into the journal: delaney yvonne
11
This feature series examines how and why people journal, because no two practices are identical. Appreciating the journal as a sacred inner world for uninhibited wandering and wondering.
If you have a journaling practice that you’d like to share about here, email me at evapberezovsky(at)gmail(dot)com.
delaney yvonne
My name is Delaney Yvonne. I am a studio artist and graphic designer based out of Vancouver, BC. I grew up in the prairies of Canada but have lived on the West Coast for ~10 years.
My primary creative practice is painting but I also work full-time as a graphic designer at a small creative agency.
Instagram: @delaneyyvonne
Website: delaneyyvonne.com
origins
I began journaling when I was very young. I think around 7 or 8 years old. I remember writing about going to Castaway at the theatre with my family (I was very moved). So at least that long.
I took a brief hiatus in high school but otherwise have been journaling steadily ever since.
language
I use the term “journal” but I actually love the term “diary” so I might switch. I don’t have a strong preference but diary feels more fun.
routine
I have a fairly consistent routine. I would say I write about once a week on average, usually in the evening. I basically just jot down everything that has happened since my last entry.
My favourite place to write is on a lounge chair in my yard. I also love writing on flights. It’s a great way to kill time. And you get to write about where you’re going or where you’ve been.
purpose
I’ve always been obsessed with memory. For some reason, I have a strong desire to remember every moment of my life. As a result, I have always had a compulsion to document my life with photos, videos, notes, lists, voice recordings.
In that sense, journaling is a mode of documentation for me. I do it partly out of a fear of forgetting. People say I have a good memory but I think it’s just because I write everything down.
I love journaling at the beginning of each year (when I write my goals) and the end of the year (when I write what I’ve accomplished).
My journals are very important to me and I would never want anyone else to read them. They are in a sealed waterproof bag and yes, I would grab them if my house was on fire.
rereading
I rarely reread my journals; I usually only look back if I need to fact check a detail, location, date, etc. It is kind of sweet to look back and reflect on different versions of yourself, but it also feels pretty cringey.
current journals
My journals are all physical. I use these journals that are made from recycled old books. It’s fun because each journal has a unique cover and it feels like an actual book. My current journal is an old version of Little Women. It’s a Canadian company called Re-cover Journals.
I like to decorate the inside covers with stickers and doodles. It’s fun and makes me feel like a kid again.
utensil of choice
I use a lime green Kaweco pen that my partner gifted me. Or the classic Muji gel ink ballpoint pen.
a recent entry
My last entry was a few days ago on my dad’s birthday. My whole family lives in another province and they were all celebrating together. I was wishing I could have been there to celebrate with him.
Loved this so much! So nice getting to know you a bit more through the lens of journaling Delaney 💝