In some way... a lot have changed and I feel little bit wiser and more insightful about my system compared to 6 months ago when I was trying to figure out the overall dynamic of needs to archive vs. organize... the journaling vs. planning. I have been using Roterfaden A5, Traveler's Notebook and extra A5 notebook to keep myself in line with my life and MIDORI MD Diary in A5 size to journal for my girls. Together they are closer to the reflection of who I am today..
Here is a big picture of how I am using each notebook!
Roterfaden (A5) with Hobonichi Cousin
Originally I thought I would use Hobonichi Cousin with Roterfaden as an overarching bucket for Baum-kuchen. Note taking, list, reminder, ideas, meeting notes...
After playing with this notebook for a while, I settled to think of this as a place to journal for Baum-kuchen and my personal growth along with it. The shift happened due to the size of the Roterfaden+Hobonichi combination. I still carry it back and fourth between home and studio but most of the time I don't open the notebook in the studio. Instead I sit down every night at home to capture thoughts, events and ideas for Baum-kuchen. Some words captured here is about my personal relationship with the shop/studio and how I would like to evolve and grow. Other things are more about logistics and operational like receiving new inventory. Some day I collage... another day I write. I really have no rule about how I put together the daily pages and that seems to be working for me. I use monthly page as an index to my daily page and weekly page to capture my work hours for Baum-kuchen.
Brass Index Clip keeps my current pages easy to find.
Traveler's Notebook in brown (my companion of 6+ years)
My Traveler's Notebook continues to be a true companion to my everyday journey. It's my wallet with 1.61 ESSENTIAL leather zipper case, my planner (monthly notebook like TN 017), my bullet journal (TN 005 Free Diary) and a place where I capture my inspiration (TN 014 Kraft). It's very functional and no frill which I feel is true to how I get through my day. I will have really difficult time navigating my life without my Traveler's Notebook!
A5 slim notebook (currently using Ogami quote notebook)
This is a new addition to my system which came from the need to have a simple open spread to write down 3 important things to accomplish the day or at the moment. I have been tinkering to be more mindful with my relationship with work as well as digital devices. Prior to having this notebook I sometimes found myself getting lost in the world of email, Instagram, Facebook... and everything else that happens virtually. A part of it is research and is okay... but between Baum-kuchen and family.... I needed to be conscious with my time. I noticed if I had a clear idea of what I really wanted/needed to accomplish at the moment, the more efficient and meaningful my time was spent. So I keep all my mental notes with my Bullet Journal on Traveler's Notebook and this A5 notebook which is slim enough to be clipped under the Roterfaden elastic band is my productivity zen place. I love spending few minutes to comb through my Bullet Journal at the beginning of the day, organize my thoughts and write down 3 things I want to tackle with my DARUMA stamp. I think we are all very busy and nobody really has enough time to get "everything" on the list done. But we could feel empowered and in control of our time by having a clear priority in life. It takes an on-going practice just as our muscle needs training but it has been a good journey for me.
Below are detailed pictures and some captions along with them. I hope it will give some fuel of thoughts for your analogue system.
After having Inspiration Lab with Eunice, we kept the middle table clear of "shop" items. It's a space for playing with analogue tools and focusing on present moments. I have been loving this space to sit and think... and write down my "3 things" for the day.
