Journal Swap Creative [Linkup]

This month I joined the Journal Swap Collective, from Love the Here and Now and Now and Sage. I was partnered with Rebecca from The Adventures of Bug and Boo, a former expat and new mama of 2 beautiful girls.

Since I don't get out into nature as often as a I wish, Rebecca brought a little piece of nature to me with this beautiful green tree embossed journal. Her card said it all, "Mar - here's hoping that when you're not surrounded by nature your heart still sings all the same. I thought this journal would bring a little piece of the outdoors inside. Happy writing!" Rebecca captured who I am and what I'm about in this journal perfectly.

There's no arguing that I've struggled moving from a city where in five minutes you could be roaming free, to a city where the only place you can roam in five minutes is surrounded by concrete. Despite the differences and the longing to be outdoors as much as possible, I think I've done pretty well. So, this journal will be all about gratitude, reminding myself that even though there will be challenges, be gracious for what life has given you. I am gracious to have had the experiences I have had, and to be living, working and playing in such a great city.  
The first entry? My current view - sitting outside on my parents' back patio, listening to the sounds of the birds in the trees and the frogs in the nearby pond, all while watching the sun set over Lake Huron, with a glass of red wine in hand. I am gracious for this peaceful, relaxing and drop dead gorgeous escape. 

"Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein
Joining a creative like this one is a great way to meet like-minded people from across the world. It is also a great way to expand your blogging community, and your creative side. A big thank you for Rebecca for sending me this beautiful journal, and to Anne and Cassie for starting this creative collective.

Do you have a journal?