Over the last decade, I have accumulated an obscene amount of digital notes. The official count hovers around 3,000, reflecting only what I consider somewhat readable; the true number remains unknown to me,and yet, they somehow hold some value, they are true mathoms.

A mathom is a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe an object that Hobbits have no immediate use for but are unwilling to discard. Often considered a trinket or knick-knack, this idea has become integral to my recent efforts concerning my notes and writings.

This site emerged out of necessity and stubbornness. Instead of addressing my hoarding tendencies, I sought various organizational systems from different platforms, however, I became tired of fighting and losing data due to their monopolistic practices.

Since creating this site, I have developed various ways to organize my existing data. Thanks to Obsidian and its philosophy of prioritizing “file over app,” I have regained my digital freedom and creative ownership.

My works are gradually being organized and distributed in my local storage using the following tiered system:

• croquis are quick, often rough notes made to capture the essence or form of a subject that may lead to more detailed work.

  • retales: This refers to “re-tales,” emphasizing the act of retelling and rewriting. In Spanish, “retales” refers to leftover scraps that can be repurposed, representing forgotten stories—fragments of thoughts that evoke nostalgia and inspire me to return to writing.
  • rimas: The Spanish term for “rhyme,” often used in my earlier poems to distinguish the quality and immediacy of some works.

• manuscrits are collections of croquis that may evolve into more cohesive works.

  • essays: Cohesive collections of thoughts forming an idea or subject.
  • poems: Organized collections of rhymes that create a complete poetic piece.

• archives comprise manuscrits that have been formatted, reviewed, and are considered complete, ready for publication and distribution.

  • digital: Manuscrits that have been formatted but not yet published or printed.
  • physical: Manuscrits that are formatted and published or printed.

• pockets comprise my daily resources, everything I would carry around if I could.

  • bedsidetable: A non-exhaustive list of books I have read and enjoyed recently.
  • cheatsheet: A non-exhaustive list of content I like to consume.
  • workbench: A non-exhaustive list of resources I have used for various side projects.