The Expressive Journal - Part 4 (final...maybe)

The Expressive Journal course finished last week. I have mixed emotions about that. It was so helpful to be a part of it - the accountability to the other students in doing our 'homework' kept me on track and made me focus on what was going on for me. That said, it is also nice to not have to come up with something new everyday. 

I have found myself thinking about the journal this week though and have created a few more pages! IF (notice the purposeful capital letters) I can keep working on the journal through Easter, I know it will be helpful.

So, on to the 'final...maybe' images. 

This first one has a quick story: Years ago when we got married, we each added the other to our personal checking accounts. When my new checks came, George was upset that they had printed them wrong. My name was on the top line! Apparently his name had always come first in his 'prior life.'  

The other funny thing about this image is that I had written 'your name isn't on them.' When I went online to get an image of a non-personal check, I did not pay much attention. On a closer look each check says "YOUR NAME." So technically, what I wrote is incorrect. It is wonderful to find ways to laugh at myself these days.

This next one, even though in black and white, really was sort of a celebration recognizing the publication of the book of essays and finding myself in a new place. I love the quote at the top.

There is no way to understand about a loved one's wedding ring until you are faced with it.

I continue to be aware of Lasts and Firsts. We celebrated each event when we knew it would be the last one. This image speaks to our Christmas cards.

New Years Eve and Day were always important to us. I knew I needed to do something this year that we would never have done.

There are a few more days to be celebrated in this first year since my husband's death. 

Sometimes I write/speak directly to him...  Some people have talked to me about their loved ones communicating as cardinals, eagles, etc. For me, the stink bug makes me feel less alone. (Long story for another time) 

This image was one of the ways for me to say thank you to our class for their support. Unlike many of the others which has backgrounds of acrylic pours, this one was stamped with acrylic paint after bubble wrap had been pressed into a pour. Interesting effect.

These last three have been done since the class was completed. I still work on the question of what's next. It is a confusing image - it fits with trying to answer the question!

My daughter-in-law sent me a package of homemade fudge (which arrived on Valentines Day). I loved the card that came with it. I added color to the card and used it on this image. I used a lot of acrylic paint to cover the pages. I like the look of texture on this one.

I will end with this one. Loss/grief are interesting in that they seem all encompassing to those left behind. How could anyone not know? And then the phone rings...

I am feeling less lost and I understand that feeling will be a part of me for quite a while. I am grateful to have more and more days of light.