Skip to content

Author: Rachel

Review – Violins and VampiresBook Review Featured Image
October 17, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Review – Violins and Vampires

Posted in Book Blogger

Violins and Vampires

by CEE BEE

Series: Vampires of the Daemonverse, Book 1
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Vampire
Release Date: October 13, 2022
Pages: 236
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
My Rating: ★★★★☆

Lexa Uznetsov is trapped
To save my sister, I take on my father’s massive debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. My life becomes a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. There’s barely time to sleep, let alone find love. In desperation, I approach Caelin MacGregor, the handsome Scotsman who runs Empire Investments. After all, what’s the worst that can happen?

Caelin MacGregor is a lost king
Ages ago, I ruled a clan of Bloodkin vampires. My people are born to wield magic, drain humans, and live forever. That’s all over now. I’ve been alone for a thousand years. Today, I no longer care about the sunrise, let alone truly desire a woman. Then, I look upon Lexa. My world turns upside down…

Keep ReadingReview – Violins and Vampires
Pen Porn: Shibui North Kitsune ConverterPen Porn Shibui North Kitsune Converter
October 16, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Shibui North Kitsune Converter

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 the high-quality pen porn. 😉

This fun little pen has a mouthful of a name: Kitsune Converter Teal Enamel Ceracote Creepy Little Skulls. It’s a heavy pen — after all, it’s made from copper — but sits well in the hand.

Shibui North Kitsune Converter
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Shibui North Kitsune Converter
2023 Autumn London Pen ShowLondon Pen Show, autumn 2023
October 13, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

2023 Autumn London Pen Show

Posted in Fountain Pens

Jim and I scheduled our vacation around the London Pen Show this year. For those unfamiliar with it, the London Pen Show is a one-day pen show, held this year at the Novotel London West. I understand that in previous years, it’s been at a different location.

We were eager to meet different makers and experience different shops; and we certainly did. This show had a drastically different exhibitor list than the U.S. shows we’ve been to.

Keep Reading2023 Autumn London Pen Show
Athena: It’s Always SomethingAthena: It's Always Something
October 6, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Athena: It’s Always Something

Posted in Cat

This post is a continuation of my series on Athena — her diagnosis, treatment, integration into the household, and life after FIP. If you haven’t already, I suggest taking a look at my previous posts on her. You can find them on her tag page.

Let me start with two things right off the bat.

  1. Athena is doing well; we’ve already taken care of the biggest issue that popped up.
  2. This post is a bit later than I’d planned because I waited to include her most recent blood work results.
Keep ReadingAthena: It’s Always Something
StyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon NibStyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib
September 22, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

StyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib

Posted in Fountain Pens

Those of you who have been following my blog for a while know that I adore my StyloSuite nibs. In fact, I named the Spencerian nib my 2022 favorite nib and my all-time favorite.

A little bit ago, I got a new nib from Les at StyloSuite, a XXXF X-Wing Harpoon. I don’t know all of the differences between this nib and the previous X-Wing Harpoons, and I don’t want to ask Les to reveal his secret. I’m assuming it’s at least been narrowed further.

XXXF X Wing Harpon

I don’t consider this post a review; it’s a comparison.

Keep ReadingStyloSuite XXXF X Wing Harpoon Nib
Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentisInk Battle
September 12, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Ink Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

The point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Side Note: This Ink Battle is slightly different than usual. Jim and I picked these up at the DC Show separately, and I need to know if it’s worth keeping both. I love Laban inks, but the DeAtramentis Document series is new to me.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Laban and DeAtramentis
Fountain Pen Tag 5000Fountain Pen Tag 5000
September 8, 2023
Rachel
One Comment

Fountain Pen Tag 5000

Posted in Fountain Pens

This post is inspired by Angelica Nyqvist‘s video Too Big, Too Repetitive, Ugly Packaging? | Eyeshadow Palette TAG 5000. In that video, they credit Chic Geek with coming up with the idea.

1. Pen that has special memories associated with it

For so long, my main choice for this type of question was my Prisma 88. But now, I have my Analog Notes Precious Petals that remind me of the first bouquet Jim gave me when we were dating.

Analog Notes Precious Petals
Keep ReadingFountain Pen Tag 5000
Pen Porn: Dotted Sea UrchinPen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin
August 29, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Pen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin

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 the high-quality pen porn. 😉

Before I get started, I need to say that this isn’t my pen. I’m borrowing it from Jim because it deserves a pen porn post.

He’d wanted one of these “sea urchin” pens since Stanford Pen Studio first posted one. These dotted pens are painted by Di herself. Jim just happened to be lucky enough to scoop this one up when it posted.

Now, onto the photos!

Stanford Pen Studio Sea Urchin
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Dotted Sea Urchin
My “Lucky Catches”My "Lucky Catches"
August 25, 2023
Rachel
5 Comments

My “Lucky Catches”

Posted in Fountain Pens

How many times have you missed out on a limited edition? Or discovered a product you want only to learn that it was introduced — and discontinued — years ago? I’m guessing you can think of at least a few instances of each.

Now, how often has a product you considered a lost cause made it into your collection? I’d bet this time you have less instances. You likely consider those occasions when you managed to snag something you didn’t think you would to be rather lucky. I certainly do, and I want to share a few lucky catches that are part of my collection.

Keep ReadingMy “Lucky Catches”
Fountain Pen Tag, Ink EditionFountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition
August 23, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Fountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition

Posted in Fountain Pens

I came across a fun old post from nikkipans on the makeup side of Instagram, with a tag credited to user jesspanner who either quit Instagram or changed their name. It wasn’t hard to adjust it to work for the fountain pen world.

Because I’ve done “fountain pen tags” for both pens and nibs, it only made sense to make this one about ink! Even more fun, Jim agreed to join the fun and provide his answers as well!

I’ve included swatches for inks we still have; unfortunately, that’s only about 60% of them. I’ve done my best to photoshop the individual ink swatches to look true-to-life, but that’s easier said than done, especially with any color that has red in it.

Keep ReadingFountain Pen Tag, Ink Edition
Pen Porn: Harmony of the HummingbirdPen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird
August 21, 2023
Rachel
One Comment

Pen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird

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 the high-quality pen porn. 😉

If you saw my first DC Pen Show post, then you know I purchased the Luxury Brands of America x Benu collaboration Harmony of the Hummingbird. I had to wait for it to get shipped from the LBA warehouse so I could get the number I wanted. Now it’s hear, and I had to put my other posts on hold to share this gorgeous pen with you.

Benu Euphoria Harmony of the Hummingbird
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Harmony of the Hummingbird
Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. HerbinInk Battle
August 18, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Ink Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin

Posted in Fountain Pens

No matter how much I try to sample or test an ink before buying it, sometimes that isn’t possible. Because of this, I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. That’s where “ink battles” come in.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may decide, when using the inks side-by-side, that one performs better, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite color. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better.

Or, I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to keep them both. Depending on how these “battles” turn out, I may tag some of the posts as ink dupes as well. You can find all of the ink battles posts on the tag page.

Keep ReadingInk Battle: Birmingham and J. Herbin
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 32023 DC Pen Show. The Joy of Community
August 14, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3

Posted in Fountain Pens

The Joy of Community

I’ve said in previous posts that the fountain pen community is amazing. The DC Pen Show was an excellent reminder of this. For both Jim and I, the focus — and highlight — of the show was socializing with pen friends.

It’s been easy, for the past few years, to forget what a great community the pen world is. In general, members are welcoming and helpful. The experienced members tend to be generous in sharing their knowledge, and sometimes inks or even pens for testing.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 3
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 22023 DC Pen Show. How to make it even better.
August 11, 2023
Rachel
2 Comments

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2

Posted in Fountain Pens

How to Make it Even Better

I want to start this post by ensuring any reader knows that I’m not writing this to denigrate the DC Pen Show, the show organizers, or the venue. This post is going to seem negative since I’m writing about issues I had with the show and venue. But, nothing is perfect, and you can’t improve without input. So, that’s what I’m trying to do: provide input and suggestions for improvement.

I also want to acknowledge that Barbara and her team have improved the DC Pen Show by leaps and bounds. Their work to better the show for vendors and attendees deserves recognition. I want to help the show organizers continue to make the DC Pen Show even better.

Now, with my purpose explained, let’s dive into the few issues I had with and at the DC Pen Show and some possible ideas for mitigation.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 2
2023 DC Pen Show, Part 12023 DC Pen Show, general show experience
August 8, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1

Posted in Fountain Pens

General Show Experience

While absolutely exhausting, I have to say that this year’s DC Pen Show has been my favorite by far of all the ones I have attended. I got to chat with so many pen friends, meet new people, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with older friends.

For those who didn’t attend the DC Pen Show last year, and/or who didn’t read my blog posts, the show hotel underwent a major renovation — it was in progress during last year’s show — so multiple areas were seriously altered in comparison to previous years.

I have a lot to say for my show review this year, so check out my post about it later this week.

Keep Reading2023 DC Pen Show, Part 1
A Fulfilling Micro CollectionA Fulfilling Micro Collectino
August 4, 2023
Rachel
One Comment

A Fulfilling Micro Collection

Posted in Fountain Pens

The Goulet Pen Company posted a Q&A Slice video on YouTube Can These 5 Pens Cover ALL of Your Needs?, with the answer to a question from user Adams1030.

If you had to curate a standard 5-pen collection that in theory would cover almost all of a person’s fountain pen needs, what would that collection be?

The question is interesting, and Drew’s answer was fun. While I wouldn’t be happy with just the five pens I list below — I enjoy variety — I think they would satisfy most of the general pen desires. So, allow me to share my version of the 5-pen collection. My goal was to provide a wide range of writing experiences without breaking the bank on any one pen.

Keep ReadingA Fulfilling Micro Collection
Athena: Life After FIPAthena: Life After FIP
August 1, 2023
Rachel
Leave a Comment

Athena: Life After FIP

Posted in Cat

This post is a continuation of my series on her treatment and integration into the household. If you haven’t already, I suggest reading my previous posts on her. You can find them on her tag page.

Let’s get the big news out of the way: we are officially considering Athena cured. *Cue applause*

Because of this, I’m changing a couple of aspects of these posts, including the frequency. Unless anything catastrophic happens, I’ll be switching to posting about Athena every other month. If I don’t have enough to share, I may increase time between posts.

Second, as we are now considering Athena cured, I’m restarting the counts to “Post Cured.” I’m not going to count days anymore, I’m just going to count months — e.g. July 3rd is 0-Day post cured, August 3rd will be 1 month post cured, and so on.

Keep ReadingAthena: Life After FIP
July 28, 2023
Rachel
4 Comments

21 Pen Questions

Posted in Fountain Pens

I know, I know, I’m jumping on this bandwagon super late. But, Tom Oddo included his responses in issue 392 of Ink Journal, and this most recent entry for this trend finally made decide to follow suit. If you haven’t seen this tag yet, it originates with Ana from The Well Appointed Desk.

1: What is the pen they’ll have to pry out of your cold dead hands?

There are many, but I think the most precious is my Bumbledore pen from Stanford Pen Studio.

The Right Royal Pen
Keep Reading21 Pen Questions
Pen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura NagarePen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare
July 25, 2023
Rachel
3 Comments

Pen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare

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 the high-quality pen porn. 😉

The History

The Sailor Professional Gear Sakura Nagare is a rather special pen. I came across the design while looking up photos for my out of reach pens post. The one I saw then was the new, 19111 King of Pen model. It was so pretty, I did a quick Google search to learn more.

Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare
Keep ReadingPen Porn: Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare