Why make pens?

[Gregory Hardy]

I try not to take me pens too seriously. Don't get me wrong - I want to make them with as much skill and quality as possible, but in the end I remind myself, "You are not an artist. You are a tool maker." The "art" happens when someone actually uses the pen. Christmas wish: That you each find a pen and write something to someone who needs it - magic things happen this season. Your words might make the difference.

(As a side note, this is the first time in over thirty years that Santa didn't leave a letter for Dan, Gavin and James Hardy. Instead, the letter was to the two little girls in the family....and Santa is feeling really old this morning.)

Merry Christmas, friends.

 

[hawkeyefxr]

Excellent. I like making pen and bowls, i like for people to have/buy my bowls it makes me happy. For pens, that is strange as my writing is appalling. A good pen will not make you writing pleasing to look at. I have noticed that it has got worse as my eye sight has got worse, when i put my glasses on i can how really bad it is.
To late to improve it now unfortunately but i do like to see good writing and if it's done with one of my pens it just makes me feel good.

 

[Penpal]

I try not to overthink this,love the sentiment in the note. We have a friend in Queensland who makes it her very best handwriting a badge of honour. I wrote several pages in conversation a while back using a fountain pen. Found it exhausting and I am convinced I personally prefer the typed word using the computer far easier to read. As a young person all personal correspondence was hand written. I had a cousin used to write several pages on foolscap pages or hers and mine family history from New Zealand,she wrote up the sides as well top and bottom ,it became a mares nest to read.

Your note was succinct legible and personal Greg,I liked the non de plume. One thing you reminded me of being bashed at school for not conforming to forward sloping letters as I tend to write vertically or with a back slope.The day the biro came into my life my writing skills went out the window.

I have a cousin who made a career of being a telegraphist in Adelaide South Australia when Telegrams were vital communication, alas he is at my age less one week the youngest of the pro telegraphist left.He belongs to a select group of fellow enthusiasts and travels from Melbourne to near Alice Springs in South Australia to send and receive to fellow like minded historians the overland Telegraph.

I do not ride a push bike ever these days some things are inevitable handwriting also one other skill that has suffered.

Kind regards Peter.

 

[Gregory Hardy]

Alas, you are right, sir. However, I will stand by the principle behind my words - a handwritten note from someone, neatly done or not, still warms the cockles and is desperately needed by some at this time of year. I suppose my grandchildren will say, "Papa travels to a place near Alice Springs to send and receive handwritten love letters to fellow like minded historians," but I hope not. There are just some things that need to find their way to paper at the end of a pen and directly from the heart. That withstanding, I think I will continue to make pens! (Or are they artifacts?)

Best regards. Merry Christmas, Peter.

 

[Penpal]

No contest mate Wilma gave away so many pillowslips with messages sewn in one recipient reinforced your thoughts personally at his 40 th birthday recently and personal gifts are the best. I always will make pens as well. I celebrate special skills in all fields. Thanks again for your reminder.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

Nicely written Greg, straight from the heart.

 

[wm460]

Alice Springs in South Australia

Bugger its moved just when I have to go to a quacks appointment.

Sorry couldn't resist Peter.

 

[Penpal]

Wishful thinking on my part my son is working there.

Peter.