My name is Sierra Robinson. And I haven’t purchased a new blank notebook in two days.
Sponsors, I have a problem. I am easily swayed by indie cover art and blank pages (none of this college-ruled nonsense). I purchase blank notebooks like cartons of cigarettes. Something about them speaks to me. Maybe it’s the un-cracked spine. Maybe it’s those seductively blank pages. Maybe it’s the pristine whiteness of potential.
Whatever it is, I’m obsessed.
This is my current collection of notebooks:
See what I do to them?
Check on the spine on these puppies! They’ve been written in, pasted in, and beaten into submission so much that their spine starts to splinter like crazy. And this is just the college collection. I have a whole bureau drawer + a whole 3’ by 2’ container chalk full of them back home (even though I never really understood the phrase chalk full).
Apparently, I have a lot of thoughts. And a lot of time to write them down.
While some of my journals (namely the injured spine journals) are a raging success, others are less successful.
Take this journal for instance:
I agonized for minutes about whether or not I should purchase it. I scanned the list of potential uses for this journal. I weighed the pros and cons of this journal and I decided that I simply had to have it. I decided it would be of great use to me, whatever it became.
And then.
I blew it.
I wrote down my New Years Resolutions on the first page.
And now all this book can contain is lists of New Years Resolution, and it has ended up a wasted collection of tree.
This is why I am greatly perplexed about this newest addition to my collection:
This little treasure came all the way from Europe just to be with me. It is from the Belle and Boo Collection and I highly recommend it.
But it vexes me because… right now, it has so much potential to become the next great American novel.
It could hold my deepest darkest collection of intelligent poetry.
It could contain the cure to Cancer!
But I’m terrified, petrified, immobilized because what if… what if… this British journal becomes another house of New Years Resolutions??
WHAT IF I SINGLEHANDEDLY DESTROY ITS POTENTIAL?
Friends, cast your votes: What should become of this perfect little notebook?
And remember: Please notebook responsibly.
I love it when you write. Especially since I can almost ALWAYS completely relate to what you say. It's spooky.
I had to train myself a long time ago to not buy notebooks. That whole "potential" thing completely froze any inspiration, and the books would be a fourth full of the most awkward, stilted writing ever. It hurts to even think about. But good luck in your quest! Perhaps random memories of childhood? It fits that happy cover.
HA! I suck at journaling, so thankfully I don't have this problem 🙂 Whenever I am tempted with enticing notebooks, the stark remembrance "Oh wait. You haven't journaled since the 8th grade, idiot" curtails my lust.
Also: http://www.grammarist.com/usage-errors/homophone-confusion/chock-full/
🙂
The funny thing is, I have the same problem. I am very particular with the type of journal I buy. It has to be blank pages, college ruled can suck it. I like leather covers, and interesting latches. I agonize over finding them, so much so, that I took a bookbinding class. I can now make my own and don't have to rely on the creativity of others for interesting journals.
There is always a use for a journal. My favorite is a gratitude journal. Make it a journal that you only write positive things in. Leave all of the negative stuff for a real journal. This one, only write happy things, little things that made you happy, small moments of happiness, and the miracles that you see in your life. Make it a happy journal.
I love your Journals. They are my example. I'm happy I'm in them a bit too. 😉 (You know what I mean). I am a big fan, as I have not seen your many recent additions to the collections, of the classic Sierra Journal. Each one that I have seen strikes a little on the strings that create the perfect chord. I say you keep a good thing going and kick it old skool.
Possible new journal title: Capturing My Native Heart (Filled with those things (and people) that capture your affection, attention, admiration, and adoration with the reasons why or the experiences that prompted your love. Just an idea . . .
Whith that cover I would record the real and imaginary adventures of your nephews and nieces. They can say the most silly and insightful things and their imaginary adventures can be great platforms for even more inspiration. I wish I had written down more of the funny things my nephews have said to me.
It's "chock-full" my little QOTA-R-W. Means "to the limit"
I say, when you write, fahgeddaboudit! It's your book, so write just to see what happens when you put your pen to the page.