Throughout my school age years I kept ratty composition notebooks with me at nearly all the time. I used them to record lists, illustrations, ideas, and poetry. These books were a way to combine artistic enjoyment and organization. Google Keep, an app available at the Google Play Store or through iTunes, is my modern version of that. It is a canvas for lists and notes-to-be color-coded, archived, tagged, and illustrated. It’s accessible on desktop, laptop AND mobile devices and immediately synchronizes through your gmail account with no fuss (SCORE!). The effect is something like a very personal Pinterest board and a planner on steroids.
My categories vary from the very practical to very playful:
To Do list for an upcoming art show …hem dress
Reading List … Widow Basquait
Dream projects for someday …design matchboxes
Overly Ambitious Goals ...sell a painting to Kanye West
Sad Thoughts …I’d rather not say
Questions …should I dye my hair navy?
Insults for a bully at work …you have the manners of a squirrel
Spring Wardrobe …utility jumpsuit and a bikini top
Illustrators Artists and Painters …Egon Schiel
Ballet Schedule …Tuesdays 6:30pm
Target Shopping List …Tissues
Kindness reminders to myself …send thank you notes for every little thing
Things to buy and make for sisters Quinciera …paper flower crowns
Plan to take over the world… involving burlesque dancing and drag queens
Totally Bullshit …screenshots of annoying Facebook posts on motherhood
The Best Minutes …the take off in Alaska
I apply images to nearly all lists, even the more practical ones. Google Keep reminds me of a scrap-book that makes my to-do list more interesting. The combination of boring things I need to look at, funny random thoughts, and really huge personal dreams in this one space make it one I want to frequent. Thumbing through when I need to focus and/or play keeps my eyes on my goals both big and small.
Try it out, tell us about what keeps you playfully organized, and feel free to suggest categories.
Not sure how Google Keep works? Check out this short video.(Video link here.)
