#galaxhae

I honestly never thought that my handwriting would get an “aaaaahhh” from someone, yet here you are. You’re so sweet. Thank you, a million times over.

I’m probably not the best person to give suggestions on how to keep a journal because I can barely keep one myself, but I’m always trying so that should count for something, right? ;-)

My suggestion is this: Imagine your journal as your Tumblr blog. Instead of clicking ‘like’ on a quote or text post, write it down on your notebook. If it’s a photo, you could print it out and paste it. When you’re reading a book and you come across a passage that hits you, write it down. It would take more effort, but it could be worth it. You could also use prompts. I find journaling-junkie​’s monthly journal challenges very useful in helping me keep my journal.

For pens, I recommend using any pen with pigment ink like the Uni Pin Pen because they don’t smudge and bleed through. I’m left-handed so I tend to make a mess when I use gel pens. And as for type of journals, I prefer the write-whatever-I-want one. I recommend it if you’re the kind of person who likes to be alone with your million-a-minute thoughts. Writing will definitely help you sort through them, based on my experience. For a notebook brand, I recommend the Leuchtturm1917 because it’s really pretty. Hahaha! But beyond that, I love it because it has page numbers, which prevents me from tearing the pages when I get frustrated with my writing. It encourages me to let my mistakes go and just move along. :-)

12. What is your reading comfort zone?

I did not think this question meant a metaphorical comfort zone, until I read it again. Anything but overtly romantic and sappy stories.

17. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

One day I will annotate like Susan Sontag, but for the time being my books are quite clean (except for the occasional scribble when a word or phrase references something I’m excited about). My casual, original additions seem superfluous (not to mention there must be a specific sub-category of embarrassment for the things you found yourself writing at twelve when you are twenty.) The texts I use for school however are a mess.

20. What makes you love a book?

Depends on the book involved, but, generally, those that open up beautifully to gestures more than plain on-the-couch reading. I like stories structured like parentheses or tapestries (recurring symbols like thread colours). I like the idea that there is something more to be found, if the reader is willing to go further, to read deeper.

22. Favorite genre?

Thank you!

Post 15 things that make you happy:

Freshly-baked banana cinnamon muffins.

Conversations with friends.

Seeing stray cats.

Greeting stray cats.

Listening to music I can genuinely say I love.

Poems by John Keats.

My handwriting on a pleasant day with quality pen and paper.

Dreaming up ideas for my immortal bff OCs.

Rainy days indoors.

Viewing jellyfish at aquariums.

When my brain isn't dead on a school day.

Days when I'm in the mood to read and never stop.

Museums. Art museums. Artifact museums.

Learning a new language.

Lemony Snicket. (Not a thing, but definitely makes me happy.)

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why this?

☯ = I wish we were friends in real life.