This is an image of one of my favorite spots at Morgan Library to write. I usually arrive at the library around 7:20 then grab a mocha latte at the small coffee shop. For exercise I then walk up stairs to the third floor and over to the east wing. So somewhere around 7:40 I’m sitting at one of the four tables outside the conference rooms.
I have with me my journal, two fountain pens (Lamy Logo in Pearl), my Kindle Paperwhite, maybe a book, my camera and an extra lens. It’s quiet. I love the light. It’s a favorite spot.
This is the Lamy Logo fountain pen in a Pearl color, has a champagne look. I bought this pen because I liked it’s look and style. It comes in four colors. This Pearl and the Twilight are the ones I’m attracted to. It is a thin fountain pen, about the diameter of a pencil, and when posted about the length of a pencil. Bought this pen with a fine nib and glad I did as it puts down a line width that suits me. I find the nib to be scratchy as it works on the paper. And, it is one of the most consistent writers I own.
The journal is a Leuchttrum 1917, my first but not my last. I have for years used Moleskin journals but found issues with them when using fountain pens because of too much bleed through. This has not been an issue with the Leuchttrum journal. The Leuchttrum uses a heavier 80g paper. Due do the lighting in this image the paper is a bit more on the yellow side than the ivory color it really is.
This is my TWSBI Eco fountain pen. This pen is not as attractive to me as my conventional pens because it is a demonstrator pen. A demonstrator pen is made of clear resin so you can see the inside of the pen, its piston mechanism and ink flow. I have this pen loaded with Pelikan Edelstein Topaz ink which is a very pretty blue. The more I use this pen the more I like it. It is a smooth writer and allows good ink flow. I ordered the medium nib which seemed too wide for me until I found this ink that works well with the wetter nib.
A side note. Had to replace my water heater on Thursday. I have been wanting to replace it for the past year as it’s somewhere between 16 and 18 years old. The last thing I need is to have it break down and deal with flooding. On Monday it began making unfamiliar noises so I called to have it replaced. There is a sigh of relief but also a cringe because my wallet it $1150 lighter which means a delay on the next camera lens. 🙁
My life: a hat, journal, fountain pen, books, laptop, desk and camera
My role as an observer of an image is much different as I practice and mature with photography. I am grateful I’ve come to see the world with new eyes when I look through the viewfinder of my camera. I contribute this with time, practice and learning to be present to life. Likewise, my role as an observer of another person’s image has changed. There has always been the draw of colors, patterns and especially the light and shadows. But, the story an image expresses is becoming a greater interest within me.
I’m posting this image because it says something about me at this time in my life. It tells a story: it tells you I wear a favorite hat on an almost daily basis, it tells you I have established a routine of writing almost daily basis for many years using a small collection of fountain pens, it tells you I allow the words from sacred texts of many faiths, poets, mystics, and creatives transforms me as a person. And, since I’ve taken the image myself it tells how a camera is always with me and used as a creative tool and inspiration in my life. It says something about my life and more.
Spent an enjoyable weekend with my parents. The drive is only about an hour and a half but most of that is through the center of Phoenix. I went over Saturday at noon and drove back Monday afternoon. Driving in a big city is not my cup of tea. And, it’s becoming quite obvious to me that our parents do gain an amazing amount of wisdom the older we get. 🙂
This is my newest fountain pen, a pearl colored Lamy Logo with a fine nib. The ink is Diamine Grey, which closely matches the color of the pen, and the journal is an A5 size Moleskin. However, the words are mine. They speak of the struggles and joys of life, sometimes asking questions of why. The words offer gratitude. The words attempt to express what and how I see this world. They are simply prayer.
I leave this morning on my road trip and house sitting adventure. I plan on camping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park this evening then camping tomorrow night at Canyon de Chelly National Monument. And, I’ll probably write about it in this journal as well as on this blog. Looking forward to spending time with my parents and sister and brother-in-law. Let it begin. 🙂
