Midori MD Notebook Cover (Midori Goat Leather Notebook Cover) - Review

Midori MD Notebook Cover

(Midori Goat Leather Notebook Cover)

Midori Goatskin Notebook Cover - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

Oops, I Blinked and Missed That Little Thing Called 2014  

Well it has been quite a while since I logged on and posted anything.  Not sure if its a sign of the total irrelevance of this blog to all that really matters in the world (and what a world it has been these last 12 months) or whether it is because time just seems to pass more rapidly these days.  The year 2014 got away from me and now its all done, closed off and packed away in the memory archives as the year that once was.  I find I've missed so much I should have done, could have done, might have done...and didn't, for one reason or another.  I had hoped this year would be less frantic and a little slower paced but here we are already 4 months into 2015.  Unfortunately, these first four months of 2015 seem to already have set an even faster pace than last year.  It leaves me thinking if I am alone in feeling that life is hurtling by.

The Universe is Accelerating

I wonder if it has something to do with the recent scientific discovery that the universe is not in a state of deceleration (after the big bang/creation) but is in fact in a state of accelerating, speeding up!  Maybe this means the year is going by faster each year.  Who knows, but it sounds like a good excuse for not having updated this blog - the year just accelerated faster than last year and I didn't get to do everything I planned to, like update this blog.  :)

Einstein - Image courtesy of Dailygalaxy.com 

Anyway, I'm still obsessed with my Midori Traveler's Notebook and fountain pens, ink and notebooks, etc.  I use the Midori Traveler's Notebook everyday and carry it with me everywhere, it has become a lifeline, especially for writing.  I won't digress into my writing, time seems to slip away with that also, but at least I finished one of the many books I have on the go, despite the busy year.

In relation to topics relevant to this blog - I've been fortunate enough along the way to add to my collection of writing tools; I just haven't had time - because of the universe accelerating :) - to post about them here.  I'll try and do that now starting with the all-new MD Notebook Cover from those clever people at Midori.

MD Notebook Cover

I recently bought one of these new Notebook Covers from Midori for my wife.  It's actually made of Goat's leather so you may come across it under a range of Midori names - MD Notebook Cover, Midori Goat Leather Notebook, Midori Goat Notebook or Journal and a number of others.  For the purposes of this post I'll just call it the MD Notebook Cover.   I bought this for my wife as she wanted something similar to the Midori Traveler's Notebook but in a more traditional style that could be opened flat a little more easily than the Midori Traveler's.  This seemed to fit her needs and I was also intrigued to find out what Midori had created here.  I was quite impressed when her parcel arrived, especially with the subtle elegance of the cover and the high quality of the paper in the accompanying Midori notebook.  So impressed in fact that I ended up buying another one for myself.

Boxed Goat's Notebook Parcel - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

Unboxed Goat's Notebook Parcel - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

As always the Midori arrived with lightning speed by EMS in a secure and carefully packed parcel.  The Journal was sealed in shrink-wrapping and then cushioned safely by newspaper within a very sturdy shipping box.  I even had a bottle of Pilot's Iroshizuku Ink in the box and the professional wrapping ensured there was no chance whatsoever of any breakage or leakage occurring that might damage the other items in the box.  It also arrived from Japan to my doorstep in Australia within 4 days.  Not only professional packaging but also super fast postage and delivery.  I normally avoid mentioning who I purchase my items from as I don't like to promote one supplier over another but I have never been let down by this supplier.   They are affordable, honest, professional, efficient and just generally nice people to communicate with and do business with.  So I will name them here - Pencils.jp in Japan (link to - Pencils.jp); and no, I don't receive any endorsements from them or anyone else.  I simply cannot fault them and in fact enjoy dealing with them.  I like knowing I get a fair price, a good product delivered quickly and safely to my door.  Its a pleasure opening the box and seeing the package as much as it is receiving the items.

Anyway, back to the MD Notebook Cover itself.  The MD Notebook Cover also comes wrapped and sealed in its own box.  Inside the box the cover is tucked into its own black material pouch.  It's an elegant touch.  The journal can be housed in the pouch when not in use or when being transported in that crowded bag or backpack.  A nice little bonus protective cover.

And what of the MD Notebook Cover inside all of that protective wrapping?

Pouch - Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

MD Goat Cover Box - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

Well I'm pleased to say that the MD Notebook Cover was faultless, no marks or damage or creases from its journey across the ocean.  And the good news is that the MD Notebook Cover does not have any of the unpleasant odour found when opening the original Midori Traveler's Notebook.  Instead it has a very mild leather smell.  The journal is soft to touch and surprisingly thin but sturdy in texture.  Its very light to hold because of its thin construction.

Once the notebook is added it takes on a more customary weight and feels good to hold and use.  Add a pen or two and it feels like a good weighted, soft covered notebook.

The colour of the MD Notebook Cover is a pale pink, a lot fainter than the colour portrayed in the online photographs supplied by the merchandisers.  The colour is not unpleasant but it is very pale, something to be aware of if you are more into the warmer colours for your notebooks.  It does darken (albeit mildly) over time and Midori provide on their website details of how long this darkening process takes; but it will vary depending on how it is used and where it is used.  Check out the Midori home website below for the full details on the ageing and colouring timeline:
MD Goat's Cover Colour Timeline

MD Goat Cover Front - Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

And overall size?
The MD Notebook Cover and accompany Midori Notebook shown here is the "New Book" size as listed on the Pencils.jp website -  MD Goat Cover Sizes for Ordering - which is H187mmxW235mm opened.  But have a more in depth read at the Midori website link MD Goat's Cover Size Chart for the various sizes available and the colour changing process.

I found the "New Book" size to be a very convenient size that is neither too small nor too large for carrying and recording notes or writing.  The MD Cover fits very snuggly around the matching MD Notebook with no slackness at all.  It takes a little wriggling of the notebook to get it into the cover but it is an absolute perfect match and fit.  The MD Cover and Notebook fold open easily and lay flat for ease of writing.  It looks an elegant and professional setup.

Open MD Goat Cover -Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

The MD Cover also has two internal pockets/slots for carrying additional items such as cards, notes or small stationery items.  It even comes with a built pen holder.  The penholder is very narrow and can either accommodate a pencil, thin pen or a pen attached by the clip.  If you don't like thin pens or don't trust having your good pen attached by a clip only, then I would suggest still purchasing one of the Midori clip-on penholders to ensure a good sized pen can be attached.  It was quite convenient to use the MD Cover built in pen holder to carry a small thin mechanical pencil or ballpoint pen and to then attach a second Midori Penholder for a larger fountain pen.  The MD Cover easily housed both pencil and fountain pen.  A perfect writing carryall.

Open MD Goat Cover 2 -Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

There is not a lot else to say about the MD Goat Cover and Notebook...it doesn't come with all the usual Midori Traveler's Notebook extras or accessories, not yet anyway.  But to be fair it is sold as a different concept to the Midori Traveler's.  My wife is extremely happy with her new notebook and prefers it over the Midori Traveler's Notebook.  I find it an extremely good notebook but tend to still prefer the Midori Traveler's Notebook as my daily companion.  The is only because I like the extra items I can carry in the Traveler's (I don't carry a tote/handbag like my wife so our needs are different); and I like the rustic travel feel and appearance of the Traveler's.  I feel I'll use the MD Notebook Cover for more formal meetings or structured tasks and use the Traveler's Notebook for everything else, as my daily creative companion.

MD Notebook Paper - Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

MD Cover & Notebook - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

MD Cover & Notebook 2 - Photo by Eclectic Psyche

If you are looking for a new leather journal and want something interesting, light weight and has a traditional notebook look and feel then this is a notebook you should consider.  In addition, the quality of the paper in the accompanying Midori notebook is of superb quality and value.  The combination is an elegant and professional looking notebook with a high quality paper that makes journalling pleasurable and effortless.  Hope you find time to try one out.

I also have the new Midori Pan Am Traveler's Notebook - Blue Edition - on the way and I will do a review of that once it arrives.

Midori Goat Leather Cover and Notebook - Photograph by Eclectic Psyche

Till next time...hopefully not too far off in this accelerating universe....stay safe, be happy and keep writing!


PS - I apologise for the low quality photographs but I dropped my Digital SLR into the ocean and I have had to use my iPhone until I can acquire a new SLR.

Midori Traveler's Notebook Companion

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

- Berthold Auerbach

The Mission:

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

Well it was time for a new electric guitar and I wanted something with a hint of rustic character and some toughness that would make it reasonably travel tolerant like my Midori Traveller's Notebook.  I didn't want something glossy and decorated with fragile trimmings that have no affect on the sound quality.  I didn't want a "pretty" guitar.  I had some key criteria I wanted it to meet - it had to be rustic looking (like the Midori); handle a few knocks and blemishes (like the Midori); wear well and change colour over time (like the Midori); and thereby have some character, but it also had to be quality materials and well made (like the Midori) and of course, being a guitar, had to sound good and play well.

Quite a challenging set of criteria for an electric guitar, I thought, and an interesting exercise.  So the question arose - could I find a guitar travelling and writing companion for my Midori (or at least something with equal character)?  I was curious to see if I could find something that complimented the Midori minimalist travel theme; a rustic, no frills guitar with the rugged warmth of a time gone by.



The Search

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

I spent some time trudging around guitar stores only to find most of the guitars I saw didn't quite fit what I was looking for.  They were either glossy, fragile trimmed instruments that I would never take out of the house or they were just poor quality and poor sounding.  None seemed to reflect the Midori spirit I sought.  Then I happened across one store where I found a relatively new line of 2013 guitars by Gibson.  The Gibson LPJ to be precise.  It met all the criteria I had set to the point it almost felt tailor made for the Midori.  It was even constructed with the old traditional 1950's chunky neck profile that further reflected the nostalgic journeyman reminiscence that Midori embodies.  A wonderfully constructed instrument without all the ostentatious coverings...a rough diamond, a good match for my Midori and my needs.

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

- Michelangelo

The Finding:

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

The deep rich satin brown (chocolate) colour of the Gibson LPJ made it an ideal match for my brown leather Midori.  Two worn and rustic travelling companions finally meeting up.   Together they felt as comfortable and inviting as an old, worn-in Chesterfield and its accompanying ottoman.   Best of all the Gibson LPJ is a great sounding guitar, with a low action and the chunky 50's style neck I like.  It feels comfortable, it feels like I've had it for years.  The 498T and 490R humbucker pickups produce that wonderful deep muddy sound that resonates through the air of a room, fuelling the creative writing mind and inspiring the imaginings of a new journey.  Overall, a match made in travel/writing heaven.




I'll no doubt make a few minor mods to the Gibson LPJ but overall I am quite pleased with it as it is.  And surprisingly, it is one of the most affordable Gibson electric guitars on the market.  If you're in the market for a new guitar, then check out the Gibson LPJ.  It truly is an enjoyable guitar to play and has that unique Les Paul sound.  What I also like is how the guitar changes colour/shading the more I handle it, just like the Midori leather does.  It was a very dull, flat colour when I got it but now it has deeper shading with a natural sheen.  Absolutely perfect for what I wanted.  If you love the Midori Traveler's Notebook and, like me, you need a new guitar then you really can't go past the LPJ.

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

Mission accomplished:

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

I now have a good addition to the Midori.  I have no doubt that it will weather the tough rigours of time and travel quite well.  Any blemish will just add to its character in much the same way as it does for the Midori.  After all time, travel, natural wear and misadventure are all life's badges that should be worn as proud memento's of a life well explored, experienced and enjoyed.  Inspire it.  Live it.

"If music be the food of love, play on."

- Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

The Future (crystal ball gazing):

Photo - Eclectic Psyche

Now I just need the good people at Midori to produce a Gibson/Midori Traveler's Guitar Notebook and then to send me one for free for conceiving the concept.  :)  Ah, I can dream can't I?!

Beyond that, I'll also be dreaming of a 12 string guitar with similar features and a new black Midori Traveler's Notebook.  In the meanwhile, I'm happy to see where these two companions take me.......

Midori Traveler's Notebook - Star Edition in Camel

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

CAMEL COLOUR!    Limited Edition.

The new camel coloured Midori Traveler’s Notebook seemed too interesting to pass up.

The camel colour 5th year edition notebook is a Midori Traveler's limited release only.  Luckily for me though, a very thoughtful stationery seller put one aside for me when their stock of the Midori Traveler’s Star Edition Notebooks first arrived in store.  (Not for free! They just reserved one for me as they knew I would want to purchase one.) 

What is it?

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The Star Edition is Midori’s passport size limited edition to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of the passport size Midori Traveler’s Notebook. The camel colour continues the theme set by the previous limited edition release for the full size Midori. The Star Edition is launched in collaboration with the "Star" Ferry Company, Limited in Hong Kong.  The Star Ferry runs between Kowloon and Hong Kong island at Victoria Harbour.  Its a traditionally classic ferry trip in Hong Kong that every traveller must experience at least once when visiting Hong Kong.  Since Hong Kong is one of my favourite destinations, I was intrigued with the Midori tribute to the Star Ferry (and HK). 

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The Midori Star Edition Notebook comes with one free ride coupon as a reminder to every traveller that the Star Ferry is an iconic part of Hong Kong.  The notebook refill also includes a number of maps and various history details of Hong Kong island as a unique memento. All in all, a limited edition with some unique features pertaining to the Star Ferry and Hong Kong. 

When I completed the purchase for the Midori Star edition, I also bought a few other stationery items that helped make the parcel more worthwhile, in a dollar sense.  

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

I requested the parcel be sent EMS and it was posted the very day I paid for it!  I received it in less than a week from the day I made payment.  You can’t ask for more than that - all the way from Japan.  Very professional and quick for an international service.

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The parcel consisting of the Midori Traveler's Notebook and numerous additional stationery items was extremely well package in a fully sealed and padded box.  All items inside the parcel were also bubble wrapped and carefully arranged to ensure maximum protection in transit.   In all my years of buying from overseas I’ve never received a parcel as well packaged as those from Japan.  Professional Japanese packaging is a work of art. 

Inside the package was also a small "thank you" gift - a Spotliner highlighter pen in dual colours.  A very thoughtful, useful and appreciated gesture.  

What's it like?

Anyway, so what is the new Midori Traveler’s Notebook like?  Well, the passport size Midori Star Edition comes in the usual Midori packaging – wrapped in a protective material bag and inside a sealed cardboard box   Once out of the packaging the camel colour is a pleasant surprise, it is far better in person than it appears in the online photographs. 

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The leather is also soft, yet firm and has a wonderful texture to it.  It’s a delightful little leather notebook from Midori.  It complements the full size Midori Traveler’s Notebook.  On the back of the leather Midori has carved the inscription denoting the notebook as the 5 Year Anniversary - Limited Edition Notebook.  The notebook comes with a choice of two elastic bands - one green and one brown.  The green band (symbolic of the Star Ferry) is fitted as standard and offers a good contrast to the camel colour of the leather.  However if you don't like the green band its a simple task to swap it over for the spare brown band provided.

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The Star Ferry memorabilia included with the notebook are cute but nothing outstanding.  There are other items you can purchase as additional items issued for the limited edition release but I didn't feel I would use them and for the money I preferred to buy additional inserts and various notebooks. 

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

The whole Traveler's Notebook concept from Midori is unique:- the feelable soft camel coloured leather Midori Traveler’s Passport Notebook, the carefully crafted passport size inserts, the high quality paper of the notebooks, the memorabilia commemorating the Star Ferry and the overall professional construction and design make this an item of beauty, collectability and practical functionality. 









The Verdict?

The Midori Star Edition Passport is a wonderful notebook that will be treasured and well used every day in conjunction with the full size Midori Traveler’s Notebook.  It is perfect for a pocket notebook, although it is much more than a notebook.  The next time I visit Hong Kong I will be proudly carrying my Star Edition Midori Traveler's Notebook, in the very distinctive camel leather! 

On a personal level, what you use the Midori Star Edition for is essentially up to your own imagination.  Daily diary, personal planner, field notes, mini journal, travel records or travel memento collections - the list is endless.  Half the fun is finding a unique or personal use for this clever little companion. 

All I know is that the limited edition, 5th anniversary camel Midori Traveler's Notebook is now a very prized possession.   

Photograph - Eclectic Psyche

If you have a Midori Traveler's or are about to buy one and you want some great ideas on how to create the perfect system for your Midori Traveler's Notebook- far more advanced and detailed than my humble suggestions - then check out Patrick Ng's website as he has a lot of innovative ideas. 

http://scription.typepad.com/blog/2011/11/scriptions-perfect-system-2011-2012.html 

Otherwise flickr has a Midori site with lots of photographic examples of how people use their personal Midori Notebook.  Well worth a browse.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/travelernotebook/pool/. 


Please Note: I have no affiliation with any supplier or group directly or indirectly mentioned in my post.  I am only an avid writer and journal enthusiast.