Writing O.T.R.

I’m composing this on the WordPress iPhone/iPod touch app — I think it’s nice that it exists… free of charge. Accessibility, for better or worse, is at the heart of “blogging.” (For “serious” blogging, I recommend iBlogger, downloaded mine at the App Store for $0.99 USD!)

I’m going in a slightly new direction with my writing… I’m in (and have been-in) the process of consolidating my handwriting… from the scratch paper and napkins, to maruman journals, day planners and agendas, Moleskines to Montblanc “mind notes and matters” and Louis Vuitton diaries.

And then comes the (almost certainly) harder part: consolidating web-writings, forum/group posts, old essays and articles, blog entries and of course, my digital inkwork, inkblogging and Tablet PC art.

I figured, since I’m going to embark on this new journey of action methodology, GTDing and bit literacy, I’ll dive in on the deep-end. I’ve never been fond of the “I’m frightened, gotta dip my toe in, first” excuses… especially because it’s not any easier.

Fear is a bottleneck, and mediocrity is its best byproduct.

I’ve been writing in Moleskine notebooks, but it’s time for change. I want higher-quality, leatherbound journals, ecru paper, Europe’s finest. Seen Canteo? How about Leuchtturn?

I’d also like some Japanese stationery. Japanese notebooks are all-around pleasure; the texture, smell, design… even the packaging is superb! It makes handwriting that much more exciting.

People often cringe at the mere thought of a $100-300 journal — certainly don’t indulge/splurge on the very-first one — but I think, what is memory worth? What is one’s history worth, one’s story, one’s life? Investing in a high-quality journal reminds me each day that my life is worth more than a 99-cent spiral-bound, that my thoughts are valuable-enough to save and savor, and beyond my own life, the art of writing is a valuable tradition not to be lost, cast aside or forgotten and treated like Latin.

Modernization gives us many advantages and simplifications, but it comes at a cost and we suffer losses. Whenever I look at our Declaration of Independence, I’m reminded of once-cherished traditions likely gone for good. It’d make me sad if I could only remember how to be that. Society and “modern American culture” makes me numb… likely to afford me the ability to continue faking “sanity.”

I’m sharing again… hoping someone out there shares my “pain.” (observations)

Another “sad” note: Monthlanc at Stoneridge Mall (Pleasanton, CA) is closing in April. I still so-clearly remember my first pen purchase there… ah, nostalgia. “Laissez les bon temps roule?!” Ah, wishful thinking…

Too bad the “Law of Attraction” can’t save the Montblanc store.