February 5th, the Birthday Day

Turning 59? No biggie. I'm almost 60, and I'm not ashamed to say it! Time flies, and while I'm cool with getting older, I'm kind of obsessed with living long enough to do everything I want.

Honestly, the thought of leaving my husband, daughters, granddaughters, family, and friends is heavy. Time just vanishes – where does it go? I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Not to mention all of the unfinished projects waiting for me to pick them up again and give them new life. Each one is a creative spark, an idea I want to finish. And there's always a growing list of new techniques and styles I'm eager to try. The creative world is always changing, and I don't want to miss out.

The real fear isn't getting older; it's leaving this world with unfinished projects and unexplored ideas. It's about not having enough time to reach my full creative potential and not enough time to have with my family & friends..




One Asvine and the rest are Jinhao fountain pens

We all want a Montblanc or Visconti, but there's something to be said for discovering the joy of affordable pens for everyday use. They may not be as prestigious, but they're practical and you won't stress about them.

One brand that's caught my eye is Jinhao. They're known for their "knock-off" designs, but they're surprisingly good for the price. The writing experience is smooth, and the pen feels great in my hand, just like more expensive models.

The best thing about these affordable pens is how versatile they are. I can throw them in my bag, carry them in a pocket, and take them anywhere without worrying about pens getting damaged or lost. This means I can write whenever I want, whether it's taking notes at a restaurant, sketching at the Farmers' & Artisans' Market, or just enjoying putting pen to paper.

So, while those luxury pens are still tempting, I have a growing appreciation for the unsung heroes of the pen world – the affordable, dependable pens that make writing accessible and enjoyable for everyone.


Kaweco and Lamy, both German pens


TWSBI pens filled with beautiful inks, look like mini lava lamps

A very inexpensive Jinhao Shark pen filled with Diamine writer's blood fountain pen ink.  I thought this ink would be  perfect for this fun pen :)


My birthday gift to myself is this Fountain Pen Coozy Bundle from Rickshaw Bagworks! It has proven to be an incredibly practical, stylish addition to my workspace and for taking out/about.  This Coozy currently houses 18 of my frequently used pens, keeping them organized and easily accessible. While I wouldn't necessarily carry it around with so many pens inside, it's perfect for keeping my desk cleared when needed and my current inked up pens in reach. Overall, I really am loving this solution and recommend Rickshaw Bagworks highly.


After a day of playing with my new and currently inked fountain pens my husband took me out to Casali's and the Dented Keg Taproom.

"The merger between Casali's and Dented Keg is the third DKBC operation. Come find your Casalis favorites, an assortment of Dented Keg grub and freshly-brewed beer and cider, along with your favorite liquors, wines and cocktails!" ---Casali's Grille website

enjoy, take care-

Stephanie 

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