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[Write the Story] The Story Begins at a Funeral

Posted by reudaly on October 17, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: The Story Begins at a Funeral

Words: poker, paramount, earlobe, marrow, epic, upgrade, offshoot, chihuahua, episode, icon

Story

You never know who’s going to show up to a funeral. Though the lady wearing poker chips from her ear lobes with a chihuahua in her purse was up there. I followed her – from distance of course – because it’s rude to intrude on grief.

“It’s paramount we settle the upgrades as soon as possible,” she said to another woman with a truly epic hairdo soaring a good foot above her head.

Then another conversation caught my attention. If only the bone marrow transplant had taken. Then maybe we’d still have this icon with us.”

I went from conversation to conversation until the service started – some generic offshoot of a religious service. Once everyone was gone, I went back downstairs where the others waited.

“You should’ve come with me,” I said. “It was a most interesting episode.”

“It’s not television! It’s someone’s end of life.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please, same thing. End of life is an important episode! This one had a dog!”

“A dog? I miss dogs.”

“Not this one. It peed on the casket. No one noticed but me.”

“How long are we going to be like this? Watching people’s funeral’s but never moving on ourselves?”

I shrugged. How much time do we have?”

“Forever. We’re dead, too.”

Word Count: 211

Written: 10/5/2019

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[Pen/Pencil Review] New Orleans Trip

Posted by reudaly on October 14, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

I know I missed the story blog this week – good reason, we were on vacation in New Orleans. While there we hit two places that I’ve only heard about on Pen World Magazine – Papier & Plume and Scriptura. Papier Plume is a higher end pen store with some notebooks/stationary. Scriptura is a stationary store with a smaller but nice pen selection. These are beautiful stores. Papier & Plume is in the French Quarter. The Scriptura we went to is more in the Garden District.
Image with an open pen on a box and two notebooks from Papier & Plume
At Papier & Plume, I picked up this amazing Diplomat fountain pen with a fired finish and a narrow “medium” point nib. The two notebooks are souvenir notepads showing New Orleans and Papier & Plume. They opened late the day we went, so we basically stalked the store until they opened. It was a lovely place with lovely people.
Image with an open pen on a box and two notebooks from Papier Plume
The Diplomat is a brand I’ve only read about, but never bought. It was relatively affordable for a higher end pen – about $50. And the finish was truly unique. The barrel is a machined metal – likely brass maybe aluminum. I’ll have to do research. It currently has a black international cartridge in it.
Image of the Scriptura bag, ink from Private Reserve and the Yookers pen box.
On they way out of town, we hit up Scriptura as we checked out the Garden District before heading to see artist friends for dinner. Scriptura is quaint. Mostly stationary – paper, invitations, etc. But they have some pens. And a dog. The dog was sleeping in a corner, so we didn’t get to meet the dog. I did make a new purchase. The Yookers. This is a new brand/type of pen. It’s a felt/fiber tipped pen that takes fountain pen ink. I ended up buying the demo because it was a 0.8mm tip. Everything else they had was a minimum of a 1.0 mm. Then I picked up Vampire Red Private Reserve ink cartridges because we’d just done the Witches, Vampires, Zombies, and Ghosts tour AND Halloween.
Image of the Scriptura bag, Private Reserve ink cartridges, and the Yookers open box
I’ll be looking at these pens and the ones from the Dallas Pen Show more in depth over the next few weeks. I also need to do some other things along the way to get other stuff back in focus and moving forward – but now I have some great pens to work on those projects with.

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[Pen/Pencil Blog] Pre-Vacation Confessions

Posted by reudaly on October 8, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

I didn’t really plan for this week’s pen blog. There are pens to review – and probably a couple more coming up – but…I have vacation brain. We’re about to take a short one and that’s my goal. Also, I’ve been con-cruddy ever since FenCon — upper respiratory. Maybe bad allergies. Maybe a virus. Recovering, but it’s also eaten my concentration and brain. The Day Job has been…busy…for the month or more and is finally having a breathing space before the next round of projects. I’ve also been Adulting like Nobody’s Business on some personal stuff. So there’s been…distractions.

And, I’ll be complete honest, I’ve struggled with motivation lately as well. This pen blog will continue, but I’ve not been excited about the blog. It’s all been part of the muddle that has been this summer. I think it’s getting better – with the Adulting and the finishing of some thing – but there are more things ahead. It doesn’t get…easier.

But, there are steps being taken to deal with all the things. It’s going to take some time and some work. The vacation will be a step in the right direction.

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[Write the Story] Two People who Hate Each Other Have to Cooperate

Posted by reudaly on October 4, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: Two People who Hate Each Other Have to Cooperate

Words: kidnap, pinstripe, quagmire, lofty, Adirondack, pinky, aftermath, kernel, legacy, fail

Story
“We have a problem.”

Kitty cracked open on eye and glared at the lean, blond man in a pinstripe suit settling into the Adirondack chair next to her. Her hand slipped under the towel next to her and curled around the grip of her weapon. “Besides the fact one good splash would ruin that suit?”

“I hate to admit it, but I need your help, Kitty.”

That got her attention. “What kind of quagmire have you gotten yourself into, Michel? The last time we saw each other…”

“Yes, yes, we will go back to mortal enemies soon enough, but right now we have a bigger problem. A common enemy and another common goal.”

And thus, Kitty ended up working with Michel Poisson—again. But he had been right, and though she never trusted him, the story Michel told her had at least a kernel of truth. She’d run bits of the problem past her boss knowing she would pay for her own partial truths in the aftermath. Now she was atop Legacy Towers, the loftiest building on the Moon Colony, cursing her choices.

“Pinky Ferrell is about a third of the way down. We swoop down, grab Pinky, and get out. No way this can fail.”

Kitty smacked the back of his head. “Let’s just go kidnap the kidnapper and be done with it. By the way, I’ve rerouted the elevators. We have total control of the cars. No need to repel down.”

“No fun.”

“No good reason. Don’t make me regret this mission more.”

“Just remember. You get Pinky and whatever information he has, I get the prisoner.”

“I still don’t get why.”

“Pinky has my sister.”

Now she had motive and one more piece of information. “Let’s go.”

Word Count: 290

Written: 10/3/19

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Dallas Pen Show 2019

Posted by reudaly on October 2, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

This past weekend was the Dallas Pen Show. I am very grateful for the fact that they moved off FenCon’s weekend. Jimmy and I get to go together. I love the pen show, I do. Though everything about it seems to be getting bigger and bigger — the vendors, the attendees, everything except the space. It has stayed the same. So I wasn’t able to have as much fun as I would like. The aisles were crowded, it was loud. And I wasn’t able to look at all the pretty, pretty pens.
Bottle of Monteverde Tanzanite Ink
The show did a new thing this year, it gave out bags with the free ink that is normally available but only if you know where to get it. I think Dromgoolie from Houston provides it. This year’s was a beautiful purple called Tanzanite (which is a gemstone color, yes, I know.)
Pen World Magazine Pen
Pen World Magazine is also a sponsor of the show. They were pleased I wore my Pen World t-shirt from last year, and this year I picked up their Retro 51 tornado Pen World rollerball. These are good pens if a bit stubby. This one theoretically glows in the dark, but I haven’t seen that for myself…yet. And in December they’re coming out with a limited edition fountain pen. It’s going to be a Christmas present. 😎
Two tone fountain pen
We talked to Lucas from Scribal Workshop. Walked the show. Like I said, it was tight and crowded and it started to trigger some of my crowd claustrophobia. I also wasn’t feeling great. (I had a weird combo of severe allergies and maybe con crud for the last week.) So I wasn’t as tempted to linger as I might’ve been. On the way back out I found my “ah ha!” place – a buy one/get one free place. I got two demonstrators – a black and clear that has an interesting yellow fade on it. And a green and clear with gold accents.
Green and gold fountain pen
These came with a chose of nibs — of course, I picked fine point. They’re generic but functional with the twist vacuum reservoirs. I currently have the Tanzanite in the black and yellow. It works really well, so far.

I know you were probably expecting this yesterday, but work and life stuff got in the way yesterday.

[Write the Story] The Characters Are Aware That They’re Fictional

Posted by reudaly on September 27, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: The Characters Are Aware That They’re Fictional

Words: oil rig, dynasty, lousy, vault, discharge, supreme, migrate, harvest, jaw, pudding

Story

“What idiot puts a vault on a friggin’ oil rig?” Diane whispered as they crept through the dark corridors and pipe structure of Supreme Harvest floating rig. Rings, dings, and hisses covered and sounds of footfalls on the metal grating.

“The better question is why are we even here? The Dynasty is lousy with spies and thieves. We’re…aww, crap. It’s another story. She’s writing again.” Andrew rubbed his jaw. “Can’t you just let us go?” He shouted at the air above him.

Diane nearly pulled him to the deck, head swiveling for discovery. She caught herself when no weapons discharge occurred. “you’re right, Andy. She hasn’t gotten to the fight scene or discovery fail cycle. I don’t feel the urgent need to throw myself into a fight I should have no reason to win. She might be blocked. You?”

Andrew shook his head. “I think we passed a cafeteria in the last chapter. Let’s go see if they have pudding and see if we can figure out how to migrate into a nice coming of age story or a light romance.”

Diane thought for a moment. “That’s a thought, but I kind of like being the kick butt heroine. Though I have been whispering in her brain about ditching the tragic backstory. I’d rather be the strong but emotionally stable type.”

“Have you met our author? Good luck with that.”

A voice came from above. “Hey, you two, pipe down and get back to work. We have a deadline.”

Word Count: 249

Written: 9/27/2019

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Staples Tru Red Retractable 0.5mm Assorted Colors

Posted by reudaly on September 24, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

Before FenCon, there was an unexpected trip to Staples – because it was a convenient side trip. I picked up a couple of things on sale. One was a 5-pack of their new line Tru Red ™ retractable gel pens. I had to try them, because I am me.
Staples Tru Red Pens in package
I bought this package because I was in a colorful mood and the “assorted colors” seemed dark considering there was some “light” ink them. These come in Red, Teal, Purple, Orange, Lime Green. The ink is richly pigmented and flows well from the tip – especially with the lighter colors. The gel ink is quick drying – there will always be a few seconds where you can smear it on slick paper, but that’s almost all gel inks. The point is a sturdy conical. It’s also acid-free, which is kind of the norm now, but still a selling point for those who scrapbook. That’s still a thing, right?
Staples Tru Red Pens writing sample
The pen is about 5.75″ long, which is slightly longer than typical, and has a decent retraction mechanism. It’s light but well-balanced. The pen is all plastic, but the plunger and clip don’t feel like they will snap off. The barrel is a simple, rubberized single unit. The rubberized barrel is a decent diameter and comfortable on the fingers. There is an ability to refill it, with it tip being where it detaches and refills, but the joins are smooth and there is nothing to dig in.
Staples Tru Red retractable pens not in package
This is a good workhorse pen that has a decent price point, so if it’s stolen off a desk, it’s no big loss. It’s refillable so you can use them a good long time. If you can find the colors in a refill, that might be an issue. These run about $6.50 for the 5 pens. There are also blue and black versions as well as stick pen versions. These are Staples new “house brand”, so if you need bulk, you can also get them in boxes of a dozen.
Staples Tru Red back of package
The Numbers.

1. How does it work?1 – This is a solid working pen. The ink is well-pigmented. The point is a solid conical.
2. Look and feel1 – It’s a basic retractable pen. There’s a nod to ergonomics with the rubberized barrel, but no extra grip. The clip is plastic.
3. Material1 – It’s all plastic all the time. It is what it is, but the colors are pretty.
4. Overall Design1 – It’s functional. It’s a slightly longer than average length retractable pen with a decent point and ink.
5. Price Point0.5 – If it becomes refillable it’s a steal. Right now, it’s just a pen. They’re running $1.30-ish. And the 0.7mm are about 50¢ LESS, which is distressing. It’s one of the first times I’ve seen point sizes being different prices.

4.5 out of 5 bronze pencils.

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[WHOOPS] Murphy’s WEEK

Posted by reudaly on September 13, 2019 in Life with Comments closed |

On this, a Full Moon Friday the 13th… I stand before you and admit that this week did NOT go according to plan.

I MEANT to get a pen blog done. I MEANT to get a story done.

Neither one of those things happened. I’ve gotten very little of what I MEANT to do done this week.

Work, FenCon, Technical Difficulties and well, this…

Neil Patrick Harris on stage sitting at a table with an interviewer.

Neil Patrick Harris LIVE!

Neil Patrick Harris on a stool talking to audience

There are other stressors piling on right now — besides the obvious of FenCon. There’s a LOT. Just a lot. I’m taking some steps to fix that.

Please bear with me as I work it all out.

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[Write the Story] The Phone Rings at 3 A.M.

Posted by reudaly on September 6, 2019 in Write the Story, Writing with Comments closed |

Prompt: The Phone Rings at 3 A.M.

Words: guerilla, emerald, careless, traffic, liberate, adolescence, punch, wave, environment, oval

Story

Robert Earl Keen has a song where the chorus line is The road goes on forever and the party never ends. That’s how I feel every day. Except it’s not a party. It’s my job.

Ring. I answer as I always do. “Emerald ocean sunset” is today’s code response. I don’t know who comes up with this stuff. “Go ahead, Agent Chase.”

“The guerillas are about to liberate the capital. They’re moving through town like a wave of drunken kids in adolescence.”

“You couldn’t have just said teenagers?” I said. “It’s 3 a.m. here. How bad is it?”

“It’s a punch-drunk environment.” Chase sounded a bit sloshed himself.

“Don’t’ get careless, Chase.” I was already out of bed and pulling up computers to get intel and satellite imagery.

“Crap. They’re almost to the traffic oval.” I could hear crowd and weapons noise behind him. The visuals I could pull up were…bleak. “I need an exit strategy now.”

My fingers flew over keys, but as I pushed the buttons and sent the codes, Chase’s messages grew more frantic and more garbled and then abruptly stopped. I stopped typing and listened to the chaos for a moment as I shut down my system.

I always told these guys, if you call me at 3 a.m., someone better be dead.

Word Count: 217

Written: 8/30/19

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[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8

Posted by reudaly on September 3, 2019 in Review, writing instruments with Comments closed |

Today’s pen blog is a multi-function pen that Jimmy found for me somewhere in his quest for all thing Pentel P205. This is the Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8 multi writing function instrument. That’s the only thing that I can call it. This is slightly different from other multi-functions. This one is a 2 mm lead holder and pen set in one barrel
Pentel PH 803 packaged
This multi-function pen surprised me a little. I’m used to multi-function/color pens being bulky and sometimes hard to handle. This one isn’t. For what it is, it’s quite sleek. It’s 5.5″ long with everything retracted. I would normally say what it is with the points out, but being a lead holder, that’s variable. The barrel diameter is obviously wider than a “typical” standard single use pen or pencil, but not more so than some of the ergonomic grip pens. It’s not uncomfortably wide at the top. The point tapers to a comfortable diameter with ridges that help grip.
Pentel PH 803 with point extended
The barrel is gray with a black cap and clip that “dials” the ink or lead that you want. There is no eraser. The cap is the “clicker” that extends the leads or the inks. You have to tip the point down to extend the lead or ink and tip up to retract. The barrel has transparent bands just under the clip to see the innards. The next gray band has indicators for what you’re extending. The grip is clear.
Writing Sample
The 0.7mm ball point pens are a rich red, blue, and black inks that flow well. The HB lead is soft and dark. What’s unique to this is the fact it has red lead for editing; non-copy blue for good, old-fashioned blue line lead; and pink and yellow fluorescent highlighter leads. This makes the 8 functions of the instrument.
Open package Pentel PH 803
This barrel is refillable. In fact this came in a case with extra leads and ink and a “pointer” which is lead holder for “sharpener” with the tiniest hole to only sharpen the lead points. That’s cool, but I have to remember where I put the pointer.
Empty barrel
I enjoy this more than I thought I would. Mostly because it’s almost everything you could want in one thing. These are not available (easily) in the US. You can get them from Amazon from Japan for $20+ — which means not cheap but for what it is and what it can do – and the fact it COMES WITH REFILLS—it’s a good deal.

The numbers:

1. How does it work?1 – It works well. The rotary function of the points feels secure. There’s a bit of a learning curve – you do have to completely retract the point being used before you can change to another
2. Grip and feel1 – For a multi-function, it’s actually comfortable. There’s a decent taper, and the diameter is comfortable. It’s long enough to fit comfortably in the hand. I’m actually surprised by this.
3. Material1 – It’s plastic and base metal…however with the nice inserts, and sturdy feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel lets you see ink levels. Some might think it’s expensive for plastic and base metal, but it’s environmentally conscious and three good quality writing instruments in one.
4. Overall Design1 – Though there’s a learning curve to figure it out, once you do – and that’s simply getting used to this being a lead holder rather than a mechanical pencil – it’s nice. I find I pick it up more than I thought I would.
5. Price Point0.5 – It’s not cheap, but it is useful. It’s expensive but comes with refills that helps make it more economical. It can be had on Amazon, but it will come from Japan. I do find myself going to it when I might need pen/pencil back and forth options.

That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.

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