I collect notebooks, with the intention of filling them with wonderful words and artwork. But they remain unsullied, virginal, especially the “nice” notebooks with decorated covers and fine paper. I also collect pens, many of which I’ve had so long that their ink has dried up, and pencils of all hardnesses.
This obsession with pens, pencils and notebooks may date from the time when I was stationery monitor at my primary school in Australia. I can still recollect the scents of the tiny, windowless room in which, surrounded by boxes of wooden rulers, nibs, glue bottles and text books, I would spend break times selling supplies to my peers. It was cozy, and I was safe from any marauding bullies who might be seeking me, the “ginger pom” (I unfortunately had red hair and an English accent).
Nowadays, if I need a quick stationery fix, I browse Victoria’s Opus store, rarely leaving without yet another pen.
But through browsing Twitter…sorry…X…I have learned that collecting notebooks but not filling them is a symptom of ADHD, as is making to-do lists and lists of lists, another trait I posses. Even if I don’t have ADHD, It is good to know that I am not alone!