What is the right size for my pen collection?
I return often to reflections on how large or small an “appropriate” collection of fancy pens should be. A recent spate of reflections by blogs I enjoy reading have similarly returned to this topic. Many aspire to small, intentionally-curated collections.
Should I also aim for a similarly minimalist assortment of 10 or 12 pens? Pens that have each been carefully chosen so that each one speaks to a particular part of writing that I enjoy? My forever 10?
Pen math: One out, two more into rotation
The week begins at an interesting juncture. I have six pens already inked. My ink palette, which was both functional and pretty, remains intact. Planning this week’s rotation was easy.
Feeling overwhelmed can be quicksand
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.
Taking myself out of my pen and ink choices
Last week found me with only one pen inked. Uno. Solo. Odd — for me. Clearly the time for a new currently inked has arrived.
Additionally, a full December of using Diamine’s Inkvent left me out of practice with choosing which inks to use. So I took the Gygax route to select this week’s pens and inks. I have a full write-up on the methodology here. It’s fun and well-worth trying out at least once. Dragons not required.