I have lots of books in my library about creating Art Journals. But none of them were quite what I was looking for, as I wanted something more focused on drawing and sketching in watercolor and ink about my daily travels, nature, or whatever happens to suit my fancy. Most of the books out there are more about fancy art collage scrapbooking types of things, which though fun and lovely, weren't quite what I really enjoy doing. So, when I saw Artist's Journal Workshop: Creating Your Life in Words and Pictures
at Barnes & Noble earlier this week, I knew it had to come home with me! I read it through in one long evening. The next day, I went out and added a couple of art supplies to my travel pouch and then spent the afternoon putting some of the tips and techniques into play. I loved it! Then I came home, re-read part of it and today, spent more time playing with some of the ideas! If you want to create and Artist's Journal filled with art, sketching, watercolors and some journaling ~ then this is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it! 
Most books about watercolor painting are more about the large wet on wet techniques. But what I do is more of a dry brush technique suited to small scale work. It's nearly impossible to find good books on these types of techniques. They are outnumbered probably 500 to 1 by the wet on wet technique books. So when I found Painting with Watercolor, Pen & Ink
and saw the nice variety of techniques presented, it also came home from the bookstore with me. While it is a great technique book, I don't find it as inspiring as Artist's Journal Workshop, but I'm sure I'll refer to it now and again as I search for a technique to render an idea. 
As I perused my bookshelves at home, I realized that I already have a book by each of these author/artists! I purchased The Sierra Club Guide to Painting in Nature (Sierra Club Books Publication)
on one of my trips, either at Sequoia National Park or at Rocky Mountain National Park. I've read through it a few times and found it quite inspirational (though not as much so as Artist's Journal Workshop). 
I also have Painting Weathered Buildings in Pen, Ink & Watercolor (Artist's Photo Reference S.)
. Again, I have it mostly for the techniques it shows. I have an abiding interest in vernacular architecture and love to sketch buildings, though I usually end up sketching the nature around them instead.
This book also helps one work through the emotional attachments that we have to our stuff and helps to think of concrete ways to break those attachments and live happier with less stuff.
is one of those stories that I come back to time and again. I love the incorrigible character of Anne (spelled with an "E"!) and how she is so very real! I came to the Anne books as a young mother, introduced by "Victoria" magazine back in the early 1990's. How I missed them as a girl growing up, I'll never know, as I read incessantly in those days (as now!) How glad I am to have found them though as they have become dear favorites!
(mine is the old Revised Standard Version) was given to me as a High School graduation gift from my parents. It has seen much use over the years. There are many bits of scripture underlined and bits of papers and book marks tucked throughout it's pages. These days, I often use an 
for my daily readings as I like the more modern language without all the "thee's and thou's," but when I am perplexed, in need of comfort and solace or encouragement, I turn back to this old Harper Study Bible. It is truly an old friend.
by J. Philip Newell is one I use almost daily. I love the gentle way it presents prayers and meditations for daily use. Each morning and evening cycle of prayer and meditation includes a verse from Psalm 139, an opening prayer and thanksgiving, intercessions and a closing prayer. There is a list of scripture readings included for each day of the year. The book is all done in calligraphy, which is a beautiful touch. The prayers, such as this one below are beautiful and stay with me through each day.
