On Keeping a Notebook by Joan Didion (PDF)

But our notebooks give us away, for however dutifully we record what we see around us, the common denominator of all we see is always, transparently, shamelessly, the implacable “I.” We are not talking here about the kind of notebook that is patently for public consumption, a structural conceit for binding together a series of graceful pensees; we are talking about something private, about bits of the mind’s string too short to use, an indiscriminate and erratic assemblage with
meaning only for its maker.

A wonderful essay about the what and why for the author, Joan Didion, of keeping a notebook. Which may be different than the what and why you may have. And it is a point she writes so eloquently about here.

I may have to copy this whole delicious thing into my commonplace book.

A good assistant to your future self – Austin Kleon

He touches on why I keep a diary, why I keep it on paper, and the magic of keeping a logbook. The mundane details can bring back sublime memories, and what you think is boring now may be interesting in the future: “What seems bland when you write it down… will seem epic in thirty years.”

What we believe in.

Fun facts about the BIC ballpoint pen (video) – Boing Boing

Some interesting history and details here. I learned a thing or two.

What we believe in.

The Typewriter Revolution blog: Notebooks I have known

Bob Sassone was curious to know more about the notebooks I use. So here is a rundown—of interest, maybe, to readers who love to write by hand (I suspect there’s a significant overlap with typewriter lovers).

A nice rundown or interest to readers here. Also highlighting because Typewriter Revolution is a blog worth following a well.

I was in New York City recently. It was mainly to tour area colleges and see a few Broadway shows in the evening but we did manage to get one day of shopping in and it was during this time I was able to sneak a visit into two stationery stores that are worth a check out.

Goods For The Study has two locations and is a nicely curated selection of both pens/pencils and notebooks/paper. The location I visited actually has these divided between neighboring storefronts with the writing utensils on one side and the paper goods on the other. Everything was nicely organized and I was a bit enamored with the fact the notebooks/paper goods area was organized by color versus brand.

Measure Twice is in Brooklyn and is absolutely adorable. Less of a straight ahead stationary shop and more of a gift shop, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Owned and operated by a warm and lovely husband and wife team (who I have a personal connection to), it is the sort of place that you could browse through a few times (as I did) and have something new and interesting catch your eye each time. Looking for an unusual gift or card? They have everything to fit any occasion. Plus, they have their own book publishing imprint, mainly specializing in poetry which is worth a browse all on its own.

So, if you happen to be in or visiting NYC, make some time for both. You won’t be disappointed.

Paper Apps Galaxy: Mini Notebook Space Adventure Game – Boing Boing

A few years ago I wrote about a fun paper, dice, and pencil solo game called Paper Apps Dungeon. The creator just announced a new game.

Looks fun! What a lovely idea. The other Paper Apps games look great too.

Thinking Analog – The Brooks Review

It’s possible that this is the best ‘hack’ I have.

The way this works is simple: use a notebook and a pen when you need to work through a problem of any kind.

Not a tablet with a stylus. Not a notetaking app. Not a pencil. Paper and pen.

What we believe in.

Embroidery Journaling

Since January 2020, Sophie O’Neill has been keeping an embroidery journal. Each day, she sews an “icon” to represent that day’s events and memories.

Wow, what a novel approach.

I enjoyed this video walkthrough of how my friend Mike Rohde uses sketchnotes in his everyday life.

Day One Paper Journals

Well, this is interesting. Day One, the (fantastic, by the way) digital journalling app has rolled out a collection of paper journals.

One of the features I love and have long used is Day One’s built-in feature that allows one to order a physical book of your journals.

Paper Apps – Gladden Design

Delightfully simple and simply delightful, Paper Apps are a fun, smart alternative to screen time. Check out our solo games like DUNGEON, GALAXY and GOLF, as well as gamified tools like TO•DO and NUTRI•TRACK. For the full experience, we recommend grabbing a couple of Pencil Dice as well!

These look delightful.

(via Boing Boing)

The Field Notes Thing — 512 Pixels

At the end of every year, I publish a photo on Instagram cataloging the Field Notes notebooks I used over the previous 12 months. Here is the most recent picture.

Every year, I get questions about this. I wrote a bit about the topic in 2014, but I thought I’d do it again here. So, uhhhh, here’s an FAQ.

Super fascinating.Lots of interesting workflow details. I love getting a look into what and how other people do things.

I took the occasion of Shawn’s deciding to update his portion of the What We Use page to update mine (which had not been done since 2018!). I’ve found that I’ve simplified quite a bit since then.

A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It is a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity.

— Jimmy Carter

Cultural Offering — Memories of The Blue Book

I always felt a sense of relief when I turned in my test, dropping it on the desk and exiting room. I don’t remember trying to check on how well I did by looking up details. I couldn’t change the result so I waited for the verdict.

Those of us of a certain age remember essay portions of exams taken this way. This sure brought me back.

A journal is the path of pebbles you leave behind you, so you have the security of knowing you can always return.

— Samara O’Shea

handwritten moods – The Homebound Symphony

One of things I most enjoy about doing archival research on writers is the discovery of their handwriting.

Some wonderful notes on the handwriting of many famous writers and what it tells us.

Through a Love of Note-Taking, José Naranja Documents His Travels One Tiny Detail at a Time — Colossal

From postage stamps to jetliner specifications to items he packed for the journey, José Naranja’s sketchbooks (previously) capture minute details of numerous international trips. “I’m lost in the intricate details, as always,” he tells Colossal. Everything from currency to noodle varieties to film references make their way into small books brimming with travel ephemera and observations.

These. Are. Breathtaking.

Typewriter Repair Costs and Valuation: Professional Shops versus Collectors versus First Time Buyers | Chris Aldrich

For the sake of clarity, I’ll be addressing the majority of the typewriter sales in the secondary market which are broadly the most common typewriters made for the commercial market after about 1925. Most of these were manufactured in the realm of hundreds of thousands to several millions each and are thus decidedly not rare.

In celebration of International Typewriter Day (which is today), Chris has put together this very useful guide and consideration for anyone interested in purchasing, repairing, and maintaining one.