My plate…it overfloweth with things to do. So this week’s pen blog is a “Wish List” post. Things I’m looking forward to trying out when I can make it happen – and the blame lies FIRMLY on JetPens.com. THIS IS NOT A REVIEW. I HAVE NOT USED THE PRODUCTS MENTIONED – YET.
I’ve won several Moleskine and Rhodia notebooks over the past few months. I have my Rhodia R notebook that will be used in order in which it is shelved. I’ve seen Rhodia products at places like Container Store, but always talked myself out the expense. The contests are spoiling me for excellent quality paper that I wouldn’t normally pay for (at least not at this point in my economic life). But man, I do like good paper… And I can’t wait to use this one for two reasons: 1) It’s an “R”. It’s an automatic monogrammed notebook. 2) There were so many challenges getting this to me that it’ll be used out of sheer stubbornness. It’s definitely meant to be mine.
I also have my Star Wars Moleskine lined notebooks. Which ROCK hard. Jimmy and I both wanted them – him for the reprinted original Star Wars by the Hildebrandt Brothers. We got ’em. It’s almost a shame to use them, but it would be a BIGGER shame to NOT use them – which is a whole other essay that’s only partially written. 
JetPens.com has also shown me some new products that are now HIGH on my wish list. Affordable, but not necessary, for the most part. So they’re on the list, but not yet ordered. And once more, we see the name Moleskin. Moleskine has apparently entered the pen/ink world, and I’m not sure what to think yet. They have a 0.5mm roller ball pen that’s rectangular – to lie flat in a notebook. This one really will have to be used to see how that works. I’m not sure it’s something that would be comfortable, but hey…I reserve judgment. But I’m intrigued by the IDEA of the design.
But what has me MORE excited – and really, TOO excited – are the gel refills just announced by Moleskine. They’re “Parker Style”. I LOVE this. I love having more choices in converting my Parker Style ball point pens to gel – my preferred ink. I love that Moleskine is offering their blues and blacks in both 0.5mm as well as 0.7mm – even if their other “fashion” colors are only 0.7mm (what’s up with that? It’s across the board). Monteverde and Foray only seem to offer – in retail stores – 0.7mm and even “genuine” Parker rarely has their 0.5mm ink in stock. I’ve used all the other gel ink converters. I can’t wait to try the Moleskin. Always room for options.
My biggest wish is for all these companies to come out with finer point refills with more color options. I love the idea of reds, greens, purples and browns in 0.5mm or even 0.38mm – Pilot for their G2 line does have green and red in the finer points, but none of the other colors, and none in anything BUT the “primary” colors.
So, yes, Moleskine writing collection – high on my wishlist. I’ll let you know when I actually have them in stock, on hand, and in use. We’ll see then if the reality meets up with the expectation.