Thinking Backwards to Plan Forwards (via mnmlscholar). Alas, I have begun the process of setting up my own planner/notebook/journal system for 2023.
My Techo Kaigi for 2023 (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). I’ve never heard of the concept of a “Techo Kaigi”, or a process where you reflect on your planner(s) and journal(s). and whether it/they are working for you.
Montblanc x Fritz Schimpf Special Edition Italic Edge Fountain Pen (via Blake’s Broadcast). Montblanc’s bespoke nib program apparently allows you to customize a nib to your preference, and German retailer Fritz Schimpf created this crazy customization.
Flying: Opus 88 Minty (via a fleeting ripple). Finally! Someone who apparently loves the Minty as much as I do. Happy to have enabled!
Ridiculous Pens (via Rachel’s Reflections). This was a fun post in which Rachel looks at several pens with (overly?) intricate design elements.
BlueDew Writer Lapis (via Rants of the Archer). I’ve heard a lot about BlueDew fountain pens, particularly their flex pens. They offer standard nibs as well.
Ensso PIUMA Primary Manipulation Fountain Pen (via SBRE Brown). Apparently even Ensso is getting into the Primary Manipulation game?
Unlined Smythson Notebook (via Notebook Stories). Smythson notebooks went on sale in November, and I considered springing for a (still expensive) review sample, but I deferred because I couldn’t find a reliable review testing the paper with fountain pens. Now we have one!
Inkmas Day 7: Colorverse Chi-Town (via Well-Appointed Desk). I agree that this is sort of an odd color for a Chicago theme, but the ink looks interesting!
End of 2022 - A Bit of a Wrap Up (via Gourmet Pens). I love year-end wrap-ups and reflections from others in the pen world.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I started the 2022 Year-End Review Process, with the first posts in this series. Part I was “Five Up, Five Down in the Personal Collection,” and Part II was “Favorite Products Reviewed in 2022”. I plan to keep the multi-part format that I started last year.
This Week in the Curated Shop
PSA: This weekend I’m shipping out all orders placed through today, and starting tomorrow (and definitely by Tuesday), Christmas delivery is MUCH less likely given the rush of packages that will be going out this week around the U.S. So get those gift orders in ASAP!
So what’s new in the shop? Lots of stuff continues to arrive. We’ve built our our offering of Maruman Mnemosyne products, with literally all the sizes of notebooks and notepads that we can get our hands on, in spiral and bound formats. The Mnemosyne line is exceptionally good fountain pen friendly paper that won’t break the bank, and best of all, the spiral bound notebooks are perforated. Also, now is an excellent time to pick up your planner for 2023. We have Traveler’s Notebook Planner Refills, as well as all sorts of undated planner options and the Midori Multi-Year Diaries!
Consider T.G.S. Patreon!
For those who want to support T.G.S. without necessarily adding to their accumulation via shop purchases, the Patreon Program offers two options for tiers of support: $3 and $5 (with a discounted annual option) and plan on making monthly meetups, pen show events, and periodic exclusive content the primary benefits. Of course, Patreon members will continue to get first access to periodic sample sales, with right of first refusal on gently used pens. (Reminder that those items which made it through Patreon become available to the general readership.) Many thanks to all of you who already decided to back via Patreon. Your support means the world to me!