gratitudes :: the 2011 mini

Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com

I posted this photo as my 2011 capture for Week 1 of 52Photos and so far, it's my most favorite page in my Gratitude Journal this year. If you like the journaling card I used, I found it on Karen's blog where she has a huge selection of downloads that would be perfect so many different projects.

It happens to be the first page of my Gratitude Journal for 2011. My approach this year is a little different than last year. Yes, I pre-assembled my pages and embellished them somewhat, leaving room to journal my thoughts on the day. The difference is that I journal when the feelings overcome me. Although I am still as  grateful every day as I was last year about a multitude of things, I made the decision that I am going to make this year's journal a little more artsy, kind of another way for me to art journal. I had a hard time getting used to NOT journaling every day, but I seem to have worked myself into a routine with it now.

I'll share these completed pages with you so that you can get a feel for how 2011 is shaping up for me, both in Gratitudes and in my journaling. You'll notice that I don't journal every day, and some pages have more than one day's gratitudes.

Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com
Gratitude Journal | iloveitallwithmonikawright.com

It's never too late, you know. If this project looks like it's something you'd like to try or wish you had already started, don't let that stop you. Pull out some pretty paper scraps and get to crafting. Looking for more of a straightforward approach? How about doing something like covering a store-bought index card book like this one, or printing out a bunch of the thankful notecards like this which happen to be free downloads {scroll down until you see the thankful mini-album} or even try your hand at covering a notepad like this one or this one?


And this is a photo Zach took of me with no makeup and day old hair as I was writing up this post. Just keepin' it real for you!

12 comments

  1. Even with day-old hair you look marvelous! I love your gratitude journal. So pretty. I wish I could make things like that, but I don't because I get caught up in the scrapping process and lose focus of the purpose (recording the gratitudes). So...my gratitude journal is just a notebook. I haven't been very dedicated to recording in it lately but your post has inspired me!

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  2. Let me begin by saying: You are one GORGEOUS Mama!! and so brave too, I would NEVER EVER EVER be such a good sport or even dream of looking this good ;-)
    there that is said!
    ( well I wanted to say that you look like you're about 28 but come on Monika!!! )

    Love your mini, as you know it is on my To-do list!
    Thank you for the continual inspiration!

    Hugs ~

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  3. Count me in with the rest, you're gorgeous! And your mini book is fabulous. Talent and good looks - perfect combo :)

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  4. Loving the mini and I am another who thinks that is really a great picture of you!

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  5. Love the book Monica - the little things you've written are fantastic and a good reminder that sometimes it's the little things to be grateful for. Love the photo of you too - totally natural and awesome!!

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  6. That is turning out amazing! I love all the memories you are capturing!

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  7. Monika, you look amazing and your journal is really fabulous. I need to start something like this!

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  8. That is a terrific photo, and I so love the mini. It is just terrific in every which way.

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  9. super cute, fun and inspirational idea!

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Gratitude Journals + Mini Books, Embellishment Kits + Supplies, Midori Notebooks and Printables at www.iloveitall.etsy.com