Colors by numbers … by partner
Novelty is key. Feeling out a new pen or ink or combination draws me back into writing. Returning to the same colors or nibs diminishes the novelty in my penvelope.
It’s easy to fall into cycles wherein I turn to the same ink colors time and again. This week, I escaped the cycle through a tried-and-true method for picking inks: asking my partner to pick ink numbers. Hooray sharing.
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.