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Author: Rachel

Prepping for a Pen Show

Prepping for a Pen Show

Prepping for a Pen Show

Posted in Pen Shows

Attribution: I could not for the life of me find my overview images of the DC Pen Show, so I took to Google. The background image I used in the share images for Instagram and Facebook is from The Looped Square‘s DC Pen Show Recap – 2022 post.

We’re in the final countdown to the DC Pen Show. While I always look forward to pen shows, I also look forward to the return to normalcy after. The closer a show gets, the more brain power and higher percentage of my thoughts it claims. This week, I’ll be working hard to think of, and accomplish, something other than preparing for the show.

Since I haven’t really shared my pen show prep schedule before, I thought I’d give it a go and see if it will help to get my thoughts out of my head.

Fountain Pen Alignment

Fountain Pen Alignment

Fountain Pen Alignment

Posted in Fountain Pens

A while back, I came across idipbananasintocoffee‘s Fountain pen alignment chart, I think in a newsletter. It’s a fun idea, and I decided to try my hand at it, but with some adjustments. Most importantly, my chart is based solely on the pen’s appearance. I do not take into account the performance of the pen, as idipbananasintocoffee did.

For those completely unfamiliar with alignment charts, they are 3×3 tables with good, neutral, and evil on one side and lawful, neutral, and chaotic on the other. Good-evil is fairly self explanatory, but the general consensus is that they are levels of empathy. Lawful-chaotic relates to adherence to consistent moral principles. Decisions are according to principles (lawful), need (neutral), or impulse (chaotic).

Black Ink? No, Thank You

Black Ink? No, Thank You

Black Ink? No, Thank You

Posted in Fountain Pens, and Ink

Fountain pens deserve better than plain black ink. Allow me to share why I feel this way.

When You Can’t Get Over It

When you can't get over it

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When You Can’t Get Over It

Posted in Non-Fountain Pens

I thought I’d come to terms with my Caran d’Ache (CdA) 849 Year of the Dragon. But then, Brad, The Pen Addict, reviewed the same pen, and now I have ALL KINDS of additional angry feels. This has effectively ruined the only decent year of the dragon pen release for me.

But, before I get carried away, let me back up for a minute.

Background

Around the middle of last year, I started getting excited for the expected surge of awesome dragon products for the year of the dragon — I was born during the year of the dragon. Unfortunately, as the Lunar New Year products were announced, there was a dearth of dragons, and of products that looked like effort went into the design.

Ink Battle: Diamine and Diamine

Ink Battle

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Ink Battle: Diamine and Diamine

Posted in Ink

This ink battle is between Diamine Wistful Watermelon and Diamine Sailors Warning. Both inks are in a TWSBI 580 with a F nib. The paper is Muji loose leaf plain.

Today’s ink battle is another bout of bottle versus sample. It determined if I buy a bottle of Sailors Warning, or relegate the sample to the “for dupes” baskets. I tend to prefer to buy bottles of shimmer ink, since the samples are often light on the shimmer.

For those unfamiliar with these inks, Wistful Watermelon is part of the Cult Pens exclusive Fresh Fruit series and Sailors Warning is one of two colors chosen by members of the fountainpens Subreddit in 2022 or 2023. Sailors Warning has been rebranded as Red Sky with some retailers and has a very interesting shimmer that looks either blue, silver, or pink depending on the light. I’m assuming it’s a multichrome shimmer, but I can’t find anything online to support that. For this battle, I shook the sample, but then let it mostly settle.

Ink Battles Explained

Between myself and Jim buying inks, we own far too many. This means I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. And, because of that, I need to figure out which inks to keep and which to dispose of. Sometimes, I have samples of two or more similar inks that I'm trying to decide which to buy, or if I should buy one ink when I already own a bottle of a similar one.

Enter ink battles. I put the similar inks into pens with the same nibs (two Jowo #6 M, two TWSBI F, etc.), or I create ink splats and doodles, to test them out to see which I like better. Or, I may find out that they’re sufficiently different to keep.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may find, when using the inks side-by-side, that there are performance differences, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite ink, a "winner". These choices are often subjective, and you may disagree with me.

An ink battle — unlike ink dupes — is between inks I like. I enjoy using them enough to have them in my "for use" ink collection — as opposed to my repository of inks for testing dupes. If an ink performed poorly or caused problems, I wouldn’t keep it. And, if that were the case, an ink battle would be unnecessary.

Reminder: You can find all of the ink battle posts on the tag page.

Review – The Royal Wardrobe

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Review – The Royal Wardrobe

Posted in Book Blogger

The Royal Wardrobe: A Very Fashionable History of the Monarchy

by Rosie Harte

Book Cover: The Royal Wardrobe

Genres: Non Fiction, Fashion, Royalty, United Kingdom
Release Date: June 8, 2023
Pages: 400
Purchase from: Amazon

My Rating: ★★★★☆

View ratings overview

☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.

Peek into the wardrobes of history’s most fashionable royals

Why did women wear such heavy and uncomfortable skirts in the Elizabethan era?
What the hell happened to Charles II’s pubic hair wig?
How did Princess Diana’s revenge dress become so iconic?

Fashion for the royal family has long been one of their most powerful weapons. Every item of their clothing is imbued with meaning, history and majesty, telling a complex tale of the individuals who wore them and the houses they represented.

From the draping of a fabric to the arrangements of jewels, the clothing worn by royals is anything but coincidental. King at just nine years old, Edward VI’s clothes were padded to make him seem stronger and more manly; and the ever-conscious Elizabeth II insisted her coronation gown include all the representative flora of the commonwealth nations, and not just that of the United Kingdom. Yet reigning monarchs are not the only ones whose fashion sensibilities could mean make or break for the crown.

Original and enlightening, Rosie Harte’s complete history delicately weaves together the fashion faux pas and Vogue-worthy triumphs that chart the history of our royals from the Tudors to the Victorians right through to King Charles III and our twenty-first-century royal family. Travelling far beyond the bounds of the court, The Royal Wardrobe reveals the economic, social and political consequences of royal apparel, be it breeches, tiara, wig or waistcoat.

Each stitch has a story, you just need to know how to read them

Pen Porn: 2024 Pilot Shareholder Gift

Pen Porn: 2024 Pilot Shareholder Gift

Pen Porn: 2024 Pilot Shareholder Gift

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. 😉

I have a different type of pen porn post for you today: the 2024 Pilot Shareholder 1,000+ shares gift. While there is a fountain pen, and I do have some good photos of it, this time I’m more interested in sharing the packaging, because it’s really nice.

Pilot Custom 74 Brown

Athena: 1 Year Cured

Athena: 1 year cured

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Athena: 1 Year Cured

Posted in Cat

Today, Jim and I are celebrating the anniversary of a momentous occasion. One year ago, Athena was declared cured of FIP. Allow me a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that our little goddess is not only still here with us, but going strong. Even just five years ago, there would have been a high chance we wouldn’t be able to say that.

Breaking News!

The U.S. has taken a step forward in FIP treatment. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they have effectively decriminalized vets providing treatment to FIP patients. Stokes Pharmacy started selling a compounded treatment — in this case a pill form — on June 1. While we’re still a ways from the legalized treatment available in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands — I can’t find any other countries listed as having legalized the treatment — it’s definitely a huge improvement. I can only hope that this development will make treatment more accessible, both in availability and price.

Now, back to Athena.

2024 Mid-Year Check-In

Mid-Year Check-In

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2024 Mid-Year Check-In

Posted in Fountain Pens

I can hardly believe we’re already half-way through the year! But, it’s true, and that means it’s time for a mid-year check-in on my purchasing resolution.

My rules for this year are:

Add 36 pens max to my collection (including non-fountain pens and gifts).
Limit mainstream brand acquisitions to 18.
Don’t buy pretty ink sticks.

So, how am I doing?

Ink Battle: Van Dieman’s and Sailor

Ink Battle

Ink Battle: Van Dieman’s and Sailor

Posted in Ink

This ink battle is between Van Dieman’s Kitten Paws and Sailor Ink Studio 273. Both inks are in a pen fitted with a Jowo #6 M nib. The paper is Kokuyo A5 Campus Loose Leaf, plain.

Today’s ink battle determined if I keep my sample of Kitten Paws in use, or relegate it to the “for dupes” baskets. If I keep it and go through the whole sample, then I’d consider getting a bottle.

Ink Battles Explained

Between myself and Jim buying inks, we own far too many. This means I have some inks that are incredibly similar in color. And, because of that, I need to figure out which inks to keep and which to dispose of. Sometimes, I have samples of two or more similar inks that I'm trying to decide which to buy, or if I should buy one ink when I already own a bottle of a similar one.

Enter ink battles. I put the similar inks into pens with the same nibs (two Jowo #6 M, two TWSBI F, etc.), or I create ink splats and doodles, to test them out to see which I like better. Or, I may find out that they’re sufficiently different to keep.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. I may find, when using the inks side-by-side, that there are performance differences, but the point of the battle is to choose a favorite ink, a "winner". These choices are often subjective, and you may disagree with me.

An ink battle — unlike ink dupes — is between inks I like. I enjoy using them enough to have them in my "for use" ink collection — as opposed to my repository of inks for testing dupes. If an ink performed poorly or caused problems, I wouldn’t keep it. And, if that were the case, an ink battle would be unnecessary.

Reminder: You can find all of the ink battle posts on the tag page.

Stationery Crazes

Stationery Crazes

Stationery Crazes

Posted in Fountain Pens

This is my second attempt to write this post. As happens every so often, when I finished the first version, I was rather unhappy with it. Since you’re reading this now, it’s safe to say that this second iteration was much more to my liking.

Over the time I’ve been part of the pen world, I’ve watched several stationery crazes hit. Sometimes, the hype is strong enough to sweep everyone along. The new “it” thing will sell out continuously, with many more left desperately searching for one to buy. Other times, that hype is just a steady hum, inspiring interest and conversation, but not many purchases.

Pen Porn: Cypress Kawari-Nuri Pink

Pen Porn: Cypress Kawari-Nuri Pink

Pen Porn: Cypress Kawari-Nuri Pink

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. 😉

There isn’t as much to say about the Cypress Kawari-Nuri Pink as other pens. I picked it up secondhand from Inks.And.Anchors on Instagram. It’s beautiful, and I love the color palette.

Be aware, I’ve done my best to edit photos to show true-to-life colors. However, anything with red in it — like pink — shows significantly more red on camera and requires a lot of editing.

Cypress Kawari Nuri pink

Outgrowing a Pen Case

Outgrowing a Pen Case

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Outgrowing a Pen Case

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’m not a stranger to outgrowing a pen case. In my early days of pen collecting, I tried to stick to a Girologio 24-pen case. I think my collection grew out of that after a year or so. So I got their 48-pen case. And, when the collection grew out of that one, I picked up a second one.

For the past 4+ years, I’ve had 3 48-pen cases. I divide my collection into less expensive, more expensive, and indie-made pens for my pen rotation. It makes sense to me to store them that way, too.

Review – Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies

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Review – Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies

Posted in Book Blogger

Anne Boleyn: 500 Years of Lies

by Hayley Nolan

Book Cover: Anne Boleyn: 500 years of lies

Genres: Biography, Non Fiction, Tudor Period
Release Date: December 1, 2019
Pages: 333
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Rating: ★★★★★

My Rating: ★★★★★

View ratings overview

☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.

A bold new analysis of one of history’s most misrepresented women.

History has lied.

Anne Boleyn has been sold to us as a dark figure, a scheming seductress who bewitched Henry VIII into divorcing his queen and his church in an unprecedented display of passion. Quite the tragic love story, right?

Wrong.

In this electrifying exposé Hayley Nolan explores for the first time the full, uncensored evidence of Anne Boleyn’s life and relationship with Henry VIII, revealing the shocking suppression of a powerful woman.

So leave all notions of outdated and romanticised folklore at the door and forget what you think you know about one of the Tudors’ most notorious queens. She may have been silenced for centuries, but this urgent book ensures Anne Boleyn’s voice is being heard now.

#TheTruthWillOut

Ink Battle: Wearingeul and Diamine

Ink Battle

Ink Battle: Wearingeul and Diamine

Posted in Ink

This ink battle is between Wearingeul Jane Eyre and Diamine Memory Lane. Both inks are in a pen fitted with a Jowo #6 M nib. The paper is Kokuyo A5 Campus Loose Leaf, plain.

We’re back to a traditional Ink Battle. I own a bottle of both Jane Eyre and Memory Lane. I noticed that they look rather similar and wanted to see how similar. For those unfamiliar with these inks, Memory Lane is a shimmer ink from the 2022 (Green) Inkvent calendar. However, Diamine shimmers settle completely, which I let happen for this battle so I can just compare the colors.

You can assume I have no problems with any ink that appears in an ink battle. The point of the battle is to choose a winner of the two colors. I use a pair of similar inks in pens with the same nib, then test them out to see which I like better. Generally, I’m trying to decide which ink to keep, but sometimes I’m trying to decide which to buy, or if I should buy one ink when I already have a similar one.

I may find out that, when used with the same nib, they’re sufficiently different to own 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.

Inkvent Inks I’ve Purchased

The Inkvent Calendar inks I've purchased

Inkvent Inks I’ve Purchased

Posted in Ink

It’s a little odd writing about Inkvent in June, but with the 2023 inks releasing, it seemed a good time for this post. I’ve been meaning to write it for a while, but other posts have taken precedence.

To start, this needs a caveat. If I’d purchased the calendar each year, I probably wouldn’t have purchased any of the inks. My ink collection is massive (hence the need for ink battles), and it takes forever to go through even tiny bottles (or samples). Since I gave away my 2019 Inkvent — foolishly, in retrospect — and didn’t buy the 2021 or 2022 calendars, there were inks I wanted to — and did — buy.

A Fountain Pen Rainbow

A Fountain pen rainbow

A Fountain Pen Rainbow

Posted in Fountain Pens

Tomorrow starts Pride Month, and as a proud pen collector, I couldn’t let it go by without a pen rainbow. It was hard to narrow down a single pen for each color, and even harder to stick to pens that are primarily one color — I didn’t fully succeed there. Maybe I’ll do another one of these later in the month with the Bi flag. We’ll see.

Proud pen addict button/pin

There are plenty of pen pictures, so this one could count as a pen porn post, too. To include more pens, I cheated a bit and added brown, black, and white. I know they aren’t actually part of the rainbow, but I doubt anyone will complain.

If you want to have some extra fun, try to guess what pens are in the “rainbow.”

Pen rainbow photo blocked out by the colors.

Pen Research: Vintage Pilot Edition

Pen Research: Vintage Pilot Edition

Pen Research: Vintage Pilot Edition

Posted in Fountain Pens

I don’t get the opportunity to write these posts very often, as I’m not big on vintage pens. However, recently Jim came across a vintage flat top pilot pen with a factory oblique nib. Because it has an engraving on it, it was selling for peanuts. I love oblique nibs and was curious, so we got it.

The pilot pen, capped, showing the engraving

Pen Porn: Sakura Nagare Comparison

Pen Porn: Sakura Nagare Comparison

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Pen Porn: Sakura Nagare Comparison

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. 😉

About a year ago, I bought myself the standard size Sailor Pro Gear Sakura Nagare. About a month ago, Jim bought us the King of Pen size Sakura Nagare. I don’t mean the new 1911 version that released last year(?) I mean the original, 2010 Pro Gear KOP.

Since we now have both original versions, I thought it would be interesting to compare them. Especially because, to my surprise, they are not identical in design.

The standard and KOP versions side by side

Review – Undoing

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Review – Undoing

Posted in Book Blogger

Undoing

by L.L. Diamond

Book Cover: Undoing

Genres: Historical British Fiction, Historical Regency Fiction, Historical Romance
Release Date: March 27, 2020
Pages: 439
Purchase from: Amazon

My Rating: ★★★★☆

View ratings overview

☆☆☆☆☆ – Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ – Hated it
★★☆☆☆ – Disliked it
★★★☆☆ – Okay
★★★★☆ – Liked it
★★★★★ – Loved it
Read the full explanation of my book rating system.

Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Bennet had always hoped to marry for love – that is until she surrenders to her mother’s demands and marries the handsome Duke of Leeds. Thrust into a society disinclined to accept a country nobody who somehow entrapped one of their most prominent members, Elizabeth holds her head high, ignoring their whispers and stares and a husband whose indifferent behaviour confuses her. Her marriage of convenience is nothing like what she expected.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man torn. After meeting the Duchess of Leeds at a ball, he is fascinated by her intelligence and humour, but how does one maintain a respectable friendship with a lady – particularly when that lady is the wife of his cousin and godfather? His father and his sister both love Elizabeth, and he quickly realises he loves her as well, though not as one loves a cousin or even a sister. His feelings must stay hidden from everyone, particularly Elizabeth, but how is he to keep himself under such strict regulation when he is constantly thrown into her company? How does one prevent their own undoing?

Contains scenes with adult content.

Books

☆☆☆☆☆ - Did not finish
★☆☆☆☆ - Hated it, shouldn't have finished it
★★☆☆☆ - Disliked it
★★★☆☆ - Liked it, might recommend it
★★★★☆ - Would re-read and recommend it
★★★★★ - Loved everything about it
Read the full explanation of my updated book rating system.

FanFiction

☆☆☆ - Did not finish
★☆☆ - Disliked it
★★☆ - Okay/Good
★★★ - Loved it
+ (e.g. ★★★+) - Story had few spelling and grammar errors
Read the full explanation of my fanfiction rating system.