Thread: Keep a journal?? Paper/Binding etc.

Hey guys,

I've got two young girls, and a bad memory. I was thinking about keeping a journal (3 actually, one general things I want to pass to both girls, and then one for each of them with specific memories). I would record things like stories before they fade, family history, lessons, my beliefs.

it's a two reason idea. 1. if something happens to me at some point or my memories fade too much. 2. my dad never did this, and now that he's passed I find it hard to remember certain things. I have beliefs and opinions based on things he said and showed me but cannot always remember the incidents or all the words.

Long explanation to get to the questions.

Do any of you keep a journal?
What is a good pen to use? (I know some of you guys love fountain pens, I've never used one. I don't have great handwriting, but I do still write in cursive, and according to females it's pretty good for a guy. I figured a ballpoint wouldn't bleed through.
What's a good paper? I looked at some that have Amalfi Paper. I'd really like to find a really good one with hemp paper. but can't find anything. I kinda liked the looks of these

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._2044_61507649

There is also a lady that does them by hand, moonbindery, her stuff is rustic and interesting.

Etsy :: moonbindery :: Large handbound leather journal or sketchbook. black. 240 pages. medieval stitch binding

thanks for your input gents.

Red

I was just browsing around on a website which had a journal or two. I'd think a lot of places have them
here are two examples of theirs 1 2. All you have to do really is pick something that you like the looks of or otherwise tickles your fancy.

As for a pen, it really varies what people like. Which point-type to use heft or size. It's not a bad idea to go to s a shop and try them out in your hand.

To archive you will need acid free paper and acid free ink or archival ink and acid free tape.

Scrapbooking stores should have what you need.

After that its all up to asthetics.

That's a cool idea Red, I think I might join you. SWMBO says I have a bad memory (I think it's selective), so it'd be nice to jot down some thoughts. I've tried keeping one in the past, but keeping it up daily was a tough thing for me. However, I'm about to make a big change, so it might be a good idea to start forcing myself to do this.

I love that hand bound journal. That is beautiful!

Originally Posted by Big Red

Hey guys,
I've got ..... bad memory.

Now that's interesting to know.

Any particular reason you want to use pen and paper. Why not start a digital diary and or journal. At least you can backup, not have to worry about paper deterioration, go green like paperless banking statements or getting destroyed and if you have a laptop you can do it anywhere, anytime.

I've kept journals off and on for 30 years. I don't like ballpoints and use either a fountain pen or dip pen. There are many expensive journals that have crap paper for fountain pen inks. The inks feather, bleed through the paper, or both. I like Claire Fontaine and Rhodia papers and journals, available at Pendemonium.com.

Also consider writing letters to your girls. Hand write the letter, put it in an envelope, and mail it to them. Even if the letter just comes back home, they'll get a charge out of it. When you're gone, those letters will tell so much more about you than a neatly typed, or God forbid, electronic, missive. Just imagine your great-great-great grandson admiring your handwritten letters, journals, and your str8s.

Do it! Someone in the 22nd century will be grateful.

I don't keep a journal, but when I recently wrote a book, out of sheer stubborness I wrote the whole thing by hand, in a blank book.

1. use a fountain pen, your hand won't get as tired because you won't have to press like you do with a ballpoint. gold nibs are best.
2. use good ink. i've found Noodler's Bulletproof inks to be the absolute apotheosis of archival inks. they are completely immutable on good paper and remain colorfast even after being in the sun for a few years.
3. use good paper. the best paper i've found that is mass produced is Moleskine. however, if you want a book (journal) there are several options. this guy
... FS : My homemade/handmade journals ... - The Fountain Pen Network
does amazing journals, by hand, at very reasonable prices. specifically designed for foutain pens.

if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

is writing with a fountain pen different than with a regular pen? is it a PITA for storage/maintenance?

Max you'd think I'd do it all on the computer wouldn't you, beings I spend so many hours a day in front of one. BUT I would rather do it on paper. I think later it would mean more. plus books are going the way of the dodo. and especially handwriting. in 20 years my daughters probably won't even know what cursive is.

I will write them letters later when they're older. they're 3 and 18mo right now. neither can read let alone get excited about mail. :-)

Red

Originally Posted by Big Red

is writing with a fountain pen different than with a regular pen? is it a PITA for storage/maintenance?
Red

yes, it's very different. it's kind of like writing with a ballpoint, in the same way that driving a ferrari is kind of like driving a buick.

maintenance is higher than a ballpoint, but mostly consists of filling it with ink when it runs out. pretty minimal. certainly less work than a razor.

I would encourage using a fountain pen. Start economical (lamy) if you like it go to a more expensive gold nib pen. I have found that a fountain pen improves my penmanship. I write slower and am more particular. It also gives you the ability to use different inks.

BTW what do you want to journal? I would love to keep one but other than the weather not much happens to me that I could document. I would be interested to see what people log. I might get some ideas on what to put in one.

Don

A good pen however does nothing for spelling