Through years of journal writing, one accumulates and an extensive array of pens. Every writing desk has a canister of pens; not a cup, but a canister. For a period of time, I will write with one kind and then shift to the next one. In the process of three morning pages, I will use at least two kinds of pens of different color; more if I am decorating the edges with a “Zander” tangle design.
Ball points, felt tips, roller balls, pencils, markers, drafting pens, highlighters, scissors, and fountain pens all vie for space in the crowded canisters.
From Cardin and Cross, to Micron and Pilot, from Sharpies to Staples to Staedtler, Tul to Uniball, on Zebra and Zig. From .01 Microns to 5.0 Calligraphy markers. From $2.00 to $40.00; the list continues. Pens, pencils and markers manufactured from Japan to Germany. But, most importantly, a full array of shades and intensity of color.
Lately, I have begun to enjoy the Cross Fountain pen, a generic medium fountain pen, but have always wanted a pen with a broader point, perhaps even an italic or calligraphic point. But a truly top quality pen. The calligraphy starter set I tried tended to dry quickly. Totally unsatisfying. After writing thousands of journal pages, my Sagittarian mind seeks the next best creative tool. In addition to having a sense of tradition, fountain pens lend themselves well for slower, deliberate, contemplative, meditative writing practices.Researching the ‘best of the best’ of fountain pens, has led me on a quest for the holy grail of pens, a Pelikan M800. Quests become Obsessions. Not knowing anyone personally who owns a Pelikan M800, my obsession requires me to research online,.. daily. Also, I have begun gathering my hoarded gift monies and my credit card points toward the object of the quest.
Yes, I have been told great novels and treatises have been written with goose quills, or pencils. Undeterred, I’ve continued my quest.
Does that mean I will neglect all the pens sitting in my pencil wells? Do artists neglect their old brushes? Not for a moment. They provide the varying colors, textures and speed I need for writing in different situations. Even my pens must provide useful work if they are to keep their place in the canisters.
When a decade ago I invested in a burgundy, aniline leather chair, I thought it to be the most extravagant purchase I had made. But, it has immensely improved the quality of my daily life. I've never had any regrets about its purchase. So is my assumption about purchasing a top quality pen even though others may think me mad to spend $300+ on a fountain pen. And like the chair, I expect that in a decade from now, I will have no regrets about this purchase.
When the pen of my dreams arrives, I will post a photo and a review.
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