30 Days Journal - Day 27
I am a terrible journal-er. As an exercise to become better, I decided to do a 30 day journal challenge for myself. Just like during my quarantine, I am using Isolation Journals for daily journal prompt.
Prompt: Pick five items from the list below.
popcorn * lettuce * iceberg * cotton candy * puffs * sugar cubes * dandelions * buttercups * pallbearer * clothesline * National Geographic * fire ants * watermelon * sunflowers * ticket stub * campfire * satellite * fish scales * baby powder * quilt * broach * barrette * tin can * bingo * Ferris wheel * frisbee * legumes * lima beans * caterpillar * earthworm * mockingbird * wagon * shaved ice * envelope * rotary phone * silk glove * single shoe * postcard * diner * cheese * houseplant * canoe * sharpened pencil * glue * lunch box
Then, write one memory associated with the item—or write associations you have of this item—in 200 words or less. Limit the use of “I.” Refrain from stating any emotions. Like dreamscapes, rely on images to convey feeling. Assemble these memory fragments into a collage-essay. Give it a one-word title.
National Geographic
The first word that stood out to me was National Geographic. Not that the magazine has any direct impact in my life but it immediately bring me back to Galapagos. The islands that makes up the Galapagos are such magical place. The wildlife behave in a world that as if they didn’t know humans exists. Carefree and wild. The beaches are full of sea lions, napping, tanning, and chilling with their friends and families. The sea turtles lay on the beach while they’re tired or for hatching, as if no one is watching. The flamingos are in the volcanically formed lake, swimming and grooming themselves - unbothered by anything. While snorkeling, one has to be a little worried about the sharks swimming near them. It is also the time where the sea lions come and play with you, often accidentally running into your go-pro. Sometimes the orca comes out and play and try to swim near you. It is truly a spectacular moment when you see them up close.
Fish scales
Fish scales reminds me of fish markets. Growing up the wet markets in Asia are always a place a child get dragged while the adult is doing their grocery shopping. The fishy smell still deters me to this day for certain markets. The only time the experience is enjoyable was going to the Tsukiji market in Tokyo. Fish mongers are at the market at 3 am to prepare for the market opening. Watching them meticulously cleaning their stalls and helping each other reminds one how business should be run - with passion. It is undeniable to last long for any of the fish mongers at this market is passion and love for their job. It was like watching craftsmen and artists preparing for the work space before they’re tackling their work. It is both inspiring and motivational for a young person to watch.
Sharpened Pencil
My love for drawing and stationary stores prompted me to this particular essay prompt. A sharpen pencil is always on my desk right before a test or an exam. Even when the test is computer based or only pen is accepted, a sharpened pencil is my way of getting ready for this test. My art teacher always discourage using a pencil sharpener to sharpen my pencil but use an exacto knife and shave away the wood around the lead. The various angles that the lead will contact the paper will slowly but shortly, while drawing, will smooth away the round edges and sharpen the lead over time. Unfortunately, over time my realization of my own clumsiness is not great with an exacto knife, especially the risk of shaving off my own flesh. However, the sharpness of the pencil is always needed for my preparation prior to creating or test writing.
Ticket Stub
One of my favourite things was to go to the concerts, when concerts were still a thing. For many of the concerts, collecting ticket stubs help me preserve some memories of the events. In some incidents, ticket stubs are used as bookmarks as they are available when reading a book. Each ticket stub can help bring you back to a certain moment in life, and sometimes it is because of these ticket stubs the memories draws clearer for that instance. Ticket stubs are almost like souvenirs you buy for an event you attend. It also shows your support for the organizers and event the artist you are going to see. It is a momento and it transfers you to a moment.
Shaved ice
Shaved ice, what an underrated dessert. One of my favourite part of going to Asian markets is to have a shaved ice after a long walk to cool off. It is a symbol of summer. Unlike ice creams, which one could enjoy at home, shaved ice is much more seasonal as it requires a machine a lot of ice to enjoy it. Shaved ice is truly a symbol of summer festivity with your friends and family. Some of the favourite flavours are fruits such as mangos and strawberries but my recommendation would be red beans (the Asian chocolate). Yes, my taste buds is that of an old lady’s.