Month: March 2026

March 27, 2026

The Stub-Italic Grind Family

Stub. Italic. Smooth italic. Cursive italic. Smooth cursive italic. Formal italic. Sharp italic. Daily italic. Crisp italic.

These are all variations of the nib modification that reduces the top-to-bottom width of the nib tipping to produce narrower cross strokes. There are probably even more names for grinds in this spectrum of nib modification that I’ve either forgotten or have never heard of. You need to ensure you are writing with the nib properly positioned against the paper — how forgiving the nib is depends on the properties you request.

Note: This post focuses on the standard stub-italic grind spectrum, purposely omitting the oblique variations.

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Review – The Second Mrs. Bennet

March 26, 2026

Rachel

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Review – The Second Mrs. Bennet

Posted in Book Blogger

The Second Mrs. Bennet

by Catherine Bilson

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency
Release Date: April 26, 2024
Pages: 311
Get from: Amazon | Kobo
My Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (-1 for errors)

When Charlotte Lucas becomes the new Mrs. Bennet, taking charge of the household after her predecessor’s untimely death, she guides the fates of the five Bennet sisters with a steady hand. Even Mr. Darcy can find little to criticise in the elegant family, and much to admire in the witty, clever Elizabeth.

However, rumours and scandals brew when the charming but deceitful Mr. Wickham arrives in Meryton. Jealous Caroline Bingley fans the flames against the Bennets, but level-headed Charlotte manoeuvres each challenge with grace.

As Elizabeth warily forms a complex acquaintance with the aloof Mr. Darcy, Wickham’s schemes threaten to tear them apart. But with Charlotte’s wise counsel, Elizabeth unravels Wickham’s lies and protects the vulnerable Georgiana Darcy, earning Darcy’s undying respect and admiration.

Follow the romantic adventures of the Bennet sisters as Charlotte’s steady guidance steers them towards happier fates than they ever imagined possible. With resilience and compassion, love finds a way, demonstrating the enduring power of family.

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Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Bi Pride

March 20, 2026

Rachel

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Pen Porn: Stanford Pen Studio Bi Pride

Posted in Fountain Pens

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉

After a longer break from my pen porn posts than I’d intended, I’m back with another special commission. I’ve wanted one of Lana le Roux’s “layered” pens since Stanford Pen Studio (SPS) posted one for the first time. But, I could never quite figure out exactly what I wanted. Then it hit me. While I have my “Stacked Pride” rainbow pen, I didn’t have a bisexual pride pen.

I reached out to SPS and asked if Lana would be willing to take on this commission, and, happily, the answer was yes. I left the motif, design, etc. up to Lana, only asking that she use the bi flag colors.

What I didn’t mention was that I was commissioning this as my 300th fountain pen. So, Lana, and Di and Dave, thank you for making my 300th pen so special!

Now, time for the pen porn.

Stanford Pen Studio x Lana La Roux Jabulani

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Review – Most Ardently

March 19, 2026

Rachel

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Review – Most Ardently

Posted in Book Blogger

Most Ardently

by Susan Mesler-Evans

Genres: LGBTQ+, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 21, 2019
Pages: 372
Get from: Library | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
My Rating: ★★★☆☆

Elisa Benitez is proud of who she is, from her bitingly sarcastic remarks, to her love of both pretty boys and pretty girls. If someone doesn’t like her, that’s their problem, and Elisa couldn’t care less. Particularly if that person is Darcy Fitzgerald, a snobby, socially awkward heiress with an attitude problem and more money than she knows what to do with.

From the moment they meet, Elisa and Darcy are at each other’s throats — which is a bit unfortunate, since Darcy’s best friend is dating Elisa’s sister. It quickly becomes clear that fate intends to throw the two of them together, whether they like it or not. As hers and Darcy’s lives become more and more entwined, Elisa’s once-dull world quickly spirals into chaos in this story of pride, prejudice, and finding love with the people you least expect.

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Floofenstein: One-Year Gotchaversary

March 15, 2026

Rachel

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Floofenstein: One-Year Gotchaversary

Posted in Cat

I can’t believe today marks one year since Floofenstein chose to become part of our family. If you haven’t read my previous posts about him, check out his tag page to do so.

Floof sleeping against a cat bed — Starting off strong with adorable cat photos.

Floof in a cat bed, partially hiding his face and looking at the camera out of his right eye. — Starting off strong with adorable cat photos.

The Clowder

Now then, there isn’t too much new news since October. Let’s start with his relationships with the rest of the clowder.

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Indie Maker Origin Stories

March 13, 2026

Rachel

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Indie Maker Origin Stories

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Uncategorized

For the past 7 shows — with one exception — I’ve shared one or more posts about my BWIPS experience. This year, I decided to do something different. On Sunday, when the show was quiet, I talked to every small, independent pen maker I could, and followed up with the rest via Instagram.

I asked each maker, “Would you mind sharing how you got into pen making?” The stories I was told were, of course, as unique as the makers themselves. And so, I present to you Indie Maker Origin Stories.

To the wonderful makers: if I missed or messed up part of your story, I’m sorry. Drop a comment below or send me a message on Instagram and I’ll fix it ASAP.

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