first pages

As with all of my sketchbook journals, the first sketch is of my current art tools. This would be what I would carry for some serious sketching — not likely to happen in the near future with social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus. I’m more likely to go much lighter . . . perhaps I’ll sketch the lighter version I carry in my bag later today.

I usually match the color of ink to my fountain pens. The black Namiki Falcon holds black ink, the turquoise Metropolitan Retro holds turquoise ink, and the taupe Metropolitan with dark brown “lizard” band holds a sepia ink I made by adding a bit of black to brown ink. All inks are De Atramentis Document and, oddly, all three pens are from Pilot. I also use Lamy Safari and Kaweco Liliput fountain pens; these just happen to be what was nearby.

I also try to start each journal with an encouraging quote or verse. The quote written in the upper right corner came from a recent newsletter from a favorite writer and podcaster, Wayne Jacobsen. His Lifestream website can be found HERE and his podcasts can be found HERE. I met Wayne years ago as he held some meetings in my friend Penny Dugan’s barn just north of Wichita, KS.

A longer excerpt from the newsletter:

“Faith is this: our whole life is in His hands — every breath — and He can enfold any circumstance into His purpose in the world. He promised each of us grace enough for each day and told us to look to the birds as encouragement because they live anxiety-free in the Father’s care. . . . . My life is not wrapped up in the stock market curve or in my knowledge of the future. My joy is to wake up on this day, listen for His nudges, and follow His footprints. . . . .
Live one day at a time and see where grace makes itself known to you. Spend less time trying to get Him to change your circumstances and more time leaning into His love so that trust overwhelms fear.”