Inspiration

I always have a notebook on the right hand side on my desk.  So keyboard at 12:00, mouse+funky paper mousepad at 1:00, notebook at 3:00 (I don't do anything at 2:00).  I take notes in my notebook (counter-intuitive, I know), but also use it as a running record of everything.  I don't often go back and look at my notebooks, because it's mostly work assignments, but I really like them.

My most recent notebook is from Staples.  Usually I get the biggest college-ruled notebook I can, but this time, I found that Staples has a product line called Sustainable Earth (eco easy) and this notebook is made from 80% sugarcase plant fiber waste.  I couldn't find 300 page Sustainable Earth notebook, so I bought three 100-pagers, which cost less in the end than the Universal 300-page college-ruled notebook that I usually buy.  The paper is good quality and I am happy that it is made from the waste of sugarcane production.

So the point is, I'm trying to use the notebooks as less of a boring to-do list, and more of a hardcopy source of inspiration.  Getting back to my funky mousepad (http://www.galison.com/Pinwheel-Floral-Memo-Mousepad-P2366C0.aspx), I often write lyrics or quotes on my mousepad where the stay for several weeks until it gets too full or dirty, when I tear the page off.  Now I will tape those pages in my notebook so they contribute to the record.

What is on the page I just tore out and taped in my notebook?

"You owe it to us all to get on with what you're good at." -W.H. Auden

"We imagine that when we are thrown out of our usual ruts, all is lost, but it is only then that what is new and good begins.  While there is life, there is happiness.  There is so much before us.  I say this to you." - Tolstoy


P.S.  Aside from these inspirations, I'm working with Dreamweaver to do some web design (or try) and I'm excited to try to create some beautiful web pages.  I have a lot to learn!