UPDATE:  I received questions in regard to the bottled ink posted here; it’s Duke bottled fountain pen ink.  You  may purchase it through A Pen Lover’s Paradise.  I have purchased pens and ink from them in the past; good pens, good service, at good prices.  What’s not to love?  Check ‘em out!

Aaaaah, today is a good day – if for no other reason that on this day, in 1830, a man by the name of H.D. Hyde patented a little thing called the fountain pen.  The mere thought of that particular writing utensil makes me a verklempt … let us take a moment …

There’s just something about writing with a fountain pen that is exilerating.  Today’s pens are a bit more dependable; they’re less likely to explode – which is always a plus.  Ink barrels may serve a hinderance – especially for those like me who are accident prone.   Still, an ink smudge or two on my fingers is more good than bad.  Suddenly, like writers of old, I bear the mark of my trade on my very being.   Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, you just may change your mind after writing a few lines with such a splendid instrument …