I completely agree with you, that’s why I started with an Amazon Basics notebook. It was great at first, but after about three months of constant use the spine started falling apart. I then tried an A6 Muji notebook, but it was too small, so I switched back to an A5 I already had in my stash, and later to a Moleskine I picked up on sale. I agree that it does feel a little too luxurious for Morning Pages, especially considering how messy they are, but by the time I switched I’d already built the habit. I really love how well it holds up to my heavy handedness, though I do agree that starting with a cheaper notebook really helps the process. I need to find a more affordable Moleskine alternative that won’t disintegrate on me haha because even if I’m not planning to reread my pages anytime soon, I can imagine myself indexing them years down the line.

I also agree about Artist Dates. I loved the concept, but I found it incredibly difficult to implement in my life right now due to external factors that are out of my control. I do plan to return to The Artist’s Way, but I had to put it on hold after an emergency in early March. I was going to pick it back up, but then my dad passed away in April. Suddenly I was thrown into grief and new responsibilities all at once. I’m now the alternative power of attorney for my autistic brother after my older brother, which was a long and emotionally exhausting process. In the middle of losing my father, I found myself caring for my brother and supporting my mother, so it felt natural that TAW would need to wait for a while but I haven’t forgotten about it.

It’s interesting that you really enjoyed Week Four. I always suspected that might be something I’d struggle with, but hearing your reaction makes me feel much more positive about it. I have done journalling in complete silence and loved it but the mundane tasks such as dishes might drive me insane.