The Right Pen for Write Work

Nothing is worse for a writer than having the wrong writing pen to do an ink on paper job. A too thick or thin handle will make it hard to grip. Less than smooth pen tips increase the lack of comfort by forcing the user to drag the ink along the paper. It doesn’t take very long for the hands and wrists to burn with the forced effort of putting thoughts to paper. The hands become tired a lot faster than the brain, destroying any rhythm achieved by the busy writer. Because of this, it can be important to decide if a ballpoint or a fountain pen is a better personal choice.



The fountain pen represents the early days of ink and is surging in use among enthusiasts. They are descended from reed and quill pens often associated with candlelight letter writing. There is a certain prestige associated with their use that a now common ballpoint doesn’t carry. Unlike the first ink writing utensils that required the messy dipping of an inkwell, the fountain pen has an internal liquid container. Even more enticing for the discerning scribe is the different styles of metal nibs. They can range from fine to broad nibs for different drawn line sizes. Better yet, all of the pen can be taken apart and put together with parts desired by the owner. Interchange the nib for different needs without replacing the whole pen. Most of all, many users feel the writing is consistently smoother than the ballpoint counterparts.



Despite the wonderful acclaim of a fountain pen, many writers still consider the ballpoint pen more user friendly. They might not have time to refill an internal bladder or clean it out before the ink becomes dry. A ballpoint pen is not as messy when the lid is off the point. They are also ubiquitous when the pen runs out of ink or breaks. All a writer has to do is go to the nearest store and buy one without the hassle or higher price for purchase. Perhaps there is not as much versatility, but the desired smoothness or grip can still be found after careful brand and style experimentation. Practicality might be more important than elegance. The muse and comfort can decide.

Any Life Can Be a Simple Life

By N. D. Melander

Most people acknowledge their lives have become busy and complicated. They wish to simplify, but aren't sure how that can be possible.   It doesn't take drastic measures to enjoy a simple life. There are steps that any person can take to lower stress and still have a normal life.

Probably the biggest challenge to a simple life is financial concerns. This is tied to a very consumerist culture that may question buying too much, but is still in debt to the point of bankruptcy. The main culprit is using credit to purchase almost everything. Financial guru Dave Ramsey suggests paying cash for any purchase other than basic expensive necessities, “When you pay cash, you can 'feel' the money leaving you. This is not true with credit cards. Flipping a credit card up on a counter registers nothing emotionally.” ( Dave Ramsey ). Although many people use credit cards responsibly, too many pile up debt burdens that increase stress. It is better for those who are looking for a simple life to save up and allocate cash for  specific purchases.

Spending money leads to the issue of having too much stuff. What was once wanted, even for a fleeting moment, starts to take up too much space. Marie Kondo suggests in her best selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up that a simple life is a clean and organized one. To be successful at doing what is necessary to create a simple life means changing hard to break habits. “Changing lifestyle habits acquired over a span of many years is generally extremely difficult,” Kondo wrote, “. . .  People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking. And that is not easy!”(pg. 15). Most simple living experts suggest having a needed and don't need pile, then getting rid of the latter.

Deciding what is needed and what isn't cannot be a one time thing for creating a simple life. Every decision and purchase must ask the question is this necessary? Whatever becomes not used is a complication. Living space must be sparse and clean, and that goes for a personal life as well. Learn to walk away from people, places, and things. Cleaning expert Don Aslett wrote in his book Lose 200 LBS. This Weekend, “We don't like to admit that anyone or anything could get the best of us. So instead we let overbearing people – or our overload of clutter – push us to the breaking point.” (pg. 55). Fewer objects and drama leads to more happiness and fulfillment.

Getting rid of debt, unnecessary possessions, bad relationships, and wanting it all can give a person freedom and peace. They don't worry as much because there isn't as much to worry about. Unplug the computer and cable containing frivolous entertainment. Take time to go for a hike, plant a garden, and talk with a neighbor. A simple life opens up more time with family and friends, helping others to enjoy life too. That is worth having fewer things.

Life.Simplified. T-shirt.