Archive for Editorial
Ink Sample Book
Start writing with a fountain pen and you will discover about a billion different colors and flavors of available inks and if you are like me, you will want to try as many as possible to find the perfect shade with the best flow for your favorite pen. Continue Readering »
The DC Supershow
I am looking forward to the DC pen show this coming weekend. It is the biggest fountain pen show in the world. If you love pens, pen memorabilia and inks, this is heaven on earth. 
The first two days of the show are for weekend traders and retailers; but August 14-15 – Saturday and Sunday, are open to consumers. The show is held at the Sheraton Tysons Corner in Vienna, Virginia. More information here.
I collect antique inkwells, so I’m hoping to add one or two to my collection, plus a fountain pen or two, and some ink, and whatever I see that grabs my imagination. I will brave the sighs I’m going to get when I get home…but pen people understand.
A bottle of the new 1670 Herbin ink will be at the Pendemonium booth if you would like to stop by and test it. Bob Johnson, who runs the show, asked me to bring some Herbin inks and Clairefontaine paper for the testing table and various other places. I have packed some Rhodia and some Triomphe pads.
I’ll also bring along some pens I feel don’t work properly or I’m afraid to use. I know I can get some friendly, expert advice on what to do.
Hope to see you there or bump into you at one of the tables!
Win More Webbies!
Yes, yes… I know. We just gave away a pile of Webbies.
But what you might not know is that we also sent out a bunch to some awesome bloggers to be given away on their own blogs. How can you find out about these giveaways and discover some cool new blogs in the process? Continue Readering »
Do we have any Geocachers out there?
While I am finally in possession of a real GPS unit as opposed to using the confusing one one on my cell phone, I still haven’t tried Geocaching. (Though I’d really like to.) Unfamiliar with the sport? Continue Readering »
List Book: TV shows from when I was a child
I always keep several journals going at the same time for a few different reasons, but my favorite has to be my List Book. I enjoy creating lists of things I remember- foods I like, people I used to know…. It’s a fun activity that also works very well to gather bits and pieces of your life that could be used in future writing or for simple reflection. Depending on your frame of mind when you do it, the exercise could stir up some deep emotions- like when I made a list of the foods Mom used to cook for me. Emotions are often attached to food memories…
This list is of television shows I remember watching prior to my teenage years. As I was born in 1968, many of these shows were from the mid 1970′s. (Did I remember to add “Battle of the Network Stars?”)
If you were to start your own list book, what would be the subject of your first list?
Renewal
Each year for the last five, I’ve been driving to a retreat in central PA located at a small university in the mountains. At first glance, the Summer Rhythm Renewal (under the direction of my friend Jim Donovan) is 4 days of drumming, dancing & spending time with good friends both old and new.
But peel off that glorious layer and there’s so much more! Continue Readering »
In Pursuit of the Perfect Notebook
Wendy Thomas recently wrote an article on the blog Live to Write – Write to Live about her search for the perfect notebook. She, (like someone I know QUITE well,) claims to be obsessive about the type of notebook she chooses to carry. In her article, she discusses at her preferences for binding style, durability, aesthetics, paper, line width, and price – to which she says; “there is simply no price too high if a notebook is perfect.” Continue Readering »
Velo Orange and Rhodia
An eagle eye reader pointed out to me that there are some Rhodia fans over at Velo Orange- a manufacturer and purveyor of parts and accessories for randonneurs and cyclo-tourists.
“For many years some of the wonderful parts and accessories once produced by small firms in Europe for the cyclo-tourist and randonneur have been unavailable, or outrageously expensive. So I started Velo Orange to find and sell these remaining items, and to produce those that were no longer available.” – Chris Kulczycki founder of Velo Orange.
August Giveaway: Which Herbin Inks Would You Like To Win?
I’m thinking about giving away some fountain pen inks for the month of August. From J. Herbin’s Jewel of Inks line, there are 30 colors to choose from. Want to help me pick which inks to give away? Just leave a comment below with your Top 3 color choices and I’ll take it from there.
Don’t own a fountain pen? Try using a brush! These water based inks behave much like watercolor paints.
Star Wars Art
Alberto Lung is a self-taught artist combining a scientific academic background and a passion for manga, anime, archaeology and mythology. “Besides manga and anime, probably the concept art from Star Wars, Transformers, and the Final Fantasy series have been the greatest influence in my artwork,” he said. 
I love his sketch of Jedi Master Plo Koon, a member of the Jedi Council. An accomplished starfighter pilot, Plo Koon was a High General of the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. He was a close friend of Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi who took young Anakin Skywalker (future Darth Vader fame) on as his Padawan learner.
See more of his artwork on his sketchblog, Lung Sketching Scrolls.
Learn more about Plo Koon here at Wookiepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
Writing in the Moment
Years ago, I worked in a camera shop that had a photofinishing mini-lab on the premises. You could have your film developed in an hour and I would do this from time to time, running over to the store to get pictures developed from an event I just came from and odd as it may sound, I was always a little disappointed with the results. It was as if the memory was so strong in my mind that the pictures couldn’t do them justice. If I waited a while to have them developed, it seemed to bring the memories back and I liked that better. Continue Readering »
The Rhodia Video Rodeo is Coming!
My fellow Rhodies, want to score a HUGE batch of Rhodia products? Maybe even enough to tide you over for a full year? Then get your video cameras ready, as we saddle up for the 1st ever Rhodia Video Rodeo. More details coming soon!
Winners of the July Giveaway – Blank Webbie Journals
329 entrants in out latest giveaway! Much thanks to you all for your support!
And now for the winners!
Katy (Port Charlotte)
Birch S.
Arcata Red
Bob M. (Douglas)
gary (Kalamazoo)
Andy (St. Paul)
Tom (Penfield)
Rick Meisenzahl
Molly (Los Angeles)
john-in-atl
Your Webbies will be on their way soon! Enjoy!
I want a warrior creature to hold my pencil
Alberto Lung has the largest collection of art supplies I’ve ever seen. I’m getting to the point where I’m ready to offer him a week’s pay to poke around his collection. Continue Readering »
Cover your journal?
Do you prefer to cover your journals with an external case? I’m torn… While I like the idea of having a custom cover, I need to make sure that it doesn’t in any way restrict the way I use the journal. Which many of you may know is balanced on my leg while sitting in a chair. (Flat table space is a scarcity in my home.)
Image by Biffybeans © All Rights Reserved.
