Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

Indiana's journal entry for June 19, 1961, includes sketches of two paintings, one untitled and the other titled Four Orbs Pendant. These two works would later become part of the triptych Ra. Below the sketches the artist records that he varnished The Sweet Mystery, and applied a third coat of gesso to a large new canvas. He also references two friends, writing "another request for a recommendation for Geremy. Herbert trying for Met job."