Michael: I have used fountain pens exclusively for years now--I actually did a blog on my pens earlier this year. This one is my favorite, a Waterman. But, I also have a couple of great utility Lamys and Schaeffers and a couple of very special Mont Blancs.
My Moleskine is the annual Diary/Journal. The facing page has space for events and appointments through the seven days of the week. The opposing page is a simple lined sheet that I use for reminders, to-do-lists, contact lists, priorities, prayer requests, Scripture prompts, and random notes. After experimenting for years, this is the best system I've found for me. I do keep separate Moleskine lined journals (both the pocket and large sizes) for notetaking, journaling, and study. But, the diary is my real life-blood.
I use my computer heavily; I rely on my phone; but it is my Moleskine planner that really keeps me going. This year, see the earlier post below on "New Reliable Tools," I've got the limited edition "Red" series--not because of the color or cause, but because of the form-factor: it is very thin, uses the same quality paper, and has a more durable cover. Great tools.
Thank you, Dr. Grant, for posts like this affording others insight into the way you work and live. Perhaps they will inspire us to be as organized and as productive as you are. Happy Christmas.
One of the most reliable, essential, paradigm-shifting, praise worthy tools was clipped off a bit to the left of the picture. Forget the luxeries of pens, journals, phones, and even laptops. Comment on the coffee cup and preferred contents.
The pen, Moleskine and coffee I understand. But what would Wendell say about that computer and phone? I'm calling the kettle black, of course, but it is good to see that the pen, Moleskine and coffee occupy prominent place here.
Ben: The coffee is Peet's House Blend. The mug is hand-thrown by a potter in Gatlinburg. I love them both--though it is hard to afford Peet's all the time and the mug has seen better days.
Michael: I do love my Mac--despite what Wendell might say. Besides, how would I have a blog without one?
Shoot! I knew I forgot to pick up something at the bookstore last night. I'd better run and get an new planner. I, too, use the Moleskine. I've found in its simplicity a useable tool that is much more synchronised to my brain than the Franklin planner I carried for years.
Coffee? I usually have Community on hand. When I splurge I by some beans from Carpe Diem here in Mobile. Seriously, some of the best coffee you can buy.
Got it! The last one in stock at BAM. That was close. And, you are correct, Dr. George. That red one was all they had. I was going to stay with my traditional conservative black. But, the red is nice. Especially because it was available!
Lawrence: I wasn't too keen on the color at first, but I love the opposing diary-journal layout. The thinness is an added benefit. And the paper is consistent with Moleskine's high standards of quality--thus, making writing with a fountain pen, a delight.
I think that the idea of a Moleskine organized as such is absolutley delightful (not to mention, comforting to those of us who subscribe to more eccentric trains of thought). I always find mine full of scattered thoughts and notes that are virtually impossible to cipher even only a few months after they were written.
Would Borders or Barnes and Nobles be carrying this new limited edition Red?
Logan: The whole Moleskine line is carried at Books-a-Million. Borders sometimes carries a limited selection. There are also numerable sources on the web.
Oh yay! Someone else finds as much joy in the new red Moleskin's as I do :-)
I recently had a discussion with a friend of mine about how to best organize all of my thoughts on travel, restaurants, books, music, etc. Now I am using post it flags in various colors to tag each of the above.. Its quite fun to try and organize that which at times seems a bit random...
(1) What kind of pen is that? Do you have any recommendations?
ReplyDelete(2) Do you have a system to your notebook (moleskine?) or just random notes?
Michael: I have used fountain pens exclusively for years now--I actually did a blog on my pens earlier this year. This one is my favorite, a Waterman. But, I also have a couple of great utility Lamys and Schaeffers and a couple of very special Mont Blancs.
ReplyDeleteMy Moleskine is the annual Diary/Journal. The facing page has space for events and appointments through the seven days of the week. The opposing page is a simple lined sheet that I use for reminders, to-do-lists, contact lists, priorities, prayer requests, Scripture prompts, and random notes. After experimenting for years, this is the best system I've found for me. I do keep separate Moleskine lined journals (both the pocket and large sizes) for notetaking, journaling, and study. But, the diary is my real life-blood.
I use my computer heavily; I rely on my phone; but it is my Moleskine planner that really keeps me going. This year, see the earlier post below on "New Reliable Tools," I've got the limited edition "Red" series--not because of the color or cause, but because of the form-factor: it is very thin, uses the same quality paper, and has a more durable cover. Great tools.
Thank you, Dr. Grant, for posts like this affording others insight into the way you work and live. Perhaps they will inspire us to be as organized and as productive as you are. Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most reliable, essential, paradigm-shifting, praise worthy tools was clipped off a bit to the left of the picture. Forget the luxeries of pens, journals, phones, and even laptops. Comment on the coffee cup and preferred contents.
ReplyDeleteThe pen, Moleskine and coffee I understand. But what would Wendell say about that computer and phone? I'm calling the kettle black, of course, but it is good to see that the pen, Moleskine and coffee occupy prominent place here.
ReplyDeleteBen: The coffee is Peet's House Blend. The mug is hand-thrown by a potter in Gatlinburg. I love them both--though it is hard to afford Peet's all the time and the mug has seen better days.
ReplyDeleteMichael: I do love my Mac--despite what Wendell might say. Besides, how would I have a blog without one?
Shoot! I knew I forgot to pick up something at the bookstore last night. I'd better run and get an new planner. I, too, use the Moleskine. I've found in its simplicity a useable tool that is much more synchronised to my brain than the Franklin planner I carried for years.
ReplyDeleteCoffee? I usually have Community on hand. When I splurge I by some beans from Carpe Diem here in Mobile. Seriously, some of the best coffee you can buy.
Got it! The last one in stock at BAM. That was close. And, you are correct, Dr. George. That red one was all they had. I was going to stay with my traditional conservative black. But, the red is nice. Especially because it was available!
ReplyDeleteLawrence: I wasn't too keen on the color at first, but I love the opposing diary-journal layout. The thinness is an added benefit. And the paper is consistent with Moleskine's high standards of quality--thus, making writing with a fountain pen, a delight.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat, no iPhone? Or are you waiting for 3G?
ReplyDeleteI think that the idea of a Moleskine organized as such is absolutley delightful (not to mention, comforting to those of us who subscribe to more eccentric trains of thought). I always find mine full of scattered thoughts and notes that are virtually impossible to cipher even only a few months after they were written.
ReplyDeleteWould Borders or Barnes and Nobles be carrying this new limited edition Red?
Logan: The whole Moleskine line is carried at Books-a-Million. Borders sometimes carries a limited selection. There are also numerable sources on the web.
ReplyDeleteMy B&N (B'ham, AL) has an entire display just for Moleskine.
ReplyDeleteOh yay! Someone else finds as much joy in the new red Moleskin's as I do :-)
ReplyDeleteI recently had a discussion with a friend of mine about how to best organize all of my thoughts on travel, restaurants, books, music, etc. Now I am using post it flags in various colors to tag each of the above.. Its quite fun to try and organize that which at times seems a bit random...
Thanks for sharing!