year one: first anniversary!
It was one hell of a year, wasn’t it? It went by just like a stone's ripple in water. A very fleeting ripple.
Today marks one year since I started this blog. My first post was about my first fountain pen. Then, I had started to write about my other black pens, which weren’t many at the time and were odd in my shiny, colourful collection. How the times have changed… Now, I have a lot more black pens and they have become some of my favourites. This mini-series on three pens kicked off the whole thing. Some people asked me “Do you fear that you’ll run out of things to write about?”
“Never.”
I thought to myself, “I already have five posts lined up, and not even a blog name.” Not much changed as the first year flew by. My enthusiasm grew as I bought and sold off more pens, played with inks and wrote this blog.
I am incredibly thankful for all the people that have supported me. Thank you for bearing with me while I was typing away at the back of the car, in the train, in the pub when I was supposed to “hang out.” It wouldn’t have been possible without you.
I am also thankful for this community. Fountain pen people have been one of the kindest people. Thank you so much for reading my blog, writing about it, reaching out with a quick message.
Now that the emotional stuff is out of the way, I want to spread some love to other blogs I like reading and Instagram pages I like following following. I use reddit often as well, but the community names are much more obvious.
Blogs
The Gentleman Stationer: I want to start with The Gentleman Stationer, because it is the blog that inspires me the most. The atmosphere of it just makes me feel like I’m a super fancy person behind a heavy mahogany desk, my shiny fountain pens strewn about. Even though his reviews are super helpful, I enjoy reading his editorial-style posts much more.
Mnmlscholar: His weekly share of pen & ink pairings push me out of my comfort zone once I see how well they work together. I got my first few grey inks after I saw them on there. I appreciate that he shares what he’s reading as well, as I’m always curious about what people are reading.
Dime Novel Raven: Theirs is the newest blog on the block and I’m all for it. The photography always gives me the cosiest vibe, even when it’s a cramped airplane seat. The Kaweco love and -can we please talk about that beautiful desk?!
Krafty Cats: she reviews the smallest of makers and cutest of pen holders. I really enjoyed reading her last few posts. Thank you so much for the opportunity to write on your blog too!
The Pen Addict: no words necessary. The ultimate pen blog. Thanks for publishing my writing too!
Mountain of Ink & Fountain Pen Pharmacist: I don’t follow these blogs on a weekly basis, but they’re amazing resources. Both of them are usually open next to my shopping tab or on my phone when I’m in a physical store.
In no particular order, just click and enjoy all the colourful goodness.
Thank you for reading! Let me know if I am missing anyone that I absolutely should follow, or shamelessly self-promote. The comments section is yours.
Disclaimer: none of these photographs are mine. Their photographs skills are great, so I wanted to use this opportunity to show them off too. Let me know if you are not okay with this, and I will take it down.
I always enjoy all your posts - you have a unique, personal tone to your writing style and it's a joy to read. Your photography in your other posts is brilliant too, the photos you shot for the guest post on my blog were especially stunning with the contrast between the orange pen and the crystal blue ocean.
Congratulations on your first year - mine's just a month or so over a year old, and while blogging can be difficult sometimes, it really is worth it!
- Chloé
https://kraftycats.wixsite.com/kraftycats
Congratulations on your first year blogging!
—Gerrit