things that gather in the morning

reflections on creativity, ritual, and the small things that shape the beginning of a day.

coffee, notebooks, photographs, and pen to paper — a look at how writing remains part of the creative process, even in a visual life.

a few things that tend to gather on my desk in the the morning:

• coffee

• a notebook

• a camera

• small photographs

• a good pen

writing has always been part of my creative process.

just getting thoughts out of my head and onto the page.

sometimes it’s plans. sometimes it’s ideas.

sometimes it’s just a few quiet lines but pen to paper still feels like the best place to start.

a thank you to Cross Pens for the beautiful pen that quietly found its way into my mornings and creative rituals lately.

in a digital world, there’s still something about pen to paper that feels grounding to me.

if you’ve been looking for a good writing pen of your own, this is the one featured here in my photos. or some other favourites of mine, i have both this white laquer, rose gold ballpoint and this fountain pen.

you’re also welcome to use my code MICHELLE_MOLLINGA15 for a little savings.

happy writings.

xo.