Hi there...
So you might recall that back in July, I took a solo vacation down to Paso Robles, California to visit my family. Just me without the hubbs. I knew I'd have lots of relax time so for that special trip, I repurposed a little book into a Ready Set Go journal to take with me. My intention was to have the pages ready and just waiting for journaling in the moment as well as to have a place to stash business cards, pictures, and any other little souvenirs I found along the way. And that, my dears, is exactly what I did...
Here's what it looked like before my trip...
Before my trip, it was pretty full looking just from the glueing and sewing in various papers and adding bits of this. However, now that it's full of journaling, pictures, cards, it is bulging at the seams and sporting that well-worn, well-loved look. :-)
Here's some pix of the exterior of the journal...these are the views that make me happy and makes all the work that it takes to put these books together all worthwhile.
Views of some pages...
That little tag with the "don't worry be happy" lettering is a cardboard luggage tag. I missed the check-in time on my flight out of Portland and had to rebook my flight. Thank goodness I didn't pack my journal in my checked bags so I was able to work through that stress and realize that even though I didn't get on the airplane yet, I was still on vacation!
If you'd like to look at any page closer, just click on it.
(this is a quote from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet - so perfect that I had my travel copy with me so I could go to that for inspiration!)
One night my sister, her husband and I went to the Mid-State Fair one night to watch Smashmouth. We also walked around and hung out and found a photo booth! Yay!
Somewhere along the way at the fair, I got an arcade token mixed in with some change. Normally, I would be annoyed but when I realized this, I thought "Yee-haw! Souvenir!!!"
Feathers found on a walk around my Mom's neighborhood...
Little fluffy fuzzy found on a walk with my great nieces...
Eucalyptus sprig that is still aromatic and triggers memories of Paso...
When I got home, I found a package had arrived from my super friend, Hope, filled with fabulous treasures. I loved the tag she made for me so it now lives in this journal.
Underneath the tag, a picture of me completely and 100% rested and relaxed...this doesn't happen too often!
If you'll indulge me just a wee bit more, I have a few more pics of the journal, mostly done and stuffed full of memories!
There's still some room so I may add a few more pictures and journaling but for the most part, she's done! Thanks for hanging in there with me! :-)
WOW!!! I just discovered your blog through a post at Kelly Kilmer's blog. Your journal is AMAZING!!!
Posted by: Michelle Rydell | September 04, 2010 at 01:51 PM
I just love this! Thanks to your blog, I signed up for Artsy Mama's Best Halloween Ever and am working on my journal right now - my very first. My Silver Bella Junque Journal will be my second, but this way I'll have a little practice. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Terri | September 04, 2010 at 04:00 PM
Love the new Hope-design of your blog, and the journal is so yummy now that it's finished. Very beautiful!
Posted by: iHanna | September 05, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Beautiful and heartfelt happiness! As I walk my sidewalks, I notice lots of feathers now. ♥!♥
Posted by: Jean Morgan | September 05, 2010 at 04:35 PM
Your journal is so beautiful, both in person and on your blog....just like you. I love how you capture memories, and how every turn of the page brings a new smile. Love you!!
Posted by: Simone | September 06, 2010 at 11:45 AM
your journal looks fabulous! just imagine the fun you will have, in a few year's time, looking back through the pages and remembering the fun you had.
Posted by: Kelly in Canada | September 06, 2010 at 06:46 PM
OMG that is the most perfect journal I have ever seen!!!
Posted by: Maija Lepore | September 06, 2010 at 07:05 PM
what a treasure. I know so often I create journals and then dont fill them out! This is great how you embellished it with all of your findings.... love love love it.
how cool smashmouth? love them too!
Posted by: denise hahn | September 07, 2010 at 06:07 AM
Oh, Michelle, this is an absolute beauty of a journal!
Just ADORE it!
Suz
Posted by: Katsui Jewelry | September 08, 2010 at 06:16 AM
It is so cool Michelle- what a beautiful keepsake to treasure. I love the Don't worry be happy page! A great motto :-}
Posted by: lorraine lewis | September 08, 2010 at 07:34 AM
It turned out just wonderful! I love your new blog design too :)
Sandy xox
Posted by: Sandy | September 09, 2010 at 05:59 PM
love it all (except for the feathers!! You know how I do not like them!) and I am honored the tag I made you is in there! xox peep. I wish it was tuesday so I could say gleep. I was really proud of myself coming up with that.
Posted by: hope | paper relics | September 09, 2010 at 07:37 PM
It's nice to discover new blogs with art journals! I hopped here through Michelle LaPoint Rydell and am in oooh and aaah over your travel journal!
Posted by: Marit | September 11, 2010 at 04:34 AM
Your completed journal made me smile and laugh throughout. What a joy bringer you are.
Posted by: renee | September 12, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Michelle,
We are in Prague now...just an incredible city! I found a Czech ledger from 1947 yesterday! $5! This great little antique store is right out our door and we have us some treasures!!!
Come and visit if you would liked. I have blogged three times about it. Also laid out seven Silver Bella sachets. Fun. Nice to not have to do the things of daily life!!!
This afternoon, we are going to the Mucha Museum. I am really looking forward to that. I love Mucha. So does Kat.
How is the beautiful Miranda...and the handsome Glenn?
Here is our address:
http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Katsui Jewelry | September 17, 2010 at 03:33 AM
One word: FANTASTIC!!
Posted by: Godelieve | September 18, 2010 at 04:13 AM
I love it Michelle!
Posted by: creativechaos | September 18, 2010 at 09:18 AM
What a great find, Michelle, thanks to ScrapScene!
Your travel journal is great - full of happiness from the very beginning (me thinks being happy after missing a flight is not, exactly, an easy job), colors, fun, bits & pieces that make sense to you, etc etc etc. A perfect travel log.
Thanks for sharing!
beatriz souza & garfield-the-dog
Posted by: beatriz souza | September 18, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I love your journal. It so unique and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Posted by: Kathy | September 18, 2010 at 07:46 PM
That journal is fantastic! I'm so excited about our swappy ones! My pages are ready to mail, I'll get them out this week.
Karla
Posted by: Karla Nathan | September 20, 2010 at 07:59 AM
Please see my blog for a mention and a link. XX Gypsy Purple
Posted by: Gypsy Purple-Chamara | November 05, 2010 at 06:52 PM