For me, there is sometimes a not-so fine line between small pleasures and obsessions. I'm not sure which one this is, but: I LOVE MOLESKINE.
Moleskine (mol-a-skeen'-a) is "the legendary notebook of artists, writers, intellectuals and travelers" famously used by Van Gogh, Picasso and Hengingway. The notebook--which comes in various sizes--has a sleek black cover, buttery cream-colored pages (I prefer blank), a handy accordion pocket in the back, and an attached elastic that seals the notebook (especially helpful when the back pocket is stuffed with clips and notes).
Moleskine pages have the perfect porosity and smoothness for fountain pens as well as regular gel or ballpoint pens. The notebook lays open flat allowing for the use of the entire page (back and front). The large size fits perfectly in any purse--and really, the Moleskine makes you a better writer! I swear!
I am not alone in my fanaticism for the Moleskine. Whole flickr groups are dedicated to Moleskine art, Moleskine writing, and my favorite: Moleskine hacks.
I carry my Moleskine everywhere. Each morning I convene with it to write Morning Pages over a cup of coffee. I can't imagine starting my day without it.
I have been ruined by Moleskine--no longer can I write in any other journal--not even the ones with the snappy quotes and sayings. It must be Moleskine or nothing at all.
This notebook inspires not just fans but LOVE. Check out some Moleskine stories at Moleskinerie.
I warn you do not try Moleskine if you are not ready for a lifetime investment in the product. I buy five at a time--as a writer, and avid list-maker, I go through about two a month. And they're not cheap. I used to buy them in bulk on ebay, but I guess the sellers figured they were giving me too good of a deal. (They were! Instead of $16.95 USD retail I was paying $10.00 USD including the shipping.) Now, I have a new secret source--It's a little more pricey, but the best deal I've found. If you ask nicely, I'll tell you though. (This is not my moleskine! Photo by elb the prof)
