Hello from California!

[minaa]

I am a newcomer to the fountain pen pen hobby, having only really delved in within the past few months. I joined the FPN and post there sometimes (admittedly I don't always know what to say), but I know FPGeeks is also a worthwhile group to join

I have had a couple of Lamys and a Preppy for a few years, but only used them for drawing and didn't really understand their usefulness. I had read recently the meditative benefits of writing in cursive, and got curious. I purchased a Pilot Metropolitan, and the floodgates opened. I've since purchased a small collection of inks, a Monteverde Invincia Deluxe, a Pilot Custom 74, another Preppy, a Noodler's Ahab, and a vintage Conway Stewart. I'm enjoying them a lot.

Who am I? I'm a professional artist, designer, and writer with many outlets. I live in San Jose, California.

I love my fountain pens. Learning how to write with them is an interesting challenge, especially in that I'm left handed, and have anxiety issues that physically manifest similarly to neuropathy (complicated but true). Having to relax, write lightly, and sort out my thoughts on paper is very therapeutic.

Being an artist, I also love drawing with these pens. Huzzah!

[eriquito]

Hi minaa! Welcome!

I love how you so nonchalantly added "and a vintage Conway Stewart."

You're gonna fit right in =)

Eric

[Jeph]

[butchhe]

[writingrav]

Welcome to the madness. Indulge!

[inklord]

Hello minaa! Welcome to this inky bunch! I myself joined only recently and am continuously amazed at how welcoming everybody is here! And yes, since my school days I've found solace in the gliding movements of the fountain pen, and the inky river it leaves behind... Be well, have fun, and let the good ink flow!

[caribbean_skye]

welcome welcome. It seems that you have a good variety of pens already, have you found any inks that you are excited about? If i recall correctly there are several left handed writers here so dont think you are alone.

[Potter]

I'm left handed too, all the best people are

[Wahl]

[sombrueil]

There's a, I'll call it "vibrant", fountain pen group in the bay area, SF Pen Posse. Usually meet in Milbrae, not too far from you. Join their facebook group to get notices about meetings. Inshallah I will be at the May meeting at Peyton Street Pens in Santa Cruz. You should come!

[minaa]

Eriquito, well... What can I say! Flex is fascinating, and this pen is a nice little piece from Peyton Street that was within my price range.

I am a part of the pen posse on Facebook already, and look forward to going to one of the meetups. )

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone!

Edit: carribbean_skye, I'm actually really enjoying my Edelstein Amethyst and Diamine Oxblood. Edelstein Garnet is also a favorite, but writes a little brightly in the pen it's currently in (I'll pair it with a finer nib and I'll probably be quite happy with it). I'm waffling on whether or not to order some Akkerman inks (those ink bottles...!). Oranje Boven looks beautiful.

[Bisquitlips]

I just joined FPGs myself Minaa! Glad you are here!

If you are new to the addiction that collecting and writing with fountain pens can be then be prepared for a very satisfying hobby! And I think you will find that the people on forums like this one are quality people that are eager to help with any questions you may have.

Cheers!

Richard

[pica pica]

Hi minaa

[Aleks]

welcome fellow Californian!!!

[caribbean_skye]

<snip>
I'm actually really enjoying my Edelstein Amethyst and Diamine Oxblood. Edelstein Garnet is also a favorite, but writes a little brightly in the pen it's currently in (I'll pair it with a finer nib and I'll probably be quite happy with it). I'm waffling on whether or not to order some Akkerman inks (those ink bottles...!). Oranje Boven looks beautiful.

I love my Akkerman inks, havent tried Oranje Boven though. Right now I currently trying to talk myself into Mauritshuis Magenta or pulchris pink. I am sure some of the local pen posse have some of their ink. I may pick up some at the Dallas Pen show. I love Diamine Oxblood, will have to check out Amethyst and Garnet though.

[minaa]

I ordered them later yesterday, after I mentioned it here. I can't wait to try out my Akkerman inks

[chojo]

[Hawk]

Welcome.

[inlovewithjournals]

[VertOlive]

Welcome to the Geeks!