4. Something to write / draw with; writing implement
For the past seven years I’ve had one MAIN PEN. It was a gift from my Pops who, one Christmas, decided that my brothers and I all needed GOOD PENS.
He generously gifted me this amazing Red Caran D’Ache 849™ CLASSIC LINE Ballpoint Pen. It uses refillable cartridges – which I’ve only had to replace twice in the seven years – and has travelled from one KNITSONIK Bullet Journal to the next, via the indispensable pen loops.
I’m really attached to this pen and get so sad if I can’t find it or if anyone else borrows it! It’s great for writing, but also works well for drawing. Many KNITSONIK ideas have started life as a scruffy sketch made with this pen.
Having the one MAIN PEN and also discovering pen loops have transformed a life of indecision about which pen I want to use, and also the problem of not being able to find one in a moment of need. These two things means I always have something with which to write. It sounds so little, but this simple fact makes me a better student in all areas of life. I automatically order a pen loop whenever I buy a new journal. It’s just a sticky thing that goes in the back of your notebook that lets you keep your pen in there but, for me, it’s been game-changing. It means no more rooting round in the bottom of my bag looking for a pen, and having somewhere to put my pen when writing tasks have ended.
I am learning I am AuDHD which is a big deal and something I will talk about more when I feel ready, but I’m putting it here in this post because stuff like having a pen loop and having the one MAIN PEN are the kinds of tools that help me to thrive and stay on track when my busy brain is always finding distractions and can easily go off on one about WHICH COLOUR SHALL WE USE TODAY and a side quest such as WHERE IS MY PEN?
I have many, many pens and pencils with which to draw, but today I wanted to talk about this one because it’s the one I use every day; because I can always find it; because it is ergonomically perfect for my wonky hands; because having it for a long time and using it consistently have made it really special to me; because it was a present from my Pops.
The best something to write / draw with; the best writing implement – at least for me – is the one I always have at hand.
What do you use for keeping notes? Writing down ideas? Making lists? Doodling? Why do you use it? Why do you love it?
How do you make sure you are always ready to write or draw things down?
PS: I forgot that I had changed today’s prompt from “writing implement” to “something to draw / write with” and only remembered AFTER I’d done my happy rubber stamping – but it doesn’t matter! If you’re doing the challenge, either works – it’s the spirit of the thing that counts.
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2 or 3 years ago I found & resurrected a couple of my teenage fountain pens – a Shaeffer and a Parker – and then treated myself to a new, not very expensive but gorgeous Schaeffer. I love them so much! They write so much more smoothly than any of my previously (cheap) disposable pens. I love writing in their ink and now I’ve equipped them with refillable fountain pen fillers which isn’t as energy sapping as I thought it would be, so I have the satisfaction of refilling them from my chunky Quink ink bottle. I have one in each of the strategic places where I most often use them – one on the sleeping side of my bed for evening diarying and pages; one one the day side of the bed (I’m mostly in bed because of long covid / ME) for day time notes and journalling and any creative writing I manage; one on the kitchen table! But I am only now learning about pen loops …. this might be a future development!
Ooh I love the sensory levels of your pens! The handle and action, but also your descriptions of the physical spaces where they live, the heavy Quink bottle. Thank you for sharing the story of these writing companions, and for the lovely descriptions of how they are part of your life, self-care and creativity x YES to pen loops! You might need a larger one if such a thing exists, depending on the girth of your pens. My basic Leuchtturm pen loops don’t work well with my fountain pen (it’s too wide) but are just right for the skinny caran d’ache.
I don’t have a main pen – after taking your Bullet Journal course I acquired a number of cheapish fountain pens and different coloured inks, which make me happy. I do, however, have a mechanical pencil that belonged to my mother – I think it may have been a 21st birthday present – and lived in her handbag for as long as I can remember. I kept it for sentimental reasons after she died, but didn’t really have a use for it. Now, I use it for drawing lines and grids in my BJ, because for some reason I like my lines drawn in pencil. One of the many things I found out about myself from bullet journalling!
Also, thank you for telling me about Pen Loops! What a useful thing – I had no idea.
So great to find a use for the emotionally important mechanical pencil – and a way for you to use it that sits well with how you’d like to grid out your journal. Enjoy discovering the life changing magic of pen loops!
Hi Felix, I’m not doing the challenge as I find I am just keeping up with everything else I am involved with at the moment. But I am enjoying reading you emails regarding the challenge. I opened today’s topic, “Writing Implements” just after sorting through a drawer in my desk where I discovered a Waterman’s fountain pen my husband had picked up for me in the 80s while he was on a business trip to France. I used it constantly until my first grandchild, at the time 3 or 4 years old in the early 90s, decided to use it to copy Nana. The nib was ruined. I quietly put it away to send for a new nib later. Later seems to have only now arrived. I will now be searching for a new nib. Serendipity wouldn’t you say?
Also Felix I want to tell you how much I am enjoying the Bullet Journal course and using my journal. Life seems to be flowing along so smoothly since I began.
All the best to you.
Hi Donna, I absolutely hear you on not wanting ONE MORE THING to try and keep up with and am just really happy that you’re enjoying the posts, even if you don’t have the resources to join in with the challenge. I really wanted to make this be a join in as much/little as you like, and reading along is a great way to participate. Thank you for sharing the lovely story of your fountain pen – how lovely to imagine it getting a new nib and lease of life at just this moment. So, so happy to hear you’ve enjoyed KNITSONIK Bullet Journaling – a smoother flow to life is the absolute aim! Thanks so much for stopping by to comment – and I hope you’ll enjoy the pen once more with its new nib :)
I also like that your pen is red so easy to see on a cluttered desk (mine, maybe not yours!)
Oh yes that is a bonus point about it and my desk is also messy!