More gifts

You know the saying: You can never be too rich, too thin . . . or have too many journals.

But it's gotta be one that fits just right. None of that precious, museum-quality leather for me. Or delicate pages that can't stand up to a rugged rant.

My favorite journals are the functional works of art found at Ex Libris Anonymous. For several years I've sung the praises of Jacob Deatherage and his knack for salvaging vintage toss-aways and turning them into blank books that inspire and amuse. He's got a brilliant blend of practicality and quirk. I can't get enough of these one-of-a-kind journals! (And mine take a beating, squeezed into luggage and exposed to weather, as you can see.)

These book journals make great gifts, and great keepers, too.