Old Friends From My Stash

It was a dark and gloomy weekend. Not really. Sunny and comfortable but evenings at my desk were uninspired until I put together paper, pen and ink that haven’t seen the light of day in ages. To my delight the Rhodia No 13 pad, Sailor Sapporo fine nib and Diamine Mediterranean Blue ink were made for each other.

Mediterranean Blue has been a frequent companion to a Platinum #3776 music nib, but never a narrow nib. Not surprising for a Diamine ink, it has excellent flow and color from a fine nib, too. I never post a cap. Ever. However, the Sapporo works better in my hand with the extra length and weight. So doing something different from in the past made an unused pen usable.

I didn’t have to spend another dime to put a Sapporo into my rotation and I didn’t have to wait for a delivery. All I am suggesting is to mix things up especially in unexpected ways. You might get as pleasantly surprised as I did.

Zebra Mini Ballpoint Pen

When space is scarce and tiny tools are in order, the Zebra Mini Ballpoint could be the perfect fit.

At 3.25 inches closed, this pen can fit in the smallest of spaces. It extends to a useful length of 4.25 inches when it is time to go to work. Pair it with a mini journal for a truly pocket-sized traveling companion.

Zebra Mini Ballpoint (BA55):

• Sturdy metal barrel – no plastic parts
• Rated as fine but writes extra fine
• Ink dries quickly
• No cap to lose
• Very little pressure needed to write a consistent line
• Narrow barrel isn’t the most comfortable, but okay for lists or short passages
• Pen available in black, gray, white, silver, pink, light blue, mint green and navy
• Ink refills available in black, blue, red and green
• Close the barrel and twist off the tip to install a refill
• Small enough to fit in some wallets

Sometimes really small is just right.