There is a running joke in my family about my life long love of journaling.  Whenever there is a dispute about when something happened in our past, my brother and sister often say "Christi, check your journal." The ironic part of the joke is most likely I could and resolve the debate. Ever since I was in fourth grade and my mother bought me a little book with a small lock on it to record my daily thoughts, I have been hooked. Over the last 30 plus years, I have collected journals of every size with countless hours spent writing down thoughts, events and whatever else poured out of my head onto the pages.  Even now, I maintain two journals, one for just everyday type thoughts and another for my travels. 

The best part of journaling for me is finding the perfect spot.  Whether it is on my patio with a cup of coffee or on top of some mountain I've climbed, each location becomes part of the journaling experience.  So, here are my top 5 spots (so far) that I've journaled.   

AND . . .

I have to give some honorable mentions to some local Nashville spots too!  1) Percy Warner Park sitting in an open field close to Steeplechase with my dog Chance watching for strangers.  2) Beaman Park - this park has some good hiking trails and at the end of the Ridgetop Trail there is a nice area with benches to sit and journal your thoughts away.  3) Nashville has grown so much in the last few years and that means new local restaurants to try.  One of my favorites is Urban Cookhouse.  I recommend ordering a BALT and mimosa and sitting out on the patio. 4) The limestone staircase at Percy Warner Park - if you go early in the morning there aren't a lot of people running the challenging obstacle and it is quiet with a great view from the top. 

Do you journal?  I'd love to hear if you have a favorite spot or spots to journal too.  If you don't journal, I would encourage you to start - it really is the an incredible outlet. 

Until next time,

Keep Wandering! 

Gigi