Just a hello to everyone. I've read only a few posts so far, and already have found tons of good information. I love it!

I'm a busy at-home mom of two little ones, ages two & three, and laptop-dependent, but have noticed over the last couple years that I have been missing the old art of handwriting. Most of the time lately the only writing utensils I use are CRAYONS. Have been thinking a lot about "the old days" when I used to write letters and cards to my friends, journal, scrapbook, and generally write all day long.

I have always loved this "back-to-school" time of year, new pens, notebooks, etc. Heaven to me is a brand-new notebook! After reading a little here I am dying to try some Clairefontaine paper.

Naturally, being a dope, I have misplaced my old Parker fountain pen - given to me as a graduation gift years ago. Hopefully some day my FP will turn up, but in any case I am in the market for a new one. I'll be reading carefully all your reviews to figure out what to buy next.

I think I'll have to hit the "Penmanship" posts too, as I'm sure my handwriting has become even more atrocious from lack of use.

What a great site, I'm glad I found it. Thanks all!

Lisa from WI

Greetings from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lisa!!!!
I hope you find info here tohelp you select a pen tha t you love. As far as vendors go, check out james P's Pear tree Pen Company,and Pam Braun at oscarbraunpens.com

Nice to have you here!

I've found working on my handwriting after a tense day is one of the best ways to relax. And a good pen makes writing such a pleasure. Well, go on and enjoy yourself. You'll find no end of opinions and reviews here to help with those delicious decisions.

Welcome. I'ts easy to get addicted to this site!
I hope you find your pen. I am still using a Parker 45 my grandmother gave me for HS graduation 39 years ago.
Mike

Welcome to FPM. Those young ones can run you ragged unless you are a grandparent and then you just return them to the parent. Journaling with a fountain pen is a way to work on your handwriting and leave those kids something they'll treasure in the future.

Ah crayons...........
We gave our grand kids some sidewalk chalk, keeps them busy for hours and the rain washes it away. Good stuff.
If misplacing a pen makes you a dope welcome to the forum of dopes.
Well, except for me. I have never misplaced a pen.

Welcome to FPN..........

Welcome Lisa, from a neighbor in MN. You reside in a State well known for Fountain Pens, as I am sure you know. Parker, and other smaller Companies got their start in your fine State.
Good luck finding your graduation gift. Having three little ones (well not so little anymore), I know that things tend to show up years later .

Exactly! Either years later OR right after you go out & purchase a replacement. Ha!

Aaah you grandparents! Always pumping the kids full of sugar and then screeching out of the driveway! )

I did mean to make "baby books" for the kids... but being so crazy around here, I've never got around to it. Well, okay, it took me 2.5 years to get all my wedding photos in an album so I'm not particularly hopeful about the baby books. My husband & I have taken to scribbling down funny quotes or silly things the kids have done on pieces of scrap paper & putting them in a box. Then some day when I have free time *like when they go off to college?* I plan to organize all those scraps and write up a journal for each of them. Call it "blackmail material" that I can hand off to their future dates. Ha!

Thx for the welcome!

L.