Thinking Out Loud
Simply Put

January 2, 2012
By: Diane Szczepanski

"The simpler I keep things, the better I play" ~ Nancy Lopez

This year for Christmas, a good friend gave me a journal.

Not just any journal. A leather one. With my own personalized bookmark.

It was the best present...

I haven't written anything in yet, although I have flipped through it's pages several times, imagining what I want to fill it with.

It seems so special a gift, this journal, given with such heartfelt regard of who I am as a friend and as a person, that I feel the need to be careful in my consideration of what I write in it. As if I should save my 'best' stuff to put in it, so as not to tarnish his confidence of my intended use, in giving it to me.

Much like the child who becomes immersed in play with building blocks and their potential to erect castles or cottages, blank, fresh pages of paper hold the same enchantment for me.

Will I choose to fill it with my hopes, dreams and wishes for the future? Or will poetry and lyrics flow from the ends of my fingers and find it's way onto the neatly lined pages?

Do frustrations, hurts and injustices I encounter, have a home there? Or will wisdom and gentle reflections build their foundation within it's leather bound walls?

Such a simple joy, this journal, with so many possibilities.

Most days you will find me plugging away at a computer, taking advantage of spell check, online dictionaries and all the other modern day tools that help us not look so foolish. There is much to be said for technology, it's resources and it's ability to keep us focused and organized.

But, there is nothing like the feel of putting pen to paper. To round-up random thoughts and corral them for safekeeping in a trusty journal is not only play, but balm, for the soul.

By the time it's pages are dog-eared and it's leather soft and worn from my hands loving touch, we will have become old friends, that journal and I.

Sometimes, the simplest things bring the most pleasure.

A hearty laugh with a friend, an unexpected compliment, a favorite song.

Or a leather journal.

No, I won't give up my computer.

But, just like Nancy Lopez, I'm going to keep it simple. When I really want to 'play' well, I'll reach for my pen.

It was the best present...


(I wish you a Happy New Year and a 2012 filled with many simple joys!)