My Weekly Joy Journal

My Weekly Joy Journal

YAY!  It is Friday, and what better way to end the week than with my weekly joy journal.

I have told you before that I like to have a joy journal and log what I am grateful for that week.

Today, I thought…why not take it online?  So, let’s get started…..

JOY JOURNAL ENTRY #1

My Weekly Joy Journal

My friend, Leigh Ann, and I both like to have fresh herbs on hand either from our gardens or window sills!

It is fun to create new ideas with the herbs…we both made Basil Pesto this week…so good.

Then, she showed up with a Basil Vinaigrette…which she created for a big Italian Salad…my salad was a bit smaller (but oh so good)

Here is what Leigh Ann did…..

Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

1 cup fresh basil

1 cup fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. fresh oregano

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

3/4 cup olive oil ( I might used the garlic infused olive oil for this)

2 cloves of garlic

3/4 tsp Himalayan Salt

1 1/2 tsp local honey (optional)

It is delicious and so worthy of a Joy Journal entry!

JOY JOURNAL ENTRY #2

My Weekly Joy Journal

Of course, the faces of my grandchildren as they begin to enjoy warmer weather is a joy maker!  I love when my children send me photos of what they are up do.

My Weekly Joy Journal

Speaking of grandchildren and joy…I just received these photos blown up and mounted on canvas from Canvas Pop…and I am super impressed!

Mr. B and I have our home offices side-by-side at the top of our stairs and now we can see our special loved ones every day…just outside of our offices.

OK…yes, I sent Canvas Pop a photo and one of them is “picking his nose…..” but I just love the picture of them all and even the child doing something completely natural for children.

But, I am ending this post today with a special image of that one.

Canvas Pop would be a great place to go for Mother’s Day gifts.  Check it out!

JOY JOURNAL ENTRY #3

My Weekly Joy Journal

I have said it before…I cannot get enough of fresh flowers….and my various hibiscus colors are loving a cup of coffee a couple of days a week!

My Weekly Joy Journal

Every morning, I grind our coffee beans, make a pot for Mr. B and me, and then put the grounds out on the flowers in the front and back.

My daughter and I did this as part of a science experiment when she was in eighth grade and it worked beautifully.  It was the best fertilizer of the three we featured.

You can also see that the potting soil included plant food, but I am going with coffee until I see a reason not to.

JOY JOURNAL ENTRY #4

My Weekly Joy Journal

I am super excited for my sorority sister and fellow graduate at UT-Austin, Karen Tumulty, for the release of her new biography on Nancy Reagan.

I picked mine up this week and started to dive in.  This book has amazing reviews across the board and I am enjoying learning more about one of our modern time first ladies.

Look for The Triumph of Nancy Reagan on sale now. 

JOY JOURNAL ENTRY #5

My Weekly Joy Journal

San Antonio had some fabulous sunsets this week…and there is nothing like a gorgeous sunrise or sunset to bring me great joy!

Just love it!  I really want to take painting lessons…we will see if I can work that in. 

My Weekly Joy Journal

So what put a smile on your face this week!  I know you can find something…please share…and make sure you…

KEEP SMILING!!  (Gotta love that curl in the middle of his forehead!)

By Pamela Lutrell

Disclaimer:  I was provided sample product from Canvas Pop to review and do receive a small fee for affiliate sales.

15 Comments

  1. oooh, the grandchildren in the matching Pjs….thats priceless! and the little one being held, he makes you smile at the computer screen!

  2. This is a wonderful idea, having a joy journal. I can see why you feel joyful with your choices! I am going to have to get that book! Nancy Reagan was such an interesting person and endured disappointment and heartache just like we all do. How cool that you know the author! Today is pretty much lifting my spirits because it’s Friday, but beyond that, I’d have to say sitting on my son’s deck chatting with him for awhile after his work day was a highlight! Also, encouragement from my oldest son as I’m facing a renovation project in my new home. For me, my happiest times are family connections. Tomorrow is lunch out with my sister, and I’m really looking forward to that!

  3. They make me smile every day when I walk up my stairs! Priceless! Thanks Sheryl!

  4. Have fun with your sister and let us know how the shopping goes! I am on Chpt 3 of the book and learning a lot I never knew about Nancy Reagan.

  5. I have so many things to be thankful for and happy about, it is hard to know where to begin. I am thankful just to be here and as healthy as I am. who knew I would live this long? A wonderful husband,a lovely home, beautiful grandchildren, a firm belief in my Savior, what more could I ask for? Hope all of you out there are safe and healthy and blesses too!

  6. We received a picture of our adorable grandchildren printed on metal at Christmas time. I had put the picture in the middle of our couch as I debated where to hang it. We have been in lock down ever since and I just can not move it. I love seeing them as if they were sitting there and it brings me joy every time I walk by.

  7. I love that despite the lock down situation, you are finding joy in that picture in this moment. Thanks for sharing Linda.

  8. Your joy journal reminds me of a habit I had back when I was still teaching high school science. Every day as I locked my door to leave, I would think of at least one joyful happening during my day….something a student said, someone who was successful in an assignment, a quiet student who spoke out, some accomplishment that might be small but successful. This brought a good moment to the end of a day that might be one disturbance after another as many days were. This became my “ joy moment”. Your grandchildren pictures gave me a joyful moment today. Thank you.

  9. I am grateful for so very many things this week: the anticipation of three big trips (finally!!) – one of which is coming up in early May, to Ketchikan. 😁 This will be my first time in Alaska, and I am flying up solo to enjoy five days with a dear friend who has an art exhibit and festival. Also incredibly grateful to be receiving my second vaccine later today. Finally, I am joyful every day to see my very handy husband make progress on our kitchen remodel. Yes, it has been four months so far, but he is meticulous and I am beyond thrilled with how it is coming together.

  10. I love that! I think I will start doing this at the end of each day. When we are purposeful to choose gratitude, it makes such a difference…no matter where we are. Thanks for sharing Celia!

  11. Meticulous is important! Good for him, Connie! Your trip to Alaska for an art fest just sounds like to much fun! You will have to share with us when you return.

  12. Hi Pamela,
    Beautiful pictures of your grandchildren, love their matching pajamas. The parents have their hands full taking care of five children is a huge responsibility.
    It’s good that you focus on the “joy markers” of the day, it’s so easy to go to the things that are troubling you. You have the right kind of attitude.
    Have a happy weekend.

  13. Having a bouquet of fresh flowers on my kitchen table always makes me smile. My Easter tulips expired earlier this week, so I picked up a small bouquet of flowers at the grocery store today. Now, I can smile every time I walk into the kitchen. Having time to read is another joy for me. Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

  14. Thank you Becky…I have fresh flowers on my breakfast room table…you are right…just brings a smile! Happy Weekend!

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