As a teenager, like many others I kept a diary, mostly in code, to ensure my Mother wouldn’t be able to read it, and mostly to record what I’d smoked, who I’d met, kissed, gone out with, fallen out with, etc.
Since those years I’ve become a reluctant diarist, never having managed to keep a diary in any consistent way, despite believing in its value. I’ve tried, believe me! plenty of times and I manage a week or two before the entries peter out. I lose interest, get busy, life takes over and I get bored with myself, with my introspection and the details of my week – although in reality I don’t find my weeks boring at all. I just don’t want to write about them!
But there are times, like now, when the call to put down feelings and record what’s happening returns more strongly than ever. When I actively need the control that a diary can give. This is why I’ve decided that while in self-isolation I’ll keep a renga diary. To find out what renga is, how it works and why I’ve decided to use it scroll down several posts or follow this link
You will see it really couldn’t be simpler and I promise that in 5 or 10 minutes it will give you a unique record of your day.
Today here are two of the 2 line verses inspired by my morning – a grocery delivery and a walk in the village – I don’t know which to choose…
High on the church path looking out
silver light on the far valley side
You leave the bags of shopping on the step
wide smile, curly hair, black rubber gloves
Today’s postcard – Window
Thank you Avril for sharing your ideas. Creative projects seem like the best possible response right now. I am looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful words and pictures.
As a ‘dormant’ writer, this seems like a powerful opportunity to get back to my desk. In the meantime, sowing seeds seems to be one of my favourite things, at least one sort a day. I think there must be a renga in that … Thank you again for your inspiration.
Thank you so much Kelly. I agree that creative projects are one of the best responses to these difficult times. Do get back to your desk if you can, it is a great opportunity, but I know it’s not easy when our heads are full of anxiety and fear. I think attending to the garden or to sowing seeds (definitely renga there) is a really hopeful and creative thing to do. I have friends now who are cleaning out their greenhouses and intending to plant like never before. I’m enjoying sitting in the garden at least once a day – its a tonic to see Spring on its way despite everything. Avril