Starting a New Sketchbook and What Happens When You Don't Feel Like Sketching

To start, here are the last few sketches from my previous sketchbook, a Stillman & Birn Alpha 8.5 x 5.5. This has been my go-to lately and I love it.

When I completed that sketchbook, I switched to the Stillman & Birn Alpha 5.5 x 3.5 - considerably smaller! I've been inspired lately (and always, really) by Gabi Campanario's work in this size sketchbook (see his site here).  
It is good to mix up your sketchbooks, sketchbook sizes, and materials sometimes. Liz Steel just posted a great article about this very thing! You can see her article here, and you should just read as much as you can while you're at it. Liz is very analytical about her sketching choices and very generous with sharing her insights.
Even though I've used this size several times before - I even took this size to Paris a couple of years ago (see sketches here), I was struggling with the change. So Liz's article came at a perfect time for me to see that the change is a struggle, but that it's important to mix it up to keep your work fresh and to use your brain and your hands a little differently.

My oldest nephew turned 21 and he went to Memphis Made with us for a beer. It was precious!

There's a break in my sketchbook from January 19 to January 25 because I was sick with a cold/sinus thing. I wasn't so sick that I couldn't sketch, I wasn't even that sick. I was just. so. tired. And being that tired - not feeling like doing my normal things - made me a little depressed. I know that sketching and making art in general makes me feel good and more like myself but I couldn't even make myself sketch a coffee cup, and after a while I realized that I didn't want to bring a thing I love (sketching) into an unhappy place with me. But eventually my energy came back and I picked up my pen again.
The next time that happens - because there will always be a time I don't feel like sketching - I'm going to try sketching/doodling a pattern, or drawing from a picture. That will ease the pressure, and maybe make me feel better sooner.