I decided I want to give journaling another go. I was a pretty avid journaler several years ago, but my interest tapered off as I increasingly relied on electronic notes for brainstorming and writing. This is not the first time I've tried to get back into the hobby, as my poor, dried out Twist and Kakuno can attest.
This time, I asked myself what conditions are most conducive to applying ink to paper. Not what I think journaling should look like, but what the practical result is when I'm actively journaling.
- I can only ink one pen at a time. If I have more than one, some invariably end up drying out.
- I really like the way the Pelikan Twist writes, but I find triangle grips super uncomfortable and I have to admit that keeps me from writing, so I'm gonna retire it.
- I like the way the Kakunos write, but they feel kinda cheapy to hold so I'm gonna take a break from those, too.
- For paper, I prefer a dot A5 journal with decent quality paper that is either wirebound or that I can fold pages back. Having a open 2-page spread just does not work for some reason.
When getting into a hobby, or getting back into a hobby, it's good to ask what can I do now, without buying stuff.
Turns out Marlin has a Diplomat Magnum he bought but took out of rotation, so I snapped that up. Right out of the gate, it's a bit more substantive than the Kakunos and it's a smooth writer (though knowing Marlin he probably sanded the nib at some point).
I was gifted a set of Midori Notebook Lights a few years ago. I decided to ditch the stiff cover and fold the notebook backwards and secure with a paperclip. This is probably considered murder in some quarters, but I do what I must.
As for ink... I never want for ink. Dusting off my tiny bottle of Herbin Rogue Grenat to start.
As for the journaling itself... I'm very much a write it and never look at it again journaler. I've tried organization and information systems and they ultimately fall to the wayside, and since I never need to go back and look things up it doesn't matter. I'm happiest when I'm vomiting onto the page. I also like doing the alphabet and lines. I'm not going to question the exercise. If that's what my brain wants to do to fill up a page, that's fine. I'm also going to try to get into the habit of jotting down my dailies, if only for the memory exercise and to help ingrain a daily journaling habit.
