The power of pen, pencil and paper
First, I love this time of year – the stores are filled with writing gadgets and gizmos. Pads, pens and pencils all in different colors, various shapes and syles to entice me to plunk down some cash. But when it comes to actually using those items to write? Nope. I don’t use them. Instead you’ll find me at the computer tapping the keyboard or on my Palm tapping at my wireless keyboard attachment.
Maybe this is the reason when faced with actually having to write something with pen or pencil my handwriting is barely legible. Like chickenscratch. Okay, maybe worse. In fact I so seldom even sign my name anymore that I’m afraid if they ask me sign my kids out of school or something and check it against my license (that was signed years ago) they’d lock me up for fraud!
So, I’ve decided that this year is going to be different (much to my husbands delight – only his expectations don’t involve pencils and pens 
) – Anyway, I’m actually planning to write with all the funky pens I bought this year!
It’s time to limber up those finger muscles and watch the words flow across the paper, watch my penmanship take shape and improve (a girl can hope, right?)
Has the computer become your main writing tool or do you still sit down, chew on the pencil and write your thoughts out longhand? What’s your style?
Okay, I write my notes in longhand now. I also keep a journal (sporadically). However…
I do this with a good fountain pen. (I use a Parker P51, 60 years old, with Diamine Washable Blue ink.)
It makes a difference. A BIG difference.
I’m a fountain pen nut and I’ve always loved them — but for some obscure reason forgot to actually USE them. A few months ago I sat there, looked at my handwriting and… yeah. Chickenscratch. In fact, you could probably read chickenscratch, but my handwriting was worse. I couldn’t read my OWN writing a day later.
I’d kept a journal with a ballpoint and I’d be damned if I could read any of it.
So I dug out my old school fountain pen. I cleaned it. I flushed it. I got it to flow.
Then I managed to get my “Holy Grail” pen — the P51 — for what amounts to peanuts, compared to what that pen normally sells at. (It took over 50 attempts at auctions to get one I could afford.)
Now?
I can read my writing again. I use my FP’s every day at work, despite the strange looks I get from my colleagues.
One of them very proudly flashed a MontBlanc Ballpoint at me the other day and said “I have a decent pen. It’s a MontBlanc!” and I looked at him and said “So?”
The thing is… It’s a BALLPOINT. MontBlanc are famous for their FOUNTAIN PENS. I can pick up a ballpoint for under £40. But if you want a FP… try closer to £800. That was an epic fail on the impressive front. Instead he demonstrated that he hasn’t got a freaking clue, and bought it for posing only.
Silke(Quote) (Reply)