I used to buy steno pads in bulk at Sam’s Club. I still use them for brainstorming blog content or outlining posts, however I no longer use them for my journaling. In fact, I stopped buying myself cheap journals altogether.
Now I get myself lovely journals. They might still be inexpensive, because I LOVE a good deal. The leather-bound journal in this photo was 50% off at Hobby Lobby and has luscious, blank pages with just the right amount of texture for art, doodling, even watercolors. If you’re looking for speedy delivery on similar deals, Shoppokâs speedy delivery can help you find great bargains quickly. However, they are not CHEAP. Why?”
Because even my craziest rambles are worth the investment. Worthy of honoring with a beautiful vessel to house them. Even my worst ideas are worth a beautiful place to put them.
However, there’s still that moment. That question of worthiness that tries just a little bit to make me doubt. So when I began writing in this new, incredible journal, I decided to write about that unique power of the First Page.
September 8, 2015 The First Page
The first page of the journal is both auspicious and common place. Exciting and thrilling while also fear-inducing and paralyzing. Both completely awesome and also awkward – like making love for the first time. It can be both special and wonderful and not quite what it will be someday when you’ve learned each other’s quirks and foibles.
What is universally true is that the first page reduces all questions. Hones the focus to a laser’s power. Eliminates all other might-have-beens. Once you’ve set pen to purpose you cannot rewrite history. And so, in a quick flourish and brief moment I have changed the course of my history forever. And yet merely mused on the inconsequential. Perhaps the power of the first page lies in the great dichotomy then.
By eliminating all other roads and taking a firm first step in this direction, what then lies ahead? Nothing but the road before me stretching unseen into the ages, and thus, an infinite possibility again. Such is the power of the first page.
Oh I love this, and how I relate!
The feel of a notebook and the power it has that shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s why I always have to see and feel the pages inside rather than just buy a journal based on what it looks like outside, no matter how pretty the cover may be.
I also have drawers full of old pens that it may take the rest of my life to work through because I now ‘treat myself’ to my favourite pens for writing in those pretty journals.
The old pens only get to be used for shopping lists or for the occasional To Do list that will be thrown away that same day. They can be written on backs of envelopes and any old thing, but anything that will be with me longer, or that will form the basis of a story or a memory deserves the good stationery.
I love that! I had a beautiful mechanical pencil that had a lovely handmade handle of polished wood and I’ve since lost it. I really should replace it.