Zine vs blog vs journal?

I began blogging in 2010 and until I retired, I posted daily. I was lucky I had an interesting job and travelled somewhat. With that and an ‘interesting’ childhood there was always plenty of positive matter to share.

While I enjoyed retirement with the new opportunities to learn and become an artist. It took me a long time to adjust to the non-working environment. Having the feeling that I no longer served a purposeful life and blogging didn’t fit in so well.

During this time, I found myself reflecting on the ‘good old days’ and to discover that they were not so happy after all. With this in mind I began journaling while this requires daily writing and reflection is inward looking, I found myself wallowing in self-pity or spewing self-congratulation … neither fulfilling nor positive.

Recently, in my printmaking and booklet making I have discovered Zines and had a go. More importantly researching the zine concept. It seems dating back to 1940s they are not new or easy to define. So, I will not try. Enough to say they are hand made with materials close to hand and the contents and subject matter are personal and limitless. Although it seems they have become collectable they are mostly disposable. This for my part is a beautiful way to tell my story how it is … honestly with no frills and unnecessary drama … then give it away or sell it for a few pence to cover the costs and dispose of it!

Blogging will continue with the positive spin … to fly the flag of hope.