As I come to the disappointing realization that the 9th(?) green ink I’ve tried is also NOT the right first green bottle for me, the disappointment quickly morphs into … JUICY EXCITEMENT. I am still on a QUEST. So many fresh colors and discoveries yet to come! So many seats to be filled on a shelf that will someday hold Al My Favorite Bottles. Full of COLORS that bring me JOY!
To still be in that visionary stage, but past the uncertain beginnings. Like just embarking on the voyage before rations start dwindling and rats chew holes in the hull and food stores. Where everything is a golden promising horizon and you can still envision islands of dreamy fantastic abundance JUST beyond it. With clarity and confidence. Without any hazy hallucinations caused by starvation, sleep deprivation, sunstroke or too much alcohol (it being the only fluid safe to drink at that later point in the journey).
A pretty picture / illustration to come and replace this placeholder … someday soon!
I am at that point in leveling up my collection where you now know how to read the maps, chart your course, and you have a more solid idea of the risks and pitfalls to avoid but without having experienced much of the pain. It’s the beginning of a pleasant grind where you are still intoxicated by the rewards. Not yet bored and sick of so many days at sea with no prospect of landing at your destination. No doubts creeping in that you may never find “the perfect green” ink of your dreams, because right now? I’ve only sampled such a small percentage of the green inks out there … I am nowhere near scraping the bottom of the barrel of possibilities. The kind of green I want becomes clearer and clearer, and each one I try that is NOT it just makes me more sure I am that much closer to finding My Perfect Green.
Perfect for March. For Spring. For my birthday coming up on that leprechaun day.
When you start leveling up your fountain pen game beyond beginner/starter/entry-level pens with cartridges, what do you want to focus on expanding: paper, inks, storage, handwriting, or more / next-level pens?