Moleskinerie

(Van Gogh's notebook from 1888-1890)

Moleskine (n): a small, usually black, leather-bound notebook held together by an elastic band. The notebook features a secret back pocket as well as a variety of page types, including blank, lined, and grid. I would consider the moleskine as a renaissance item, another reason to use one while in Florence.

All around Italy I have seen people porting these cross-gender books. The beauty of the notebook is in its flexible nature. Personally I have two, a smaller one to write down URL’s, thoughts, to-do lists, phone numbers, an unforgettable pizzeria, or anything else that comes to mind.

Having a notebook like a moleskine helps to consolidate thoughts which can later be turned into prose.

bottom line: buy one and see what it does for you!