The boredom cycle is a central figure in my day-to-day. Riding the highs of exciting new purchases and the mundane lows of “the usual suspects” is a necessary priority for keeping me enjoying my writing and teaching.

I overheard three different views on sharing pens at a pen show. These three takes reflect on the nature of “after dark” hanging out. On what the purpose and function of sharing pens around a table is.

I’m waxing philosophic. Thinking deeply about the mundane. And relishing the rowdy parts of hanging with pen-loving folk.

One of the benefits of a journaling habit, for me, is that my goals for my journaling can be dynamic. The less I try to fit my journaling into specific rules, the more rewarding it feels. And, counterintuitively, the less I try to journal one specific way, more I tend to scribble in my notebook.

My favorites follow suit. My “favorite ink” is a favorite in specific nibs and on specific papers. My “favorite pen” is a favorite when fitted with specific nibs and filled with specific inks. Non-monogamous favorites.

Looking back through my pen-and-ink pairings this past calendar year, five pairings stand above the rest in my mind. Pairings I will definitely revisit in the coming 2023.