For those of you who have spent any time around me at all know that I am a writing utensil connoisseur. I can identify pens by their bodies, sounds, mark patterns, and so on... thus, I have a deep appreciation for fine pens. I am particular about the pens I purchase and even more protective of them once they've met my dear Moleskine. However, this Saturday I entered a new realm of dorkdom with the purchase of my first fountain pen.
Three months ago an astute scholar introduced me to the glory of fountain pens when she casually uncapped her own while studying at Barnes & Noble one day. Four of us had recently sat down and started to settle in when my eyes caught site of the magnificent tool she brought forth from her bookbag. I sat across the table completely captivated by the unknown object of affections.
Apparently, the intensity of my adoration and intrigue were written all over my face because one of the other girls called me on it. Which set in motion a transformative pen experience. The astute scholar noticed my illogical fascination, looked at her pen as if to say "What? This ol' thing?", and then performed one of the most fantastic acts of 2010... she extended her fine, german made, fountain pen across the table.
Now, if you know me, you can guess that my first response was to semi-deny my infatuation and eagerness to hold and sample the pen. After very little coaxing I gently cupped my hands around the pen and allowed it to makes its first few strokes in my journal. It was delightful and I was grinning like a idiot! It was so smooth and refined, yet curious and adventuresome. A trance descended on me and I wrote and wrote and wrote and wrote, completely unaware of everything around me.
Pages upon pages later, I came out of it and humbly returned the precious tool to its gracious owner. Knowing only one thing- I had to get one.
Unable to find the same brand in the United States, I finally buckled and purchased a different brand. However, this darling came with a converter, 3 refills, and -best of all- a suede wrap for travel. I began writing with my new fountain pen on Saturday and have been unwilling to stop since! Its been nearly two years since ideas have flowed this freely and writing has come this easily, I attribute it to the breakthrough power of fountain pens ;]
Each time I go to write I reach down into my bag and grab ahold of what feels like a noble and powerful, yet untamed tool. I pull it up to my desk and carefully remove the suede wrap, gently unwinding the string, letting it come to life before me, for this is a weighty tool that has a personality all its own. It is a sword that must be wielded with respect and awe, yet also handled swiftly while chasing fresh, new ideas.
The addition of a fountain pen to my arsenal has exponentially increased my eagerness and willingness to write and experiment. Watch out, I'm already on my second refill!
jokes aside, I am very excited... fresh posts are in the making ;]
I remember this!
Can't believe you already used a refill! Wait... yes I can ;)
jealousy is a sin, I have sinned
I think the thing I like best about this post is the fact that I can hear you in every word. Though this is true for everything you write, it just makes this so much more hilarious and I love it :)
This is such a great story. And only few people can be so eloquent and captivating in writing about such a simple thing as a pen. Point in case - you are a great writer. When ordinary objects and ordinary situations become extraordinary stories, it gives evidence to your expertise.
Ah yes, fountain pens! The best is yet to come. What I highly enjoy is when you are writing with one and you realize that your source of light - sunlight, lamplight, candlelight - is casting a shadow of your pen across the page. This is always a magical moment and generally makes me write faster as I watch the pen and its tip move across the page in a new way.
Welcome to the best level of dorkdom ever :)
First, I totally agree with Randi's comment. My favorite line of the whole entire entry is, "It is a sword that must be wielded with respect and awe, yet also handled swiftly while chasing fresh, new ideas." That's so Hannah! I love you and I'm glad I got a chance to hold the beauty myself and even write my name! :) Thanks for sharing the experience with me. :) I hope to get one too one day. Love to you, Sally P.