Mourning … Moleskine

A number of years ago I became intrigued by Vincent Van Gogh. Maybe it was a reference in Len Sweet’s Soul Salsa to a painting of the Church at Auvers. Could have been coming across some of Vincent’s letters to his brother Theo. May be it was reading biographical material referencing Van Gogh’s study for the ministry and his work among the poor. What ever it was I have a great interest in Van Gogh.

Reading I came across a reference to a small sketchbook used by Van Gogh – a moleskine. Many keep notes on their computers or PDA’s. I tend to have better recall if I write something down. I picked up some of these little notebooks. I am on my third small, ruled version. I found another size in a Barnes and Noble and picked a few up. It is thinner but larger and has a thicker paper cover. I took this one on my recent trip to Philly.

The thin brown version soon became my favorite. Notes from meetings, personal reflections, notes from bereavement visits and thoughts from my recent Soularize trip fill the pages. Today I began looking for my notebook on the way home. I scavenged the two bags I was carrying. No moleskine. Frantic I looked again. Standing waiting for my plane from Dallas to OKC I called the hotel hopeful it had turned up in the morning rounds of housekeeping. No notebook. I have called again and may hear tomorrow. I called the car rental company and may hear from them. In the meantime, I am preparing myself for the word to come back – “We’re sorry, no notebook.”

Strange what we become attached to. Our thoughts recorded are hard to give away and the thought of losing them is painful. Sure it sounds weird to mourn a book of your own words. Alas, it is true. I am mourning my moleskine.

About the Author
Husband to Patty. Daddy to Kimberly and Tommie. Grandpa Doc to Cohen, Max, Fox, and Marlee. Pastor to Snow Hill Baptist Church. Graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Reading. Photography. Golf. Colorado. Jeeping. Friend. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and should not be construed as representing the corporate views of the church I pastor.

6 comments on “Mourning … Moleskine

  1. Kimberly says:

    Daddy it will turn up…nobody will be able to read it so they are sure to give it back. I love you!!!

  2. Todd Littleton says:

    Kimberly, you know your Dad’s writing too well. The thing is, “I” can read it. My fear is someone may figure no one could read it and toss it in the trash. 🙁 Love you too.

  3. Todd,

    I love my moleskines. I’ve got the thick black ones where I journal and write creatively and the thinner brown paper covered ones that I use for book notes and prayer needs. Like you, I still write things out by hand.

    I feel your pain.

  4. Kris Anne says:

    Todd, if I happen to see it around the Seminary, I will definitely let you know! So sorry for you! 🙂 If there’s anything else I can do from here in PA, let me know.

  5. Todd Littleton says:

    Kris Anne,
    Thanks for keeping an eye out for me. I wondered if I might have laid it down at the Seminary but just could not recall. I would be happy to pay for the shipping if you do find it.

    Blessings.

  6. Jeff says:

    Moleskin has a day planner too. I just bought my ’08. It is so much simpler than a Franklin Covey or some computerized thing.

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