One thing I’ve never mentioned before is that I have a (very) large collection of enamel pins. Or maybe it’s better defined as an accumulation, because there’s no real theme to it. Whatever you want to call it, it’s intergenerational, since I inherited about half of my pins from my dad when he passed away a few years ago. Most commemorate some family trip or event, and when I was sorting through this box the other day it astonished me that I could remember exactly when some of these were purchased, 25-30 years ago. I think that’s the true allure of pins: they’re small, relatively inexpensive memory tokens that don’t occupy a lot of space.

Let’s just say that I rocked the one on the right yesterday. Certainly got some looks where I live.

I’ve recently started to take up this tradition again, buying not only pins that serve as a reminder of a trip or event but also seeking out those that represent something especially meaningful to me that I can wear on my lapel or bag. And ever since I first started my little shop, I knew that I’d eventually add pins as a category, regardless of whether they would ever turn into a core product or a big seller. Sometimes you just gotta go with what moves you.

This morning I’m happy to introduce a new section of the T.G.S. Curated Shop, starting with six different high-quality enamel pins from Pasadena, California-based iLootPaperie, who make many of my favorite washi tapes. Currently, there are two main themes: Books and Science, with a pencil pin thrown in for good measure. These are larger pins, and “Stacks on Stacks” and “Make Your Mark” each feature two posts. I hope to add more soon; my only regret was that I couldn’t get these listed quicker, but I guess there’s still a possibility for holiday delivery if you get your orders in early today. Enjoy!

The Gentleman Stationer Curated Shop is an authorized retailer of iLootPaperie products. Sales through The Curated Shop, the TGS Patreon Program, and affiliations with other sites and retailers are how I fund The Gentleman Stationer. Your support is greatly appreciated!

There’s no dispute that these are scary times: If it’s not the Coronavirus, it’s the economic fallout from the Coronavirus, or even whether you’ll be able to purchase toilet paper during your next Costco run. Compounding the anxiety, at least for me, is the fact that I can’t actually do anything about any of them, so I fall back on what I’ve always used to distract myself: books, pens, and paper. I don’t discuss reading much on this blog, even though it’s been important part of my life for much longer than pens, and I imagine there’s substantial overlap between avid readers and stationery aficionados. Personally, I’m going to be relying pretty heavily on my backlog of books - and after that, my Kindle - to get me through the next four to six weeks. I thought I’d share some recommendations for books I’ve enjoyed, all of which have some sort of tie to the main themes underlying this blog.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, from which I may earn a small commission based on purchases made from this post. It’s one of many ways I financially support the blog.

Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport. What better time than now to practice “digital minimalism” and reap the mental health benefits of not being online 24-7? Especially now that many of us are telecommuting or have alternative work arrangements, it’s more important than ever to carve out digital down time and set appropriate boundaries.
The Revenge of Analog, by David Sax. I’ve recommended this book before, but what better time to rediscover things like board games, vinyl records, stationery, and, well, books, than during a period of time when you can’t go to work and you can’t leave your house?
Daily Rituals: How Artists Work, by Mason Currey. My own job has gradually transitioned to a remote working arrangement, so the past couple of weeks haven’t been as much of a shock to the system as it’s possibly been for others. One thing that I’ve found extremely helpful is reading about how others have developed working routines (“rituals”) to keep them on task when they’re alone and have large amounts of unstructured time.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. I first read this book when it was released in 2012 and I’m re-reading this week. I’m actually enjoying it just as much, if not more, the second time around, as the themes of the book have only grown more relevant as our society continues to embrace the “extrovert ideal.” It’s also struck me that introverts may be particularly well-equipped to handle the prolonged shutdown most of us are facing,
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living, by Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman. Let’s mix in some philosophy here. I’ve had this book on my shelf for a year or so after purchasing it on a recommendation, but didn’t actually start reading it regularly until Mary Collis published this piece over at her blog, “From the Pen Cup.” I’m not sure that I’m a full-on adherent of Stoicism, at least not yet, but there’s definitely a lot to take away from this book, especially in turbulent times.
Kafka on the Shore, by Haruki Murakami. I’ve become a huge fan of Murakami recently, and if you’re a fan of dense books that you can read multiple times and take away something new every time, this one’s a great one. Bonus: Murakami’s novels are peppered with references to pens, pencils, books, and libraries, all of which subtly play key roles in the story. For a shorter, less dense read, you could also start with Sputnik Sweetheart.

Happy reading, and take care of yourselves. I’m also looking for reading recommendations, as I’m starting to go a bit stir crazy being shut inside with a 6-year old, so feel free to add to this list in the comments!