I absolutely love being online and using technology whenever I have a chance. But, there is a secret part of me that I don’t always talk about.
The secret? I love notebooks.
Not The Notebook, although I’m sure that it must have some redeeming quality since Ryan Gosling is in it. But no… my guilty confession is that I am just in love with notebooks. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a good notebook and a lovely pen to write with.
I have an entire shelf of journals, notebooks and composition books ready for anything. I buy little ones, chunky ones, recycled, purse-sized and more. My family has to keep me away from back-to-school supply sales or I’ll come home with a bag of notebooks that I really don’t even need. I use them for writing down recipes, ideas, poems, stories/characters, art projects, notes, letters, websites to check out, school-related stuff, gratitude moments, journal entries and anything else I need to keep track of at any given time. I even use a fancified composition book as a holiday journal to track gifts, budgets, cards, to do items and menu plans. But one of my favorite uses for a notebook is to keep different layout ideas and sketches. I have tons of pretty layouts pinned on Pinterest, but a notebook is where I keep ideas that pop into my head or sketches inspired by things in everyday life. It may seem old school, but it works for me.
There is some sort of mind-body connection in the physical act of writing, so just go with it and see where it leads you. The next time you feel overwhelmed by the computer/ipad/smart phone, try picking up a pen and paper instead. It may just give you a whole new level of inspiration.
I thought I’d share a sketch/template with you that I had sitting around in one of my notebooks. Feel free to download if you want.
Do you keep a notebook? If so, what do you keep tucked inside?
7 Responses to Everyday Inspiration | The Notebook
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Yes…I LOVE notebooks, too. I have a bunch of them around the house with absolutely nothing written in them, but they’re just too cute to leave at the store. Thanks for the template.
I am OBSESSED with notebooks.
Me, too! Always have at least 3 going at one time. My favorites are ring bound so they will lay flat and you can fold it over. The pretty plastic covered ones by Martha Stewart at Staples are awesome!
I have a notebook that sits by my computer for a bunch of notes, passwords, sketches, etc. However it is so filled up now that I have to start a new one and transfer some of my important stuff before it gets lost in lala land. Thanks for the template!
Without a doubt totally addicted to note books, pens, tapes, paints…stop me now or I will go on forever!
I have a notebook on my desk in my study where I design. It´s the place for all my ideas, where the kits start to become a shape. It´s full of notes, inspiration and sketches. Then I have another one with drawings I use in my kit. And there are lots of pens and pencils, brushes, scissors…..OK, kind of an addict too
I have a ton of notebooks. I cannot seem to go anywhere without buying another one. I use them for all sorts of things - books I’ve read or want to read, scrapbook page ideas, layout sketches, stories I want to tell & more! Great article! And the template is fantastic!