“Take out another notebook, pick up another pen, and just write, just write, just write. In the middle of the world, make one positive step. In the center of the chaos, make one definitive act. Just write. Say yes, stay alive, be awake. Just write, just write, just write.”
— Natalie Goldberg in Writing Down The Bones
With Oregon sunshine as a work lamp, we started sketching something that could hold our ideas forever: a notebook that would never run out of pages. Bull and Stash began as an idea and a scrap of leather, but with careful design, quality materials, and the help of many friends and mentors, we have brought that idea to life. There is nothing like sharing an idea with your favorite notebook—we think this is it.
I don’t know if it’s my “last notebook ever” but… Wowza! It’s a thing of beauty for sure.
Rocket Journal: My (More Robust) Bullet Journal | Chelsey Dagger
I’ve also found that there are multiple additions to the Bullet Journal in general that really help me – especially making bigger annual goals that eventually break down into smaller month/week/day chunks.
Chelsey Dagger’s tweaks the Bullet Journal system better fit her needs. There are some ideas that might help others here. Also added to my ongoing curation of Paper Based Markup Systems.
Resolved: Living Well One Line A Day | From the Pen Cup
The non-color reason I wanted this is that it’s a five-year journal, meaning that there’s one page for each day of the year, with space for entries over the course of five years. So, for example, I’ll write an entry for January 1, 2015 through 2019, all on one page. Whether it’s the weather or my mood or what I had for dinner, ultimately, I’ll be able to read about a specific day over the span of five years. I’ll be able to see where I made progress and where I didn’t, where I was grateful and where I was whining, where I succeeded and where I stumbled. It should make for interesting reading five years down the road.
Similar in idea Levenger 5 Year Journal I’ve reviewed here previously. Looks sweet. Especially if you’d like something with the same basic format but smaller.
Those familiar with the site (and, me, in general) know that I do not normally link to crowd funded projects. Mainly, for reasons I explain on the Site Notes page. This means that, when I do, it is because I believe strongly in the project and want to do all I can to contribute to its success.
CursiveLogic is an innovative new method to teach cursive writing. Instead of focusing on rote memory, it focuses on teaching the four key patterns present in the letter forms. Thus making it far easier to learn and more skillfully honed. I love the story behind it:
A few years ago, I volunteered in a local literacy program as a reading tutor for Josh, a 23-year-old student with learning disabilities. One day, Josh told me he wanted to learn cursive so he could sign his name. My first thought was, “At his age, Josh doesn’t have time to learn penmanship the way grade school kids do—letter by letter, day by day, for months.” And I didn’t see that process boosting his ego either. It was such a simple wish. I was touched and determined to find a way to help.
Seriously, this is worth checking out. I think we, as those that appreciate the history, beauty, and stewardship of the art of handwriting, are best positioned to appreciate the value in such an effort.
Three Questions With Patrick Rhone — The Pen Addict
It is a great honor to asked by Brad to be a part of this ongoing series. Check out what analog tools I’m using today and why.
Writing by hand is commitment.
— Garrick van Buren (@garrickvanburen) January 28, 2015
Why You Should Carry A Pen | Everyday Carry
In today’s world of smartphones, note taking apps, and the increasing use of technology in every day life, I strongly believe that there is still a place for analog writing tools. Not everyone carries a pen or pencil and paper, but it can be a valuable addition to your EDC that may have more utility than you had thought.
What we believe in.
Note Cards – Ronald Reagan's index cards of one-liners – Pictures – CBS News
Throughout his political career, President Ronald Reagan used humor to win friends, influence voters . . . and crush the opposition. It turns out he had a secret arsenal: stacks of 3×5 index cards filled with one-liners, which he kept in his desk to append to speeches.
I love stuff like this.
The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.
National Handwriting Day is today. Take some time out today by writing someone a handwritten letter or spending some time writing down whatever is on your mind.