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As a recent convert to the tactile delights that can only be found in the use of a fountain pen, it was very easy to relate to this article. Being a left-hander helped, too. But since I'm what's termed an 'under writer', I manage to avoid the smear job inflicted on my hooked or over writing brethren. Also called, more colloquially, 'Inky Pinky Syndrome'.

Now all you need, Gordon, is somebody to gift you with a Pocket Moleskine notebook which, combined with the fountain pen, makes journaling an almost guilty sensual pleasure.

I used to write with a fountain pen. But, I found that if I didn't write with it often, the nib would dry up, and it would quit working. I think the metaphor remains intact...

Beautiful. Good thoughts on Scripture. Thanks. I needed this one today.

"We are told by the Holy Fathers that we are supposed to see in everything something for our salvation. If you can do this, you can be saved." Father Seraphim Rose, His Life and Works

So often I do feel overwhelmed with the work involved in reading/studying the bible. Thanks for the reminder of the "mythic" beauty & romance of the scriptures. Also, I just got out my old fountain pen... and thanks to the last comment am now jonesing for a pocket moleskin notebook to accompany it!

FaceUnveiled

I foisted the link to this article on a friend who shares my more secular inclinations and far surpasses my own fledgling fountain pen passion. Never having read RLP, he was duly impressed with the writing and became bent on investigating more of your essays, leaving with this final comment, which I thought appropriate to share:

In a sad world riven by sectarian intolerance and violence, and with pin-headed angel theology urging fanatics of all hues, stripes, and persuasions to unspeakable acts of bigotry and inhumanity, he's just the sort of minister that would make you think twice before stuffing him into the Wicker Man and putting the torch to it...

The tone here reminds me of E. B. White's "Once More to the Lake." But you direct that nostalgia toward God himself. Wow.

As for me, I can't use fancy journals or pens--or I treat the writing process as too pristine. Give me ugly journals and lots of them!

This essay is beautiful and makes me hope you will do the series you have considered on "How to Read the Bible".

I love writing with my fountain pen. It's smooth as silk and feels great in my hand. One thing I like about it is that it's hard (for me) to write well with a fountain pen when I'm all bunched up anxious or in a great rush. The feel of the pen can help me appreciate a nice calm moment or remind/encourage me to slow down a bit and relax. As always, I appreciate your work.

I guess today's theme is "back to basics." I think in todays day and age we are so used to the quick fix, the scripture by electronic mail or the bible on dvd and email instead of snail mail. Today was about going back to basics in recovery. Let's bring out the Big Book and read what this is all about. Why we are here. Why it is important to go "back to basics."

Hence you write about the fountain pen. My grandmothers and I used to write to each other when I was alot younger and they were still alive. I longed to read a letter that had been sent in the mail. I think there is still an excitement to recieve a birthday card that was actually bought and signed versus an electronic greeting. Where's the fun?

I still write in my journal by long hand - because it keeps me grounded to the earth. The feel of the pen and the paper beneath it, the ink smudges and the cross outs and changes in thought as I write. The art of writing has been lost to the electronic age. I think it is important to remember that when the power goes out, there is always a place to "write down" what needs to be said.

I love this article ... how appropriate.

Peace,
Jeremy

"Things like fountain pens, old tools and pocket watches transcend the reality of their inefficiency (at least these days) and ascend to a higher plane of existence."

I am enamored with that sentence. How true.

Truly enjoyed this one. Forwarded it on to a number of people. I've been struggling with some issues and getting back into the study of the Bible. This article really struck a chord with me. Thank you.

Come check me out at http://littlegreenfriend.blogspot.com

Lovely writing, lovely metaphor...enjoyed it. But my Cross fountain pen is in the drawer and will remain so.

Years ago- as a symbol of his encouragement to wrtie, my husband bought me a M*** Bl*** rollerball. The ink is slow to dry, but the feel of the weight of this pen in my hand reminds me to weigh my words, and choose them wisey. It also serves to remind me that when God is speaking to my heart, and I share the things learned, there is value in what I write;)

**side note- it's so expensive I'm always afraid I'll lose it! I keep it with my journal- it's where I keep all my seed ideas.

my blogs:
http://missional-mom.blogspot.com/
http://nottinbutknittin.blogspot.com/

besides- I rarely have typo's like the above- when I use my PEN;)

Ts in MI

Gordon - Nice piece. I, too, love fountain pens. I, too, am left-handed; but all people are born left handed! You remain left handed until you commit your first sin.

I own a lot of computer equipment, but I think on paper. My sermons are written on yellow tablets with my fountain pen. My wife complained about its cost, but I use it daily.

Peace,
Bruce, Colorado

us left handers rock. go LHs!

http://blogs.salon.com/0001573/

Count me among the left-handed, underwriting fountain pen users! I, however, was born right-handed. A bad burn at age 5 led me to convert for life.

Count me also among those who believe this essay is one of your very best ever.

Katy McKenna Raymond www.fallible.com

I love this whole story. My Dad gave me his fountain pen when I was in high school. I used it for years and years, until it disappeared. Still I have no idea what happened to it. :-( I miss it. Nothing writes as well as a fine fountain pen. It's well worth all the work. What you say about hiring a preacher to unpack the mysterious meanings in the bible is interesting... I was only exposed to clumsy and boring readings of what was written, in my youth. Nothing inspired that tried to delve into actual meanings. Your descriptions of biblical people and events is vastly different from what I grew up learning, because you've actually thought about it with a fresh enough mind to make sense of the personalities and situations. I admire you greatly, for that ability. Through Real Live Preacher, I think you're exposing people to something they may never have run across otherwise.

Oh no, I was anonymous AGAIN (above)! Do you think I'll Ever learn to log in first???

http://blogs.salon.com/0003947
www.wanderingwillowblog.blogspot.com

As a left-hander, I can relate. The simple joys and novelty of using a fountain pen only sometimes outweighs the annoyance of having to break out the Lava soap in order to get the ink off your hand.

Eric Ragle

I have personally dropped ten pounds, and feel great. I really didn't need to lose this weight, but I am loving it! WBR LeoP