I am not sure how many people still write thank you notes for gifts much less write them by hand any more?  I had always never felt much of a desire to write them or receive them.  That is until I became fascinated with fountain pens and handwriting.  I am pretty sure that this desire comes from my determination and fascination to do things “old ways”.

This fountain pen is a Pilot Varsity disposable pen that I borrowed from a friend, who also happens to have a fetish for fountain pens.  His fetish is much more expensive than mine at this point.  I have yet to actually purchase one of my own but I have narrowed the options a bit and am looking forward to taking a trip to the pen shop.  Yes, we actually still have a pen shop in this city.  It will be a fun day.  I have a post in the works on some of the pens I am looking at and will finish it shortly.

I liken my fascination to these pens to other things in my life that require a ritual.  Making coffee, or tea, in my house is always whole bean and loose leaf.  Both require a ritual of preparation that enhances the pleasure for me.  I get the sensations of grinding the beans, and smelling them, not to mention a far superior cup of coffee or tea.  Another similarity is preparing food, most meals here are lovingly crafted from whole ingredients, again requiring preparation.

I think that the act of taking out paper, inking a pen, and then writing, slowly because the words take much longer to form this way than typing, completes the act.  It provides sensations that are not present with a computer which spits out perfect type every time.  These thank you letters are unique, crafted by me solely for the recipient.  This lets them know that I really appreciated their gift with a little bit of my time and creativity.

Everyone should try sending a handwritten letter or note to someone.  It will really brighten their day and yours by writing it.