Journal
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A Humbling Day at Art Class
When the actual class began, and it was time to follow along with what the instructor said, I found that my own mind—usually so full of enthusiasm to set brush to paper—couldn’t keep up.
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Things I’m letting go of
Originally published on Substack In the first week of January, 2026, I got my hands on a few new journals. One is going to be used for Bible notes and prayer. The other is a bulleted journal, and I have decided to use it for short daily notes, as well as ‘sidebars’ where I will…
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31 Years Old & Reading Fairy Tales
At the young age of 31, though I wish I’d managed to achieve more by now, I am reminded of the C.S. Lewis quote: I am old enough to begin reading fairy tales again, and I’m going to make my reading this coming year more intentional.
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Starting Something New
It’s difficult to overcome the fear of starting something new, but most of the time, taking that step is a rewarding experience. Like some creatures that live inside of shells, as long as we are alive and living, we will outgrow our portable homes.
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Welcoming Autumn
September is here! The hot weather is retreating; pumpkin spice has returned. As I wait eagerly for leaves to fall from the trees, I am looking for spooky and Halloween-themed books to read. Ghost stories have always been among my favorites. I enjoy learning about old houses and historical figures; knowing that some people claim…
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Two Colorful Weeks Into 2022
No year is without its opportunities to grieve and sympathize. Playing with color has shown me that we should not feel guilty for finding joy.
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3 Ways I’m Decluttering For 2022
You know that desk drawer where you toss in junk that goes forgotten for years? At the end of 2021, I felt as if I had opened that drawer and been shocked by how much was in it. I was anxious, unable to focus or find ways in which I could improve.
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3 Hobbies I’m Learning In 2022
While I did not make any resolutions this year, I did choose activities and pastimes to focus on. Previous years have seen me dedicated to writing, rewriting and editing the same story. While none of this work was a waste—the practice helped my writing style to improve—it left little room for other hobbies. In 2022…
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My Resolution For 2022
If I had to pick a word to savor in 2022, it would be slow. Does that sound odd to you? By slow I mean to pause and hear the silence—to stop measuring my life by what I have not done yet and what I mean to do—to read a book without caring about the…
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Bullet Journaling for Readers
I wanted to use colorful marker pens while recording memories; I wanted to draw and use washi tape. Journaling in a normal diary is therapeutic—but the bullet journal gave me a way to learn new skills and grow.
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The Purpose of 2021
Some of you, like me, might feel inclined to weep as we near the end of this horrific year. Do it–let your tears water your faith. It will grow into a deeply-rooted tree, shade in the heat of trouble, shelter from the storm.
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 