On Journaling

by Anna Arnett

A friend called today and we talked for an hour or more, but one thought still stays.  She told me, "When I'm down in the dumps, I like to go back and read in my journal.  It always lifts my spirits."  Comparing her life today with what it once was make her both grateful for today's conveniences and just plain glad for the experiences behind her.

I wish I had followed the prophet's advice and written daily.  Oh, I started many a journal.  I just fizzled out.  Except for the eighteen month Temple mission in Sydney, Australia.  I did write daily then, or at least close to it.  However, I haven't re-read a thing as of yet.  Maybe I ought to find it and start now instead of saving it to read in my old age.

Let's see, what I might have journaled for today, Wednesday, April 9, 2009.

"My son Paul called this morning.  We hashed over the great turnout for Mark's documentary, 'Baby Boomerang,' on Monday evening, and the party afterwards.  There must have been about sixty of us wearing slate blue, 'Baby Boomerang' T-shirt, and everything went well.  The DVD's had arrived, and Paul said they sold over a hundred at the door of the theater room. 

"But what Paul really wanted to talk about was the ball game.  He finally got details on how to buy tickets for the Diamond-Back game at noon on the 22nd, and get the special seating for World War II vets, families and friends. For those who mention the Arnett Institute, or WWII vets when they buy or reserve tickets, our non-profit historical charity gets $2.50. We could use it to good advantage  Paul and David chose this site for the annual luncheon for the Arizona Liberator's luncheon they are now in charge of.  It promises to be a gala affair, with two drawings for rides in the only B-24 still flying, valued at $450 each.  For good seats, all you can eat, a lounge area, and a baseball game between the D's and the Rockies--what more could you ask for only $30?  Being interviewed by a sportscaster?  It's a possibility.  Getting in free?  Well, that's not an option.

"My class tonight with Pamela Goodfellow went well.  I learned I can tell my story from the vantage of an old lady remembering, but must not throw in my comments except when transitioning from one scene to another--not in the middle of a scene.  I'd wondered about that. It makes sense.  A week from Saturday morning, we can meet with a man Pamela says is a great businessman and very knowledgeable about promoting and selling books.  He's pricey, $150 for three hours, but it also includes at least half an hour appointment with him individually on whatever you need to talk about.  Pamela thinks he's worth it.  I'm still pondering.

"I read the part in my bio about telling my parents I was going to marry a man they'd never met--in six more days, in Arizona where I'd never been, and was taking off alone on Monday.  Things have changed drastically since I got that first, strange but exciting temple recommend interview.  Long distance telephoning was done only through an operator, and highway speed, even for busses, was everywhere limited to 35 mph.  I haven't time to mention it all tonight.  It's in my ms (or my published book, some day.)

"Oh, and I started reading Debra Erfert's ms, 'Windows,' and am so enthralled I almost forgot to blog, which I must finish and post right now because today's my day.  If I hurry, I'll have another hour to read before midnight. Unless my need for sleep overrides my interest, I may be reading most of the night."