An Enthusiast's Notebook(S)

[pavoni]

An Enthusiast’s notebook(s)

 

Like most, I suppose I enjoy the feeling of being organised. I like the action of writing things down and having those written notes to hand. I have never thought myself sufficiently disciplined for a personal diary but I have, for the past 30 years, used a paper-based agenda system (Calendar and To Do List) for work, which is supplemented by my desktop MS Outlook and the calendar on my Smartphone. Of course, having to use a paper-based agenda for work, despite being surrounded by technology, I have the daily opportunity and mental excuse to use my fountain pens. My agenda is a trusty black leather A5 Montblanc affair. It is fit for purpose and, rather like me, somewhat formal in appearance and intention.

 

Whilst organised for work, I have been after a notebook for some years: not too big, not too small but something that would comfortably fit into my jacket pocket(s), that could carry fountain pen-friendly paper and, that I could whip out and use in a given situation (coffee shop, airport, waiting for my wife to finish shopping or to finish trying on/buying yet more clothes/shoes, etc). My thought was to use such a notebook to practice and record my lettering (alphabet – a small obsession! ) and anything else that I was currently studying or interested in.

 

I am therefore not sure of how I first became interested in the Midori notebook, it was however relatively recently. Now, if you saw me, you would instantly recognise that I have never followed fashion. Nor am I the sort to rush to adopt the latest celebrity endorsed craze or fad. In all honestly, I am admittedly the same typically boring 54-year old that I was at 12!

 

Everything that I had read about the Midori notebooks seemed to point to Midori possibly being the answer to my need for a specific type of personal notebook. My interest increased after reading numerous accounts of how Users enjoyed both the simplicity and charm of the Midori notebooks and how this appreciation for these notebooks seemingly improved over time!

 

Two weeks ago, whilst in London on business, I took the opportunity to try and see whether I could find a shop selling Midori notebooks. This proved extremely difficult and I was fast concluding that I would be forced to resort to the Internet. I therefore started towards the train station. First however, needing to answer a call of nature and in need of some refreshment before my 2-hour journey home, I dropped into Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road. To my absolute surprise and delight, I found that they had a small collection of Midori items, including two passport-sized notebooks. So, I enquired. After a brief chat to a rather keen sales assistant, herself a Midori user, I purchased one of the notebooks together with a spare refill and spare bands. I then dashed to the nearest Cafe Nero, bought myself an espresso and set about unpacking and setting up my new notebook.

 

Now, we are talking about a notebook, a simple, little, leather covered, notebook. Despite knowing this, despite my supposed maturity, I became instantly hooked from the moment I held that little notebook. And it really is as simple as that! The proportions of the notebook are as if I had designed the thing for myself, specifically for my particular needs. The leather is.................well, I am afraid I don’t have sufficient skill or eloquence to do it justice. You really do need to hold and feel it to properly appreciate it. I can however say that by comparison, my Montblanc Agenda, costing nearly 10x more, feels and looks incredibly plain; boring in fact, whilst the Midori has a curious personality of its own and, it already feels old! .

 

This week, having made the feeble excuse for another “business” trip to London , I rushed back to Foyles and picked up another......................well, two actually . I couldn’t help myself. Well, I could but didn’t want to. Within seconds I had already justified the purchase of the two remaining passport versions Foyles had in stock. I bought these together with some Midori brass label plates.

 

Following my, by now, normal notebook opening routine, I made my way (rather excitedly)back to the usual Cafe Nero, bought an espresso, found myself a quiet little corner, and began setting up the two new notebooks

I now have a notebook for my lettering, the second for my notes on numbers (another small obsession , and the third for languages (currently Hungarian).

 

 

OK, I accidentally on purpose bought something else. . However, just to show that I am not totally selfish, whilst this particular new notebook arrived on Friday morning, I purposefully saved the unboxing for you .

 

 

Arrived from The Journal Shop.

 

 

Notice the elastic that keeps the box secure? Well, pull it through and voila, it is a spare for use with your new notebook.

 

 

The new notebook comes in its own white canvas bag. It is admittedly hard at first, not to keep the shiny new notebook safe in the canvas bag! This however would be a mistake because the notebook looks far better the older it gets, scratches and marks included

 

 

My old computer can't really show you the true colour of this particular blue but it is cute!

 

 

 

The notebook comes with one refill. However, when ordering, always order a spare. These notebooks always seem to look better with two refills inside.

 

 

I got a few additional Midori goodies, such as the brass pencil, pencil and rubber/eraser refills, a metal ruler, spare elastics and of course a spare refill. Thanks for watching.

 

For a full and proper review of the standard Midori notebook, please see soniknitr’s rather excellent review at:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/286953-a-bookish-review-of-the-midori-travelers-notebook/

 

Pavoni

Edited March 22, 2015 by pavoni

[slippery when wet]

http://scription.typepad.com/

 

This is a must have addition to any Midori dairy, Chronodex weekly planner, it is a free download. You might want to read up on it first to understand its workings

[pavoni]

Thanks for the excellent tip Slippery. I think I will add the excellent Chronodex to the standard-sized notebook. It will give me the excuse to slowly replace my ageing MB Agenda and put this new lovely blue edition Midori to full use. Thanks.

 

Pavoni.

Edited March 22, 2015 by pavoni

[fountainpenlady]

Absolutely visually delicious! Do they have the refills in blank/unlined/plain paper versions?

[pavoni]

Absolutely visually delicious! Do they have the refills in blank/unlined/plain paper versions?

 

Thank you fountainpenlady. Yes, the spare refills I bought were blank or unlined/plain paper - my preference. And excellent paper it is too

 

Pavoni.

[fountainpenlady]

 

Thank you fountainpenlady. Yes, the spare refills I bought were blank or unlined/plain paper - my preference. And excellent paper it is too

 

Pavoni.

I feel a new acquisition in my future, darn you!

[pavoni]

I feel a new acquisition in my future, darn you!

Ha, ha, go on, spoil yourself, you know you deserve it Besides, shouldn't you be looking for any excuse to use those beautiful XF nibs listed in your signature. Great taste.

 

Pavoni.

[fountainpenlady]

Ha, ha, go on, spoil yourself, you know you deserve it Besides, shouldn't you be looking for any excuse to use those beautiful XF nibs listed in your signature. Great taste.

 

Pavoni.

You forgot my ever growing collection of red sample inks.

[da vinci]

Pavoni, your post is a delight to read.

 

I must get out my own NOS Midiori TN.

 

In the meantime, please also reveal which pens you used to make the first entries in these excellent notebooks

[pavoni]

Thank you da vinci,

 

At the moment, I am using one of my Desiderata pens, with its 'Zebra G' nib and really enjoying it. Whilst it sounds as though I am scratching whilst writing, there is no bleed through or feathering, unlike when using Moleskine notebooks I also use my mechanical pencils, quite a bit actually, with the advantage of being able to rub out my mistakes

 

Pavoni.

[pelman]

another beautiful post Pavoni. I have always enjoyed your eloquent posts. I have not used Midori. It is another FPN must from the posts I have read. I thoroughly enjoy using the Hibonichi Calendars with their wonderful Tomoe River paper. Enjoy in good health with those scrumptious MB vintage pens.

[pavoni]

Many thanks for your typically generous comments pelman, much appreciated.

 

I am definitely going to have to get hold of this Tomoe River paper I have heard so many FPNers recommend.

 

Pavoni.

[slippery when wet]

Hello Pavoni, I think you will find the paper used within the Midori Dairy is Tomoe River, certainly the plain paper I have is, that was part of it's appeal.

Refill # 013

Edited March 23, 2015 by slippery when wet

[pavoni]

Thanks for clarifying Slippery. I thought I was missing out!

 

Refill #013 is the one that I have been ordering, given my preference for unlined paper. I must admit that I am impressed, particularly as I am essentially using a dip nib on the paper.

 

I have been using the Midori passport notebook 2015 plastic sheet (essentially a very handy backing card) as support behind the page I am writing on, just to ensure I have a firm surface at all times to write upon.

 

Pavoni.

[slippery when wet]

It's a great dairy which I love using and I hope you enjoy yours.

[slippery when wet]

 

 

 

Pavoni you may recognize the pen

[pavoni]

You would have my express permission to slap me twice if I didn't!

 

Beautiful, elegant, timeless. For those of us who understand the history of this most magnificent pen, the MB 139 is beyond comparison. Thank you for sharing this rare picture of a real Masterpiece in use and in such a way as only a true enthusiast could.

 

Nice one Slippery. Thank you for making my day

 

Pavoni.

[slippery when wet]

[slippery when wet]

Also another good reference to enhancing your Midori notebook

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/209036-scription-chronodex-weekly-planner-2012/

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/243462-how-did-you-customize-your-midori-travelers-notebook/

Edited March 24, 2015 by slippery when wet

[BMG]

Ah, you guys are killing me!!!

 

There's a local shop that carries Midori notebooks, and my wife has expressed an interest in swinging by to check them out. In the spirit of altruism, I will accompany her…

 

But we'd really prefer to stop by Foyle's, then head for the nearest Caffè Nero, but from Los Angeles…