Notebook obsession

28 Aug, 2025

Like many people, I have a bit of an obsession with notebooks.

It's not something I've admitted before but I think it's time it was out in the open.😉

I have a variety of sizes for every occasion, and I enjoy nothing better than scribbling down ideas, random facts, notes from meetings, logging activities, lists.... The possibilities are endless.

I thought I would do a mini feature to showcase some of my paper paraphernalia. I originally showcased these via social media in March, but I realised that these posts are very temporary. By adding them to my blog I retain some kind of permanency for your enjoyment(!) at any time.

Pocket Notes

I offer you a charming little 18-page ruled notebook, 10x15cm. Made from recycled coffee cups. A handy size for carrying in a pocket, or small bag.

Entertainment Log

Next, I present to you my Entertaining Diary no less.

A hard bound book of 12x15cm ruled pages. I use it to keep a note of when we have people round for a meal, and what food we served.

The first entry is from 30 September 2018 (when I started the book). We served:

• Gin and blueberry cured salmon, horseradish creme fraiche, pickled cucumber, chargrilled lemons
• Roasted cornfed chicken on a bed of polenta, parmesan, garlic and rosemary. Serve with a side salad.
• Ginger and pumpkin cheesecake

This is almost list-making on another level 😁

Scribbling Jotter

I offer to you my Scribbling Jotter. A 'Jotter' was what we called our writing book when I was at infant-school. And it looks just like it.

This is a stiff-paper bound A4 size book with 21x30cm ruled pages. It sits at the side of my computer keyboard and I scribble down random details. I could be on a video call; working on a project; thinking about a task; needing somewhere to jot down something for later. It could just be one word; a number; or a few sentences. It all goes in here.

It works as part of my eidetic memory. At a future point I can see where on the page I wrote the piece of information I need, and I can locate it quickly. I've kept these books going back several years now.

Interestingly, I always write in green ink in this book! My favourite ink colour.

Little Black Book

This is at the my most utilitarian end of the collection. My Little Black Book, always accompanied by a Japanese Muji black-ink 0.5mm gel pen.

This trojan accompanies me almost everywhere as it is a pocket-sized 9x14cm. It has no specific purpose other than to store anything that pops in to my head when I am out and about. It has been around for some time, and is showing signs of wear and tear, and repair. Thankfully it is hard-bound and serves me well.

Gin

This time a gift from someone. It incorporates two of my passions -- Notebooks and Gin.

It's a simple 15x21cm ruled book, with a cardboard outer; ring-bound. To date I have not made use of it. The notebook occupies my auxiliary collection waiting for a purpose. I have considered using it to keep notes on my gin tasting events. I've done a number of these - fun events where you get to listen to me talking about gin, and then we taste four different libations. And we raise some money for charity.

We all think it!

A new addition to my notebook obsession. The perfect accompaniment to any meeting.

14x21cm ring-bound, lined paper.

Fin!

I could go on, but let's stop there. That's a taste of my collection. I need to admit to about another 25 styles!

#Life #blaugust2025