Hey Suz - You did it.. I started my very FIRST one and only journal today. Thanks for the inspiration.  I am in the midst of illustrating a book too, and trying to keep up with ebay stuff and sales too, so may be slow to keep at it, but definitely will try!!  I have some questions, is there a reason you use gesso on your paper other than for it's surface feelin? do you ever use modpodge on your pages or would that make them too hard?  I need to know all these things Teacher???