i. the bag. I got my bag from goodwill. It was probably like six dollars, and it's kind of oddly colored on the side, but I like the shape and how slouchy it is. I tied a little scarf around the strap. It's a bit of a security blanket for me. I feel much better if I know I have all the things i "need" with me, and can hold the cross-body strap in my hands.
ii. ipod. it's a little bit pathetic how essential this is to me. I have it with me pretty much always. I could probably do without it more often, and that would be a good thing.
iii. notebook. just got a new notebook. I fill them up quickly with lists, poems, words, journal entries, information i need to remember, reminders, doodles, sketches, letters, and sometimes even gum i don't want anymore folded on the last page.
iv. pens. many pens. all sorts of pens. pencils. I took out a complete handful of other pens for the picture, I usually add to the pens in my purse over the week, and eventually take them out, and start all over. I like different pens for different things, and my handwriting changes a lot with different pens.
v. wallet. i have lots of member/gift/hotel key cards and sometimes cash if i don't spend it all on food. but i keep my change in a jar on my desk for adventures. i got this wallet from a "souvenir barn" in northern Michigan last summer. i like the colors.
vi. chapsticks. lipsticks. mascara. sweets. cough drops. hair clippies. more chapstick. fingernail clippers. key chain game. rings. i keep them all in various little pockets so i don't have to fish around for them.
vii. camera. always. I carry it around with me separately slung over my shoulder, but it still counts as "in my bag". I bring it everywhere, always taking pictures. I really like it a lot.