Pen and Ink. . . . . . .

This photo was taken from our table by the window on the upper floor of the little 
Dublin corner pub. It looked out toward the charming antiquated shop front. 
The rain had stopped, the early evening sun peeped out as it often does in Ireland, 
and, as we dined on very good fish 'n chips, I thought about writing.  

Writing with a very good fountain pen as I used to. 

On leaving the pub we crossed the street and peered in the windows at the 

displays. Beautiful writing instruments, boxes of note cards, papers and

 envelopes, I had to go back next morning when the shop was open.

The shop was quaint, pens and such upstairs with two knowledgeable 

young ladies behind the counter. Downstairs, a wonderful selection of 

greeting cards, writing papers, wrapping papers, note cards, notebooks

 and journals.

I could have spent an entire morning there just looking.

I picked out two boxes of exquisite note cards. Perhaps some day

you'll find one in your mailbox - would you like that?

I shared my fountain pen price point, not the cheapest but definitely not

the thousand Euros or more beauties! The clerk showed me several, dipped 

the ones I wanted to test, and showed me how modern pens are filled, 

cleaned etc. I chose a Parker fountain pen, very classic in design and

a brand I used for many years in a different time and place.

There are so many inks available now in every color imaginable.

I decided on a warm brown, choosing an ink from the French company

Herbin (depuis 1670) in Lie De Thé which translates to 'tea dregs'.

Marilyn, you will love that one!

Marilyn is my dear Oregon 'tea lady' friend and, if you want to 

know anything about that particular beverage, be sure to visit 

her always delightful blog, aptly named DELIGHTS OF THE HEART.

We met in person a few years back and shared some lovely cups

of tea together in special Portland places, including her lovely home.

My new pen and ink.

All photos via iPhone

Do you use a fountain pen?  If so, what color is your ink?

Are you interested in sharing the written word via snail mail - a note, 

a postcard with a stamp, handwritten of course - a surprise in your mailbox?

Let me know.