“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” —Charles W. Eliot”
Many years ago, I began reading a book that Kyle, our youngest, was to start in the upcoming week for our homeschool curriculum.
Within the first chapter, I came across a phrase that I was unfamiliar with.
That in of itself was not that unusual. We read a lot of books that were from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Books that were referred to as Living Books. Books that were heavy with a type of flourished language that is no longer spoken in our so-called modern society. This was a phrase that seemed so ordinary. The ordinariness of it made it stand out, making me stop and pause.
What is “A Commonplace Book”?
A search through the dictionary revealed a meaning that was deeply personal and familiar to me. This was something that I had been doing in one form or another almost as soon as I began reading chapter books. I just didn’t know that there was a name for it and more importantly, that others, long before I existed made this practice a part of their reading time.
commonplace book
noun
1. A personal journal in which quotable passages, literary excerpts, and comments are written.
2. A book in which things especially to be remembered or referred to are recorded methodically.
3. A personal notebook or journal in which memorabilia, quotations etc were written.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
When I was young, I filled shoeboxes with scraps of paper, trying to capture thoughts that some of my favorite authors wrote in my beloved books. Thoughts that resonated with me. Sometimes, it was something that made me think beyond myself. It is a grand thing to see that the world is full of possibilities. To stop and chew on a thought for a while is a growing experience, capturing it on paper helps you to see that better. Other times it was knowing that I wasn’t the only one out there who had big emotions. I had to get them written down so I could remind myself after I had, yet again, been told that I was so dramatic.
As time went on, I transitioned to notebooks, and then to journals to organize these bits of knowledge into some type of order. There would be a section for writing down thoughts on my faith, for bits of humorous snippets, quotes, or anything else that made me stop and pause, reading over those words again. I would find a category that I could place it under, writing notes or highlighting anything that to me was important. Writing it out by hand helps to make it a part of myself somehow. I never sit down to read without a way to capture those words that speak to me.
And now, I begin another journey with this lovely habit of mine. I have begun combining my love of mixed media, learning to weave through the textures, my beloved commonplace book holdings. As time goes on I will add with my pen and paints, expressions of my artwork, but for now, it is a simple beginning. A beginning that feeds my heart and creativity.
Have you ever heard of this practice? Have you ever kept a journal with little quotes, favorite passages, or a thought that passed your way?
Please share with us here in the comments, the way that you capture those thoughts that cause you to reflect, grow, and encourage you.
If you have never kept a commonplace book, find a pretty notebook and begin. It will become a treasure, a reflection of you. The other delightful thing about it is that you never have to worry about others sneaking a peek into it. This is not meant to be a diary. Long after I am gone, I like the idea that others will get a true glimpse of me. The words that I have collected within the pages of my books will give a picture of the beatings of my heart. I encourage you to give that gift to your loved ones also.
What are the ways that you capture those thoughts that cause you to reflect, grow, and encourage you?
Like you, I have always collected thoughts, sayings, and bits of inspiration throughout the years. However, mine didn’t always end up in just one place. I find them tucked in a drawer here, in a cranny there, the Bible, in a trinket box, etc., . . . nowadays I find myself texting them to my children. This article has made me realize that maybe I need a Commonplace Book. 💜
Somehow, I forgot to reply back to you, my friend! Having a little bit written here and a little bit written there is what made me search for a better way to keep these treasures in a more organized format. Have fun finding the way that works best for you, Myra. It is well worth it.