's the 2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories Class:

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

New Year's Eve: A journaling exercise or prompt

Exciting things are waiting on the horizon in 2013. I know it.

What do you think they might be?

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Reading the Classics in 2013: My Classics Odyssey

I have decided to make it my goal to read classic novels in 2013. Who knows. I might decide to do it after 2013 as well. We shall see.

That being said, you need to know that for the most part, I have not read the Classics since high school. So, it has been a couple of decades. Therefore, this is a loftier ambition than it might sound.

I have no idea how many I will read, but will only read only the Classics. Also, they have to be $5 or less for each book. Preferably, the books will be free.

My classics odyssey will start with LES MISERABLES by Victor Hugo.

I will journal about it, by the way.

Does anyone else Want to join me on this Odyssey? You read what you want and journal about it, too.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

My New Writing Space and Desk



I am so excited! I finally have my new desk set-up exactly the way I want it (thanks to my husband). The desk, printer tray/shelf, and monitor stands are new and all my favorite inspirational knick-knacks are on my desk as well. And, there's still plenty of room for cat to explore, walk all over, and lay on if he so desires.

This is where I do a lot of journaling and writing. My sofa is the next most likely place--and then a coffee shop.

~ Stacy Duplease

The weekend

I hope everyone has a nice, relaxing, memorable, blessed, and journaling weekend!

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

Friday, December 28, 2012

What are your journaling plans for 2013? A journaling exercise or prompt

So, what are your journaling plans for 2013?

What do you want to work on? 

What is your dream?

What are your goals? 

What do you hope to accomplish? 

What do you hope to change?

What do you want to focus on in 2013?

How will your journal help 2013 be your best year yet? (And every year thereafter, may it also be said that it is the greatest year of your life yet.)

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

TGIF

Happy Friday, Everyone!  I hope you have a memorable, relaxing, and journaling weekend!

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013

MY 2013 GOAL
To get all of my life's memories and stories on the page. (Yes. All of them.)

This is the name of a journaling series, a blog post series, and book(s) I am writing in 2013: MY STORYKEEPING ODYSSEY IN 2013.

DESCRIPTION
It is the story of me journaling my story, through storykeeping, in 2013. Storykeeping is more than a memoir. It's a journaling memoir, with the recognition of how my life has been shaped not only by what I have experienced, but by other stories. People (and their stories), places, and things/objects also have shaped who I am, along with ancestry, history, and current events. This is storykeeping. Put it all together, and you get: MY STORYKEEPING ODYSSEY IN 2013.

I will also write the book as a Journaling Exercise or Prompt book for people to get their own stories on the page--and perhaps write their memoir as well--through storykeeping. 

Don't worry. My personal journaling will have all of my memories. I will share just a few in the blog post series--and in my memoir as a storykeeper. 

DAILY WORD COUNT GOAL
My Daily Word Count Goal (Monday-Friday at least):
1,000 words (That would be a total of 260,000 words in a year. That's too much material for one book. My guess is it will be 2 books.)

WHY THIS JOURNALING, MEMOIR, AND STORYKEEPING PROJECT?
1 I want to get all of my memories down on the page in order to leave a legacy.
2 I want to explore my story and how, whether I realized it or not, how it's been impacted because of my family tree.
3 Faith has shaped my life. I want to explore this. 
4 Patriotism has also influenced my life. I also want to explore this. 
5 History has shaped my life. This is something else I want to explore. 
6 People, places, events, objects/things have shaped my life and I also want to explore these angles. 
7 I have lived a life of many experiences  and even hardships at times, and have come through to the other side--where I can thank the Lord for all of them. I have no regrets. I am who I am because of what has happened to me. I have learned so much and want to share what I've learned through evaluated experience. 
8 To share.

~ Stacy Duplease

Thursday, December 27, 2012

I am tired: My personal journaling

I am exhausted and have no idea why. I have not felt the best today and wonder if I am trying to come down with something or fight something off. It is more than because of weather or time of year.

My dog also started to act clingy again, so here I sit on the sofa so he can snuggle and I can try to get some writing and journaling done. (What a sweet boy.)

Hmm. I just came up with a brilliant idea and acted on it. I grabbed a cup of hot tea: Sleepytime Green Tea. Maybe that will help me feel better. It could happen.

Now, I hope to get some uninterrupted journaling done.

Sigh.

Here comes the cat now. I think he wants attention. And Sinan is all cat. He will be a total pest until I comply with his will. Maybe if I do not make eye contact. That works some of the time, after all. Hopefully it will this time.

Hey, it worked! Yay! He just went upstairs.

Now, let us try the journaling thing for real this time. I write as I yawn.

Why is it whenever you want to have a deep session of journaling, there are interruptions or it suddenly becomes quite easy to get sidetracked? Have you noticed that? I know I sure have.

I am still quite tired and am having difficulty concentrating and focusing.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

My library of journals--cont.: My personal journal

Every person is unique and complex.

Every journal is much the same.

If I were to write enough journals to fill a library, what a unique and complex creation it would be.

I have a place in this world. My journaling reflects where I have been, are, and am headed.

I love the thought of having a journal library. Maybe it is because between paper journals and digital journaling, I already have enough to fill at least two sets of 6-foot bookcases. But, maybe it is what a library represents to me that I like to think of creating a journal library.

A library is a place that holds millions of books. Each book represents a new world to explore. Needless to say, the same is true with each journal. They represent endless possibilities, colorful imagination, and exploration.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

A Library of Journaling: My Personal Journaling


My goal before I die is to have enough journals to fill an entire library (even if it is a digital library).

While it might sound silly, it's still true.

Why do I want to do this?: 
1 Because I have lived--and have lived well, by choice, intentionally, and purposefully. 
2 I don't want to live a mindless life.
3 I want to appreciate each day.
4 I want to remember.
5 I want to share my experiences. Been there, done that kind of thing.
6 I want to keep a record of what God has done in my life.
7 I want to live a memorable life.
8 I like libraries. 
9 Why not?
10 All of our stories connect and intertwine.
11 I want to get it down on the page so I can evaluate my experiences.
12 I want to make sure I learn the lessons of my life. 

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Storykeeper

How to Do a Mind Map in List Form


Do you know how to do a mind map--or what that is? Check out this link if you have no idea what I am talking about or how to do it: 

This blog post is on how to do the lazy person's version. It's the mind map simplified  you might say. 

It's like doing a SOC (Stream of Consciousness) Journaling, or Free Association,  but it's in list form. 

MIND MAP LIST: HOW TO DO ONE
* Figure out a word you want to focus on and journal more about at this time. It can be anything really. 
* Write the word at the top of a page in your journal. 
* Then, write any word or short phrase that comes to mind after that word. 
* Keep writing words or short phrases as they come to mind, as long as it applies to the original word.
* When you get stuck and cannot figure out what else to write, re-read your original word.
* Do this for ten minutes or more. 
* Then, pick another word from this original list and do a Mind Map List of it.
* Make sure to journal about each of the words you used in this list. There is a reason why they came to mind and why they came to mind when they did. 

SAMPLE:
2012
Old year
New Year is 2013
Tough year was 2012
Lots of news
Summer Olympics
Elections
Aurora Movie Theater Shooting
Jamestown 
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
Andy Griffith died
Kate Middleton is pregnant
2012
Whitney Houston died--shocker, but not
2012
12 months
2012
Vacation
2 visits
Busy year
Recommitted to journaling
Hurricane Sandy
TV Shows Revenge, Grimm, Once Upon a Time
Neil Armstrong died
Felix Baumgartner and his jump (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felix_Baumgartner)
Kindle Fire HD 4G
Samsung iii
Tim Tebow
Payton Manning
Denver Broncos
Storykeeper 2121 blog
Family Tree

You get the idea. That's how to do a mind map list. 

A Review Day

Take some time today to have a Review Day of your journaling in 2012.

If at all possible, do a review of 2012 until 31 December 2012.

Here is where to find the information as to how to review your journaling for 2012:
http://storykeeper2121.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-of-your-journaling-with.html

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Storykeeper

Priorities and 2012 and 2013: A journaling exercise or prompt

* List the priorities in your life for the year 2012. 
* Put them in priority order. Number them.
* Go through each item and review and analyze how you lived up to keeping it  it your life. What did you do well in keeping it a priority--and in its rightful order? What did you not do so well?
* What would you want to improve next year? What will you want to repeat next year? What do you want to change for next year? 
* What are your priorities for 2013--in numerical and priority order? 
* Why is each item your priority? 

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper, Writer, & Author

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Letter from your journal about 2012 journaling exercise and prompt

If your journal could write you a letter, what would it say to you about your 2012?

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

How to get the most out of your journaling

Do you want to know the secret about how to get the most out of your journaling?

The answer is simple: Journal every single day.

Journal as often as you can throughout the day.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

One of a kind journal and journaling

Do you know what I love about journaling? Well, besides everything, this is what I love:

Each journal is one of a kind.

Every journal entry is unique.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

Write a letter to your journal journaling exercise or prompt and 2013 preparation

Before 2012 ends, take some time to do this journaling exercise or prompt in preparation for 2013.

JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT
Write a letter to your journal and tell it what you expect of it for the year 2013. Be very specific and thorough.

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

2012 Journaling: A journaling exercise or prompt

Think of your journaling in 2012.

JOURNALING EXERCISE OR PROMPT
* What do you think of your journaling overall in 2012?
* What does your journal mean to you?
* Describe your 2012 journaling.
* What did you like most about your journal in 2012?
* Did you journal enough in 2012?
* What do you want to do more of in your journaling in 2012?
* Who, besides you, did you journal most about in 2012?
* Where did you journal in 2012?
* When do you journal the most?

-- Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author

30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad Class


30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad Class 

This is a class or seminar that I will have as a blog post series on my blog and as a series of discussion here:


Official Description:
This is a 30-Day focus of getting as many of our memories on the page as possible.  

 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
Sign up on the community link just listed. 

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
There will be a weekly blog post about what to review from the previous week and what to do this week.  

Also, at the community, there will be discussion questions and more journaling exercises or prompts.

TO GET THE MOST MEMORIES DOWN ON THE PAGE
You will also want to sign up on the community for each monthly event in 2013. This will help you get all of your memories on the page.

WEEKLY TOPICS
Week 1 Strongest Memories
Week 2 Decades
Week 3 People
Week 4 Objects & Places

This is part of the 2013 Storykeeper Odyssey Class. Nonetheless, even if you are not part of the 2013 class, you can still participate in this January class. 

2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories Class


2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories Class

My personal goal for 2013 is to get all of my memories down on the page. 

My professional goal for 2013 is to help others get all of their memories down on the page in their journal and then as a memoir. 

Hence, the 2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories. 

This will be a discussion topic in my Google+ community, but will also be a blog post series on my blog.

DESCRIPTION
The year of 2013 will focus on writing all of our memories on the page so we can leave a legacy and start to look at writing our memoirs. It will be a year of evaluated experiences and seeing what we have learned from our memories and how they've shaped our lives.

As we journal our memories, we will first journal about them. Then, we will turn them into a memoir that you either share or keep for yourself. 

Join us at any time. You don't have to start on 01 January. 


 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
Sign up on the community link just listed. 

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
There will be a weekly blog post about what to review from the previous week and what to do this week.  

Also, at the community, there will be discussion questions and more journaling exercises or prompts.

TO GET THE MOST MEMORIES DOWN ON THE PAGE
You will also want to sign up on the community for each monthly event in 2013. This will help you get all of your memories on the page.

Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
The Remembering Your Present Journal Keeping Series
Storykeeper 2121 Blog and Website: http://storykeeper2121.blogspot.com
dba Remembering Your Present, LLC & Storykeeper 2121

Journaling Preparation for 2013: A journaling exercise or prompt


2013

I recommend starting with a new journal on 01 January 2013. If you need to buy one, do. If you do digital journaling, start a new journal now as you do this journaling exercise or prompt. 

One the first page of your journal, write the following:
* Your name
* Write the date: January 2013
* Your 1-word theme for 2013
* Your 6-word theme for 2013
* Your 6-word goal for 2013
* Your inspirational quote for 2013
* Your goal for January 2013 
* Your inspirational quote for January 2013

Journaling Tip or Hint: Do this for every month you journal as well as for each new journal. 

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Storykeeper

6-Word Goal for 2013: A journaling exercise or prompt

2013


Write a 6-word goal for 2013 in your life and in your journaling. You may need to write one for each--or maybe one will cover both. 

~ Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper, Writer, Author, & Storykeeper

One-Word & 6-Word Summaries of 2012: A journaling prompt or exercise

2012


JOURNALING EXERCISES OR PROMPTS:
* Write an 1-word summary for 2012.
* Write a 6-word summary for 2012.

~ Stacy Duplease

2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND BLOG POST SERIES


2013

This is a list of the blog post series and google+ Journaling and Storykeeping community events for all of 2013, as well as for each month of 2013:

* 2013 Storykeeper Odyssey: Writing Our Memories
* January 30-Days of the Memory Launch Pad (Lists)
* February 30-Days of Years 
* March 30-Days of Your Strongest Memories
* April 30-Days of A Healing Balm for Your Past
* May 30-Days of Focusing on Your Marriage
* June 30-Days of Focusing on Your Parents 
* July 30-Days of Objects
* August 30-Days of Focusing on Your Grandparents
* September 30-Days of Family and Friends
* October 30-Days of Places
* November 30-Days of Dreams and Goals
* December 30-Days of Future Memories and Planning

The goal of each month is to get all of our memories on the page and listed in our journals in 2013 so we can leave a legacy that's remembered in 2013 and beyond.