Magic And Gratitude

There was an extended time in my life when I thought myself set apart from others. I thought: “nobody seems to feel or think how I do”. As I age, and drift into my dotage, I see myself as less than an aberration; less than rare. I am ever so thrilled to recognize all that I share with my fellow beings. I don’t know if it started with my obsession with script and fountain pens, but the community that I stumbled upon with my shared interest, has nourished me with such deep emotional spirit, it is truly magical.

My partner, lover, and best friend was such a blessing. And here I find that those I truly treasure; those with whom I can share my deepest thoughts, and feel finally able to openly empathize with, are connected with such a celestial sinew that is expressed in such a seemingly mundane “hobby”.

But let us not fool ourselves into the sense that this hobby is anything less than a need to communicate in the most expressive manner that we can imagine.

We are not Shelley, Lorca, or Angelou; we are pretty average people who live in this flawed, fearful, achingly beautiful world often with less solid footing than we would like. So we write, spill ink, and caress a page with what magic we can summon, often hoping to echo the music in the ether.

But now, I find myself very fulfilled just to experience the humanity of this community.

Our little group just had our first meet of the new year. We are small, but mighty! Some were bestowed the opportunity to raid some of the collections of senior members, and walked away with some rather impressive treasure. Wary of drawing rare disapproval of my partner, Sharon, I was reminded, as Sharon was unable to attend this meet, that “Whatever happens at pen club, stays at pen club”, so for that confidence I am grateful.

Our little website has been getting some traction, and that is magical too! We feel so grateful to our clients who both give their trust and are so gracious, sometimes effusive in their praise for our services. We try to give the service that we would expect and appreciate, and we think that is a good model, and more likely to create a friendship.

So Happy New Year to all our friends and the friends we are yet to make. May this year bring you joy and peace.