Somehow we are already halfway through the year! School is out, vacations are underway, and we are desperately trying to find ways to savor these long summer days.While we can’t slow down the clock, we have the means to acknowledge the present and to revisit the past. It can be easy to treat every day as ordinary, but every once in a while, if you’re paying attention, you’ll be struck by something powerful -- a smell that reminds you of a childhood memory, a dream your daughter enthusiastically shared, a particularly friendly interaction with a stranger, a conversation you overheard at the market that made you laugh, or how you felt visiting a city for the first time.There are so many noteworthy things happening all around you.For this reason, we have chosen to spotlight our TRAVELER’S notebook. It’s small enough to tote around wherever you are, and functions as a reminder to appreciate your surroundings. Keeping a journal can seem daunting, but being equipped with a beautiful place to jot down your thoughts and ideas wherever you are makes it more manageable.The TRAVELER’S notebook is particularly special for several reasons. Each leather cover is created by hand in Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand. They are created to last a lifetime, and the rough cut leather will age beautifully over time. The inside of the notebook is completely customizable depending on what you need. It’s a breeze to refill your notebook once you’ve filled up the pages. You can choose inserts that include a grid, a calendar, lined pages, or blank pages. There are also inserts with pockets that are ideal for keeping your passport, plane tickets, credit cards, and travel documents safe.Best of all, everything you need to get started is right here in Alexandria. Penny Post is one of only a handful of companies that carries this cult favorite in the U.S., and lucky for you, it’s right down the road.The design of this notebook is timeless and the refills allow you to keep all of your ideas and inspiration in one place. Create a paper trail of your present as a gift to your future self. It’s incredible the things you’ll begin to notice.