“With words at your disposal, you can see more clearly. Finding the words is another step in learning to see.”
Robin Kimmerer
I believe that each pen, or any writing instrument, is a tool filled with words and that it is the task of the writer to find them. And, I define a writer as everyone! We just don’t know it yet. Just pick up the pen and put it to paper. I also believe words are found in blank journals and it is the writer’s task to find them. If you don’t believe me then get a journal and pen and begin to write daily. The words may be just for you but they are there.
This morning we had a light frost with the temperature around 30 degrees. By mid-morning the sun and bright blue sky had melted it away. It has been a quiet day for me. This afternoon I sat in my chair in the sunshine and let the sun warm me, inside and out. I watched the wind blow leaves across the yard, making that rustling sound as they danced in front of me. Now it is overcast and cooling down. My journals are my attempts to find words that describe such moments. and they also help me see such moments. It is a practice where progress not perfection is the task. I love what I see in this world so I use photography and my journals as ways to describe them. That’s my reason to journal and why I love my photography.
2 Comments
Earl
“I believe that each pen, or any writing instrument, is a tool filled with words and that it is the task of the writer to find them.” – MS
The above quote from your post brings the question to mind does different writing instrument have ‘different words’ or influence different thoughts from the writer? As a collector of some fine pens, I thought you might be highly qualified to answer this question. 😉
I hope you’re having a good weekend…stay warm.
Monte Stevens
What a great question!
In my experience having a pen that I think is attractive, feels good in my hands, has a good nib and feeder, and filled with a fine ink to compliment it, will inspire me to write. I will more readily pick up the pen and journal. I can say the same with my cameras. I gravitate towards cameras that I enjoy using. Lots of images in those cameras.
I will stare at a blank page waiting for words when when I have a fine pen in my hand. I will write for longer periods of time. I use fountain pens because they do not require pressure to write, the ink flows through a capillary action rather than pressure. Therefore, my hand does not fatigue as much.
Because I view my journaling as a spiritual practice the pen now becomes more. Call it a channel, conduit, a letter and even my prayer.
Having said all that, I do have favorites and pick them up more often. I am even to the point where I’ve reduced my pen collection and only keep the ones I use regularly.
Thank you for your question!