Just Joany's Journal

Entry #2 "Recipe for Embarrassment"

Now, that I've established what I intend to do with my new online journal, I can move on to other, far more interesting things. Let's see. First, I'd like to write in my journal. Wait! That's what I'm doing. So, if I'm doing that, now, can I check it off my list? No, maybe I'd better wait until I'm through. Next, I'd like to see if there are any of my old recipes lying around. Since my recipes aren't quite like all those recipes in books and magazines, I should make haste in posting them. It's just possible that there are some that should be made available for anyone needing advice on how to enjoy creating havoc for themselves and others. Certainly, the "Recipe For Embarrassment" is one that others can benefit from.

Naturally, I can't ignore the fun. This IS the place for fun, after all. And what could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Wait a minute! I don't have any monkeys. Puzzles! It's puzzles that are fun. I do enjoy creating word puzzles and that's one of the things I'm really looking forward to doing.

Entry #3 "Imagination and Creativity"

Life is filled with wonder. I had forgotten what joy could be had just by having small children in the house. Now, I am privileged to have two of my grandies visiting and there's a surprise every minute. Could it be that I have forgotten the excitement of being a child? Surely, not. Whenever I watch my grandies, I am reminded of the fun it was to be young. Is there ever a time more pure or filled with wonder than when we are small? I often wish that I could go back and capture the moments of childhood, when each moment held a sense of anticipation.

It's reassuring to know that imagination lives on in the minds of the young. Sometimes, I watch the youth of our future and fear that they may not be embracing those treasures that will strengthen them when they need it; treasures that can carry us through when we struggle through hard times. Imagination and creativity are two of the most important talents I know. How difficult it will be for those who haven't learned to tap into the joy of imagination and creativity. How thankful I am that my grandchildren have learned the fine arts of imagining and creating when other, more easily available channels have exhausted themselves. I am happy to be a 'gramma'.

Entry #4 "The Word for the Day"

The word for the day is "Home." I have to remind myself what a wonderful word that is. After a long trip, my favorite place to be is home. There are many advantages to traveling and staying in spaces held by good and kind proprietors; the bed is always made up, whether I do it or not. I'm not required to prepare meals. Sleeping late is almost a requirement in order to insure I get my money's worth at any motel. There are other rewards, of course, but some things simply cannot be substituted nor replaced. Home is the only place where I can be completely who I am.

It's interesting to note that, although creature comforts can all be met in a substitute dwelling, until I return home, something inside of me knows that complete relaxation cannot be realized until I am surrounded by those things that make my life whole. Home is a place of refuge; a place of safety and permanence. Nothing but home can really offer that sense of just "Being." Every time I leave, even for one night, I am reminded that the return is the best part of the trip. "Home." The best place to be.

Entry #5 "A Gift of Stickers"

I'd like to say that life is back to normal, but I'm not sure that normal will ever return. Six weeks with the grandies was more joy than I could have ever imagined possible. The very best times were when all of them were able to be together. They are all so close in age that everyone was able to play together without any problems. My heart was full as I watched the various games they created and played together.

Now, I am facing the other side of the coin. Everyone has returned home and the house is empty. Everywhere, there are signs to remind us; a forgotten sock, a favorite movie, each child's place at the table. At every turn, we recall the little things that brought so much joy. If I could wish the reminders away, I find that the heartache would be much greater. Far better to have experienced such joy and happiness and miss it than to never have known that life could hold so much pleasure.