tldr: Thank you for helping me get started. Skip the first three paragraphs if you want to go straight to pen specifics.

About 2 months ago, I heard a podcast guest mention his fountain pens and it struck a chord with me. It had been literal decades since I owned a fountain pen. For several years I have set aside most of my hobbies and interests because in addition to my job, my 82-year old mother lives with me and she has dementia. I am unmarried, no kids. I am her primary caregiver and when not at work, I am involved with her and/or taking care of household duties. 

From the time I could form letters I loved books and wanted to be a writer. When I graduated high school I already had a FT job and didn’t go to college until I was 30. By that time I had set aside my dream of writing, even as a PT thing. In college an English professor advised me to apply to MFA CW programs. She even paid a bunch of my application fees. I was thrilled to get several acceptances and the first one that offered me a full ride and was in another state I jumped at. 

But soon after coming back to Alaska, diploma in hand, my mother moved in with me. I worked and ran the house. By 2026 I was relying on a plethora of pharmaceuticals and rewatching comfort shows to keep me from just driving off one of our numerous cliffs.

But the pen! Maybe a pen would inspire me! I would carve out the time. I came here to learn about the state of pens now. I used your posts to learn about reliable and non-problematic online shops (Alaska is devoid of many things, only one of those being stationery shops - although in a burst of cosmic symmetry, a young man just opened up our first in Anchorage). I ordered a TWSBI and a Kakuno from Atlas. The young owner of the new store in town sold me a Lamy Safari. I ordered more inks. I ordered a dip pen and nibs. I watched YouTube videos you recommended. 

I have settled for now on the Lamy Safari and AL-Star. Just got these two yesterday. I ordered both stub nib sizes as well as they are supremely easy to swap out. They do make writing fun again. The inks are where I can play (I gave in and bought swatch cards).

I will continue to explore pens. I have a ton on wish lists with various vendors. But for the first time in years I am happy writing again! I am inspired. And I am thankful to this sub and all of you who participate so graciously and kindly with newbie and veteran alike. 

NPD/NID & Sub Appreciation