One of the benefits of a journaling habit, for me, is that my goals for my journaling can be dynamic. The less I try to fit my journaling into specific rules, the more rewarding it feels. And, counterintuitively, the less I try to journal one specific way, more I tend to scribble in my notebook.

My favorites follow suit. My “favorite ink” is a favorite in specific nibs and on specific papers. My “favorite pen” is a favorite when fitted with specific nibs and filled with specific inks. Non-monogamous favorites.

Looking back through my pen-and-ink pairings this past calendar year, five pairings stand above the rest in my mind. Pairings I will definitely revisit in the coming 2023.

Planners are tricky propositions. Each year I plan out an intentional workflow for how my analog planner can support me in the year to come. I’m thinking backwards to better plan for next year’s approach.

Travel leads to writing on tiny trays provided by airlines. Scratch notes in hallways. Writing on tables. Writing on my lap. Writing at a restaurant in the conference-after-dark.

My conference kit needs to function in all of these spaces. And needs to do so in a way that keeps what I need at my fingertips — so it looks like I am organized. Appearances matter at academic conferences.