journals, planners, notecards and other writing goodies

When I last posted on Monday, I had mentioned I was getting sick. I've been down for the

count all week. When Brian got home from work on Wednesday, he took one look at me

 and said, "You're going to the doctor." I was running a temperature, was totally congested,

and had a very deep cough. Even though I could barely get out of bed, I managed to get up

and get my coat and shoes on, and off we went. Ends up I have bronchitis and a 

sinus  infection. I'm now on an antibiotic and today I finally feel semi-human. I'm still

 coughing, but not as badly. (I know bronchitis takes a long time to get over.) I can breathe a

 little bit now though I still can't taste anything, so food doesn't appeal to me. My mom

 brought over her homemade soup today and even though I don't have an appetite, I ate

 some anyway. I know I need some nourishment. Can't wait until I can actually taste it, 

especially the broth. Mom made bone broth ahead of time and then used it for the soup.

On to a more pleasant topic...

Maybe it's because I've always loved to write, but I've always had a thing for pretty journals,

notebooks, stationary, and notecards. This basket is on my desk and is filled with some

of the books and papers I use most often. 

I get my planners at Barnes and Noble right after the first of the year when they're

50% off. I loved the graphics on this one. Yes, I do judge books by their cover.

There's even beautiful art on the inside. (The bookweight holding the planner

open is from Levenger.)

I bought this journal years ago ~ again, it was the cover that got me. I use it for blog

planning, jotting notes, websites to look up, and lists.

I also bought a different kind of journal for this year. I've always been a fan of 

Jennifer Louden so thought I'd give her new book a try.

The only complaint I have about this journal is that it's hard to write in because

of the binding. It's hard to open the book to where it's flat, so I find myself trying to

hold it open with my other hand while writing. They really should of made this

 journal with a spiral binding.

I keep most of my notecards in a basket on a bookshelf. Keeps them accessible,

 and organized ~ plus they're pretty, to boot.

I couldn't talk about writing without discussing pens. I am very particular about writing

instruments. I don't like to write with pencils and never did. When I was in high school

and thought I could get away with it, I'd even do my math homework in pen. I still do

 crossword puzzles and word jumbles in pen. And once they invented gel pens, look out!

 I was in heaven. They write so smoothly. This is my new favorite pen, made by Tul. Brian's

 now hooked on these, too. He likes black ink and fine point; I like blue ink and medium point.

I'm off to make a hot toddy now in hopes that it'll help me sleep tonight. 

(The coughing fits keep me awake.) Have a fantastic weekend, my friends.