(Last) Postcard From Havana-Part 4: Sketchbook

Here is one last look at Cuba, in my simple, scribbled drawings. If you said your 5-year-old could do this, you’d be correct.

It doesn’t worry this “artist” (liberal use of the term) in the least. For years  I have kept little sketchbooks of my travels and I find they amuse me as much as any memento I collect. Beats a t-shirt, anyway.

When you look at something to draw it, it engages you in a way that is different from photographing or writing about it, and that changes your experience of it – whether you notice something you wouldn’t have otherwise, or you appreciate its craftsmanship, or you’re just inspired by its beauty.

Most often the drawings are (very) quick line sketches, sometimes done from a bus or car, or during a walking tour, or waiting in line.

Then when I have time I go back and splash a little watercolor over them.

Sometimes in the sketchbook I’ll glue in ticket stubs, or bits of a brochure, or a wine label. But mostly the little books are filled with scribbled impressions, bits of info I find interesting, and these silly drawings.

I don’t try to record every detail or history lesson. When asked why she didn’t keep a journal, Jackie Kennedy once replied, “I’d rather live my life than record it.” Here here.

And yet – it is fun to have reminders of fond memories and fun adventures, and this is – to quote my new friend and Silver Pen blogger Hollye Jacobs – how I roll. And btw, see (click on) her posts on our  Cuba trip if you haven’t already.

What do you do to record your travels or special occasions or adventures?

I’d love to hear – and to share it with other Belle Sisters readers.