Guest Author - Angela England

April 16th- "How great are the advantages of solitude! How sublime is the silence of nature's ever-active energies! There is something in the very name of wilderness, which charms the ear, and soothes the spirit.... There is religion in it." ~Estwick Evans

Do you have a particular place in nature that you can go to that soothes your spirit? Recall a time when you were particular touched by the grandeur and "ever-active energies" of nature. For me, I remember swimming out to a large rock at the bottom of a waterfall and sitting near where the water came pounding down. The raw power, and sheer force of the frothy ribbons hurtling from above was completely overwhelming in a good and powerful way.

April 17th - This is the Ellis Island Family History Day. My father was Italian and his great, great grandparents came through Ellis Island into America. In fact, we still have family in Italy that are distantly related and supposedly, although I've never seen it, there is a castle somewhere named after my maiden name.

Think a bit about your family history. What stories do you remember hearing from your parents or grandparents about your family. Was there a particular time when your family immigrated? Or perhaps your family has lived in your home country for as long as you can remember. What keeps you there?

April 18th - Today is Pet Owner's Day. Do you keep a family pet? Have you always had animals? Describe a special pet who really captured your heart, either currently or in your childhood, and explore what made that particular pet special to you.

April 19th - Today's quote of the day says, "People use their intuition with things they care about. Many women are most intuitive with their relationships and children, whereas men often show a great degree of 'gut instinct' in work and business." ~Sonia Choquette

Where do you often have intuitive leaps and feelings? Would you say that these areas line up with the areas you most care about? Why or why not?

April 20th - April is Jazz Appreciation Month. When I think about Jazz music, I think about the whole history behind it. How jazz was a way to break social boundaries and racial prejudices. Free write about jazz music in whatever direction your musings take you. Be sure to listen to some classical jazz while you write in your journal today!

April 21st - Yesterday's journaling prompt got me thinking about music in general. Jazz, while a form of music that I deeply appreciate, is not my favorite form of music for journaling. I tend to have specific types of music I prefer to listen to for different activities. My favorite song to listen to while journaling is called 'Libertango' and is a brilliantly composed modern classical piece.

Do you have a favorite song? How do you feel when you listen to it? What emotions or memories does it stir up within you?

April 22nd - Today is National Kindergarten Day. Describe your first day of school.

Stop by the forums and share the answers to your journaling prompts if you want.