Productivity — at least for me — is traveling near quicksand. At times, I slip into cycles wherein I take on more work than I can healthfully handle. The ground looks firm enough. I can totally make it through, and get it all done. So why not keep going?

Reflecting and journaling are my pathways out. My pens are the branches we were taught as kids to use to pull yourself out of quicksand.

Finding a stationery-related gift for that family member who is a stationery buff is challenging. Often your loved one already bought the pens or notebooks or inks that they like.

My students and coworkers have come to see me as the “fancy pen person.” The identity started out as smirks and rolled eyes at the beginning of meetings. Students ask questions at the beginning of the school year. And, over time, fountain pens quietly emerge in the hands of the more adventurous Ravenclaws in my classes.

There are milestones and then there are milestones. This week marks a personal milestone with the most emphatic italic. The “partner purchase” is absolutely a laughing matter. A milestone one celebrates while laughing and pumping fists in the air. And — apparently — by sharing out on your blog. As one does.