What Inspires You?

Maybe you've noticed I've been trying to write more. Since returning from Asia I'm really making an effort to set goals (even if they are small), learn, search for happiness and stand up for myself and the things I believe in.

I've already mentioned my love for stationary and so I'm showing you my new Inspiration Journal. I'm writing quotes, blog ideas, funny anecdotes and interesting information down in it. I bought it when I was traveling in Thailand and decided I should use it instead of save it (like the other 10 journals I have in boxes). I'm not really a "dear diary" type so this seems like a useful application for it.

So this is where I'm at. I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life long term and keep doing what makes me happiest. I'm not sure where this blog is heading but it will probably continue to be a record of things I'm doing and stuff I'm thinking about. I like things to be interactive so if you're reading and have hesitated on commenting in the past I would like to encourage you to comment. It really makes my day and I do write back!

What about you- do you set specific goals for yourself? Do you journal? What do you think of my new blogging direction?

Speaking of goals, to give an update on my reading goal, it's slowed down a lot since I've been working full time but I'm going to keep going and see where I get. The important thing is that I'm reading, right? I'm in the middle of three books (Wicked, Look Me in the Eye and The Year of the Flood) so hopefully I'll finish them all up soon. I figure reading should be about relaxation and enjoyment rather than numbers. Saying that, I still covet the reading numbers of some of my friends. I just don't know how they find the time to read that much though!

Le Papier Finds

There's a store on Whyte Ave called Le Papier which I love going to. It is full of pretty cards and stationary! It also has inspirational art that isn't tacky. I especially love mary anne radmacher's work. If I ever get a job with an office I am totally buying some and having it framed to display. Here are a couple of my favorites. I got Matt one of her greeting cards for our anniversary this year.

I also picked up a couple of these journals and gave one to my Mom and the other to my Dad. I've been eying them for years- since I lived in Edmonton before I went to Korea, actually. Now I finally got around to buying them and I asked them both to fill them out and give them to me at Christmas time. I am really looking forward to their answers! I think it's a neat idea, even if some of the questions don't totally fit. I suppose if someone was really motivated they could create their own books with their own questions. I have a terrible memory (hence why I blog so much) so I think these journals will be a really special gift that I can keep forever. Have you seen anything pretty or inspirational today?