Let’s Explore the Expanse

If you are here seeking an expert, I must unburden you of those expectations. I make no pretense of calling myself a master of any aspect of stationery. So what am I? A relentlessly curious, passionate explorer.

I like knowing things but I like learning things even more. I’m a rapacious reader and collector of information. A person who delights in talking to people, listening to their stories, and learning about the things they love. One of life’s great delights is talking with someone about a topic that makes their eyes light up. They give me a gift of knowledge; I give them the pleasure of the opportunity to impart their knowledge. Everyone is enriched by these beautiful interactions.

The community of stationery aficionados is filled with awesome people who are so generous with their time and knowledge and insights. Talented people, like calligraphers, artisans, experts, photographers, hand lettering savants, scholars, scribes, collectors, inventors. It is brimming with people who know so much. It is more than a little daunting to hang out a shingle and offer my own voice into the conversation.

The rejection-sensitive part of me whispers “Who are you to write a blog about pens and paper? Have you any idea how many people there are in this world who already do a spectacular job of this? Who are you next to them? Who are you to presume you have anything useful to say?”

“Do you know how much you don’t know?!”

And, fair. There is a ton I don’t know. But … I know some. I am learning more every day. And the learning itself is worthy. I invite you to join me as I learn more. 

We’ll meet lots of great people: Fellow travelers from many different stages of their own journeys. We’ll learn from them. We’ll make an awful lot of inky messes. I’ll share my pens and my quest to mindfully add to my collection. I’ll chronicle my attempts to re-teach myself cursive as I teach my six-year-old, per his request. 

Let’s explore, together.