Noodler’s Apache Sunset

Noodler’s Apache Sunset fountain pen ink represents a new level in expressive writing. Readers of this blog know that I use Mont Blanc fountain pens for my first drafts. To this point, I’ve stuck with Mont Blanc ink, using blue for most prose and red for emphasis and margin notes. Well, the red was starting to annoy my eye. It is powerful, which was my original reason for using it. However, it’s become a bit overbearing in places where a lesser amount of attention is warranted. Thus, I went on the hunt for another color. I searched the fountainpennetwork.com message board and discovered the following review of Noodler’s Apache Sunset. Click HERE.

Therefore, an inquiry was made to the Fountain Pen Hospital and a subsequent order placed. The ink arrived a day later, I loaded it into a pen and gave it a try. The following photo does no justice to the ink. (Sorry, but photographing ink is beyond my ability. Stick with the link above to see a better test.)

apachsunstFor the past several days I’ve employed this ink to great effect. The yellow stands strong on the page and the orange overtones draw the eye without the school marm’s scolding of the red.

Noodler’s produces many different kinds and colors of ink. If you prefer a fountain pen, give these inks a try. You will not be disappointed. Also, I’d like to thank all the members of the fountainpennetwork.com for their helpful reviews and information on the subject.

Published in: on May 16, 2009 at 6:07 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Grumpy and Fade

Grumpy and Fade are two more cats that live in my neighborhood on the island of Aruba. Grumpy is the little black cat in the photo below. He’s always making trouble with his pal, Fade, whose colors enable him to blend in with the hues of the walls in the area. Take a look.

fadegrouchJust one look at Grumpy and you can see he’s trouble. At the same time, I’ve seen these two napping in the afternoon, minding their own business. You have to feel sorry for any small creature in their theater of operations. These two can be vicious when it comes to small birds, lizards, and such. Of course, they’re cats: lovable one minute, killers the next.

Bon dia.

Published in: on May 15, 2009 at 12:27 pm  Comments (1)  
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Castillos (con encanto)

Previous posts here at The Bent Page mentioned a few castles in Spain. In the process of planning my next stay, I rediscovered a book called Castillos con encanto, which I had purchased in Spain. This book is one of a series of books published with the con encanto tag.

castbookThis book provides plenty of useful information, not to mention dozens of great photographs. There is also a map section, which works well when doing general trip planning. You will need Spanish skills as the book is written entirely in that language. However, it is an opportunity to further your involvement in the culture as you work out your plans.

Saludos!

Published in: on May 14, 2009 at 1:07 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Writing Letters

Letter writing seems to have fallen off in this age of email and the text message. (Forget stuff like twitter, facebook, and such). However, there are still those people out there who take pen in hand (or typewriter or word processor) and scribe a message to someone. I happen to be one of these people, employing my fountain pens to good use. For stationary these days I’ve taken to recycling old nautical charts that are out of date. I have the good fortune to have made the acquaintance of several people with whom I exchange letters regularly. They are an excellent way to concentrate your thoughts, learn something new, and enjoy a friendship.

But if you want to see a master letter craftsperson, check out The Missive Maven’s blog. Here is a direct link: http://missivemaven.blogspot.com/. She corresponds with many people from around the globe and encourages others to write to her. Plus, her letters are written on various types of paper, her stamps are varied and interesting, and she uses all manner of writing instruments and inks. The creativity shown here is stunningly impressive. Take a look at her blog. I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating and perhaps inspirational. Maybe you’ll write to that old friend, college roommate, or favorite relative as a result.

Besides, isn’t it a thrill to get something in the mail? Of course! I send literally hundreds of postcards each year, but that’s the subject for another post soon. In the mean time, get a pen, some paper, and write. It’s good for your brain and your relationships, whatever they may be.

Published in: on May 9, 2009 at 3:04 am  Comments (2)  
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