Cartoon of two dogs wearing sunglasses driving a vintage convertible with "I Love Dogs" license plate.

Mark’s Commonplace Book

Miles and Cleo the goldendoodles.

Miles and Cleo

Welcome to my digital commonplace book, a curated space inspired by the timeless tradition of commonplacing.

Initially, I embarked on this practice as a repository for intriguing discoveries, memorable quotes, and captivating subjects—treasured gems that I eagerly shared with my mother through the charm of good old-fashioned letters.

Miles with his favorite toy
The Analog Commonplace Book.

Miles

The Analog Version…

By extending this digital platform online and welcoming all who chance upon it, I hope to capture the stories that make these discoveries fascinating. This virtual haven encapsulates not only the musings of my mind but also the pleasure of a pastime that has brought me immense enjoyment. I would recommend keeping a commonplace book to anyone for myriad reasons. In fact, I have an entry detailing the many reasons and benefits of doing just that, pinned below and always visible on this page.

Penny Black Stamp
Two intricately carved chess knights, one light and one dark, on a checkered chessboard.
Miles and Cleo the Goldendoodles at their first Halloween party

Cleo and Miles, First Halloween

Join me in this journey of rediscovery as we explore hobbies ranging from thematic stamps, cigarette cards, and both vintage and modern watches, to my fascination with fountain pens and ink. Discover the humble enjoyment I find in playing chess, even amidst frequent losses. Undoubtedly, a significant portion will be dedicated to my two furry companions, Miles and Cleo, who brighten my days.

The result: a delightful jumble of texts and pictures that mirrors the authentic chaos of the leather-covered version that inspired it.

Cleo the Goldendoodle with her favorite ball.

Cleo and the Sacred Ball…

White knight chess piece on a chessboard.
Ceylon six pence postage stamp with a profile of a woman wearing a crown.

Featured Posts.

Featured
The Commonplace Book: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom.
The Commonplace Book: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom.

Keeping a commonplace book is a timeless practice that I wholeheartedly endorse. Allow me to elaborate on this delightful concept. A commonplace book transcends mere pages; it becomes a sanctuary for ideas, a repository of insights, and a canvas for creativity. Imagine it as a cozy corner of your mind where you gather fragments of wisdom, snippets of inspiration, and the occasional doodle. Let’s explore its purpose and the myriad reasons why you should embrace this tradition.

Latest Additions to the Book.

Featured
Pirates on Bahamian Stamps.
Pirates on Bahamian Stamps.

I recently stumbled upon what can only be described as philatelic gold—a magnificent set of Bahamas stamps celebrating the rogues and heroes of the Golden Age of Piracy. Now, I'll freely admit that pirates have held me in their thrall since childhood, so discovering stamps that marry my twin obsessions of postal history and buccaneering was rather like finding a perfectly preserved treasure map in the attic. But this particular quartet isn't just thematically appealing; it features some of the most exquisite artwork I've encountered on any stamp. Each piece is a miniature masterpiece, filled with detail and layers of depth.

A Masterpiece Of Chess: The Opera Game.
A Masterpiece Of Chess: The Opera Game.

If you’re a chess enthusiast, even at a basic level, you’ve probably heard of some legendary games. One such game that stands out in the annals of chess history is Paul Morphy’s Opera Game. I recently came across this game again in a chess book and decided to look deeper into the story and the moves that make this game a timeless masterpiece. Played in 1858, this game is a brilliant example of tactical genius and strategic elegance.

“The Story of Sand” An Unusual Set of Cigarette Cards.
“The Story of Sand” An Unusual Set of Cigarette Cards.

One of the most interesting facets of collecting cigarette cards is the diverse subject matter of the sets. Of course we have many very traditional themes; trains, planes famous characters etc. However, the ones that fascinate me are the ones that after reading the title of the set I still have no real idea of what the full subject matter of a full set would be. I like to imagine the person in charge of new themes at the time sitting there and the thought process that led them to each unusual group of cards. One such set that I happened across just very recently is a fine example. “The Story of Sand” a set of 50 cards by Ogden’s Ltd. The set was released in 1935, and I was not aware that this set existed. This is another aspect of the hobby of collecting these things. No matter how long I have been looking at and collecting cards, there is always a surprise waiting.

The World’s First Christmas Postage Stamp: Canada's 1898 Map Stamp.
The World’s First Christmas Postage Stamp: Canada's 1898 Map Stamp.

Philately is brimming with captivating stories, rare artifacts, and significant historical moments. One such treasure is Canada's first Christmas postage stamp, issued in 1898. This stamp, known as the "Map Stamp," holds a special place in both Canadian history and the history of global postal services. Its issuance marked a unique moment, blending politics, geography, and the holiday spirit. This is the fascinating story behind this stamp, its origins, design, and lasting legacy.

The Search for the Pirate Ship “Golden Fleece” and the story of its Captain Joseph Bannister.
The Search for the Pirate Ship “Golden Fleece” and the story of its Captain Joseph Bannister.

During the period from 1650 to 1720, piracy was at its peak. Contrary to popular belief, there were likely no more than 20 pirate ships and less than 2000 men at any given time. By comparison, there were around 80000 legitimate sailors during the same period. The total number of pirate ships that existed during this era was less than 1000, with most being captured, sold, or repurposed.

The Blue Mauritius Stamp
The Blue Mauritius Stamp

The Blue Mauritius Stamp.

Mauritius only the fifth country in the world to produce their own postage stamps and was the first British colony. The two stamps produced in this first run were the one-penny orange and the two-penny blue. There were no more than 500 produced of each.

Miles and Cleo's Icy Adventure. A tale of Fluff and Frost
Miles and Cleo's Icy Adventure. A tale of Fluff and Frost

As the sun rose on what seemed like an ordinary day, Miles and Cleo, our dynamic doodle duo, had no inkling of the icy escapade awaiting them just beyond our front door. Little did they know, Mother Nature had decided to sprinkle a bit of frosty magic onto our suburban landscape, much to their surprise!

Doodle Diary. Woodpecker Adventure.
Doodle Diary. Woodpecker Adventure.

Today was another adventurous day for Miles and Cleo, the two curious Goldendoodles. We ventured out to our favorite local park, where the sun was shining, and the air was crisp. However, our peaceful outing took an unexpected turn when we encountered a flurry of woodpeckers. It seems the park is a hotspot for the colorful birds.

The Commonplace Book: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom.
The Commonplace Book: A Treasure Trove of Wisdom.

Keeping a commonplace book is a timeless practice that I wholeheartedly endorse. Allow me to elaborate on this delightful concept. A commonplace book transcends mere pages; it becomes a sanctuary for ideas, a repository of insights, and a canvas for creativity. Imagine it as a cozy corner of your mind where you gather fragments of wisdom, snippets of inspiration, and the occasional doodle. Let’s explore its purpose and the myriad reasons why you should embrace this tradition.

Cigarette Cards, Unveiling the Story of Cigarette Cards: From Humble Beginnings to Global Fascination.
Cigarette Cards, Unveiling the Story of Cigarette Cards: From Humble Beginnings to Global Fascination.

In the waning years of the 19th century, amid the bustle of urban life and the aroma of freshly rolled tobacco, a peculiar trend began to take root—the emergence of cigarette cards. Born out of a desire to entice consumers with more than just nicotine, these miniature marvels soon found their way into the hands and hearts of collectors worldwide, weaving a tale of curiosity and connection. Initially, cigarette cards were nothing more than humble stiffeners, inserted into packs to protect the delicate contents within.