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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

LaBrea and the Beach

LaBrea and the Beach by Cathy (Kate) Johnson
Our trips to California are largely stressful and demanding; because of various factors we didn't get much sleep, and the tension level is often high at J's dad's house. We're pulled in a dozen directions at once.

I'll admit I'm used to a quieter environment and slower pace, so I tend to get more worn out than I should (came back with a chest cold I can't seem to kick.)

What keeps me relatively sane on these trips is my journal--and my husband's insistence on taking at least one night just for us. He tries to see that I have some time at the beach--endlessly restorative for me--and for the second time, took me to LaBrea tar pits, which I love.

Of COURSE I sketched both of those and journaled about them.

Lifeguard shack at Santa Monica


J. and his dad...

But on these trips I draw almost constantly, anything and everything...it helps me focus, and takes me out of the moment at the same time. Too many conflicting stories make my head feel like it's going to explode...

So my journal helps keep me what passes for sane...
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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    So glad you have your journal "outlet" and your husband sees the need for both of you to get a reprieve from the stress...and acts upon it. Hope you feel better soon.

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  2. Kate (Cathy Johnson)April 13, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    Thank you, Patti, I'm very grateful--both for Joseph's sensitivity to my needs AND for my journal. I do feel quite a bit better than I did a week or so ago, just still tired and blowing!

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  3. Pam Johnson BrickellApril 13, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Glad to hear you're feeling better! Beautiful pages and so love that it keeps you sane!

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  4. Kate (Cathy Johnson)April 14, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Thanks, Pam, getting there! I can't imagine what I'd do if I couldn't journal...

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  5. ElizabethApril 14, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    It's hard to travel and be stressed, and then arrive back at sanctuary with an illness. :(

    Glad you and J. are doing better. :)

    Your journal pages reflect a wonderful peacefulness, I can feel myself relaxing just looking at them (ahhhhh)! I have been turning to my journal in the same way, even though there is not enough time for everything, there HAS to be a bit of time to put pencil to paper.

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  6. Roz StendahlApril 14, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Kate, even when you're stressed your pages show a center and groundedness (is that a word?) which inspires. I hope your cold has cleared up! I hope your husband is healing. Roz

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  7. Kate (Cathy Johnson)April 14, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Elizabeth, ABSOLUTELY. I make time, have to do it! It helps me, a lot.

    And Miss Roz, not clear yet, unfortunately...bad night last night! Better again today though...Joseph's doing well, and thank you. I think what you said about a center and groundedness is exactly WHY I do it. Sometimes it's just for fun, or (imagine that!) to make art, but often because it keeps me centered.

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