Why Pen and Paper Writing is better than Typing

Why Pen and Paper Writing is better than Typing

 It mustn't have been long since you wrote a short shopping list, left a memo at your work desk or scribbled something on your kid's notebook. But, how long has it been since you last wrote a long draft with a pen and paper? It's awful to see an increasing number of people switching from writing to typing. The innovation of technology has altered the way people write and are slowly taking us away from the world of writing instruments. Needless-to-say, the use of pen and paper has rapidly declined over the past decade.

Undoubtedly, laptops and modern gadgets have made their way into our classrooms and meeting halls taking the place of our beloved pen and paper. Obviously, typing has an upper hand if you are playing the role of a scribe, but if you want to study your course material then definitely the pen is still mightier than a keyboard.

Today, precious writing implements like fountain pens have become nothing more than a mere nostalgic showpiece. With the advancement in technology, handwriting practice is slowly being pushed towards the corner. But, did you know that handwriting comes with tons of benefit? So, without wasting much time let's look into the benefits of handwriting.

Handwriting Makes Our Brain Work Faster

There is so much you can do with a pen compared to a normal keyboard. Picking up a pen and a pad of paper to write not only enhances your handwriting but also improves your cognitive and learning senses. Writing stimulates a bunch of cell in the brain called Reticular Activating System (RAS). RAS works as a filter that tells your brains which activities it should prioritize first. And, while writing this bunch of cell brings the art of writing to the forefront.

Less Distraction

With your laptop, you'll have other apps running which will definitely pull your attention from "just writing". On the counter side, writing with a pen and paper will allow you to solely focus on writing and will not engross your attention anywhere else. Besides that, writing with a pen will enhance your memory power and helps you to retain those notes on your head for a longer period of time.

It Makes You A Better Writer

Nine out of ten writers believe that writing with a pen makes you a better writer than typing your words on a computer screen. Most writers pen down their thoughts on a piece of paper before actually typing them on a computer. The slowness of your hands gives you adequate time to think before jotting down the next letter. So, the words you write with a pen will be more accurate, error free and will break your bad habit of using autocorrect function. Apart from that, people who use a pen to write complete sentences better compared to their keyboard typing peers.

Good Handwriting Will Serve You Beyond Elementary School

Good handwriting will not only aid you throughout your schooling days, fluency in handwriting also fills the void space in your daily life. It enhances your concentration, makes your brain sharp and helps you to stand out amongst your peers in any working environment. Experts have also stated that practicing handwriting is the best exercise for people who want to keep their brains sharp as they age.

Summary

With the introduction of laptops, smartphones, and tablets, typing has become the go-to method for many. Indeed, typing is fast and it does make our life easy but what about the benefits of writing. Handwriting comes with loads of benefits and it's essential for even an avid typist to include handwriting practice on their to-do list.

So, if you think handwriting is worth it, pick up a pen and start jotting your thoughts on a piece of paper.

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An Introduction to Fountain Pens

An Introduction to Fountain Pens

If we analyze the current scenario, most pen aficionados prefer ballpoint/rollerball pens over fountain pens. With the increasing popularity of ballpoint and rollerball pens, fountain pens have been labeled as a retro nostalgia that's unable to serve the real purpose. It’s true, ballpoint pens have paved an easy path for writers. With ballpoint pens, you don’t have to worry much about stains, refills and maintenance. Just tuck the writing instrument into your pocket as long as it runs, and dispose it after it stops. Quite easy isn’t it!!!!

But, when it comes to fountain pens things are different. Writing with a fountain pen is an art which constantly evolves with every stroke. To operate this writing tool one needs skill, attention and dedication. Fountain pens are exclusively designed to offer vivid line variations based on the direction and speed of your stroke - delivering a human touch to whatever you write. And it’s one of the best things you can expect in this age of computers. 

So, if you really want to plunge into the world of fountain pens this article will provide you a brief insight to get started. 

History of Fountain Pens

History of Fountain Pens

The history of fountain pen goes way back to 10th century, but the fountain pen we know today were not introduced till 18th century. 

In 1884, Lewis Waterman introduced the first fountain pen with an ink reservoir which filled from an external source. There were various other models before Waterman’s version but all of them had issues related to airflow and ink spills.  As we all know, fountain pens operate via gravitational mechanism. To efficiently use a fountain pen you have to hold the pen vertically so the ink from the reservoir streams towards the nib. Upon writing, the used ink from the reservoir has to be replaced with air to stop the unnecessary spilling. And, this was one of the mammoth issues that most fountain pen manufacturers failed to deal with before Waterman pens were introduced. 

Waterman did solve the issue, and introduced the first fountain pen which offered consistency and smooth penmanship experience. He created a layered feed which wrapped the spilling issue of fountain pens. The innovative idea of Waterman provided a distinct platform to fountain pens, and soon these fine writing instruments took their place as a favorite writing tool in every pen enthusiast’s pocket. Hence, the modern fountain pens were born. 

Waterman’s innovative feed did sort out problems related to spilling and staining, but filling the pen still remained a grueling affair. To refill a fountain pen, one had to use an eyedropper and fill the reservoir drop by drop. But at the dawn of 19th century, many pen manufacturing company introduced fountain pens which enabled users to dip the nib into the ink bottle and fill the pen through a piston fill mechanism. 

Fountain Pen Parts

A normal fountain pen usually comprises of three different sections.

• The Nib 

• The Feed 

• Reservoir or Filling Systems

The Nib

Nib

Nib is the part of the fountain pen that imprints your thoughts on a piece of paper. At the initial days, most of the nibs were crafted from gold due to the element’s flexible nature. But today, most of the modern nibs are composed of either stainless steel or gold alloys. 

Stainless steel nibs are sturdy and durable. But when it comes to performance, stainless steel might be the last option for pen enthusiasts who love smooth and delicate writing. The tip of a steel nib is scratchy by nature and doesn’t offer fine line variations.  

Another one on the list is gold alloy nibs. These nibs are preferred by most pen aficionados because they share similar flexibility as gold nibs. But due to the elements flexible nature, a sturdy tip (platinum or iridium) is featured on these nibs.  

Every nib comprises of a central slit which helps the ink to reach all the way to the tip. And, at the end of the slit there is a breather hole to bring back air into the reservoir to replace the used ink. The breather hole also acts as a pivot which prevents the nib from damages caused by continuous flexing. 

Based on the design, nibs are entitled with three different labels.

• Italic Nibs

• Stub Nibs 

• Calligraphy Nibs

In the world of fountain pens Italic nibs are regarded widely put into action, while the stub and calligraphy nibs are commonly used for calligraphy.

Feed

Feed

This may sound quite awkward but the feed is considered as the most important part of a fountain pen. The feed is located at the back of the nib, and it acts as a transit through which the ink from reservoir travels to the nib. 

A good feed with a higher ink flow will lubricate the nib very well resulting to a smooth and skip less writing.  On the other hand side, a feed with a drier ink flow may result to scratchiness and can portray signs of skipping and skidding. However, with a drier feed you will have to rely totally on the quality of the nib. 

Reservoir or Filling Systems

Reservoir or Filling Systems

Different pens come with different filling mechanism. Converter, cartridge, piston, lever, the list can go on and on. Each year pen manufacturing companies bring out innovative ideas regarding the filling mechanism, and it’s a good thing. With every new idea they avail us with a new option, and every filling mechanism offers a different flow. 

Most of us believe the performance of a fountain pen is defined by its nib and feed. But, there are other factors that need to be overlooked before concluding the final results. 

Gripping Style: Gripping Style is a key factor which influences your writing. Fountain pens are meant to be used in a special way. The tip should come in contact to the paper at an angle of 40 – 60 degrees, and shouldn’t be twisted left and right. 

Here are three different gripping styles preferred by most fountain pen enthusiast. 

Tripod Grip: This is a precise gripping style to use fountain pen. It offers a delicate balance and ensures the placement of nib at an angle of 45 – 60 degrees. 

Forefinger-Up Grip: Like the Tripod grip, this style of gripping also ensures the placement of the nib at an angle of 45 – 60 degrees. Plus, the forefinger on the top of the pen allows a distinct control of pressure while writing. 

Thumb Wrap Grip: Unlike the Tripod and Forefinger-Up grip, this style of gripping is not recommended for fountain pen users. In this method, the pen is vertically aligned with the surface which may distort the control and balance resulting to a nasty penmanship experience. 

Paper Quality: Horrible paper is a major element which results to horrible writing experience. If the paper is thin and rough, even the finest pens will perform ineptly. Bleed through is also a common problem with cheap and thin papers. These kinds of papers soak maximum amount of ink and bloat your writing. If you are using a fountain pen, it’s best to use genuine papers from companies like Rhodia and Letts of London. 

Ink: Low graded watery inks are another factor that results a nasty writing experience. So, to enhance your joy of writing it’s best to use lubricated inks from genuine companies like Diamine Ink and Noodler’s Ink. Lubricated inks will reduce nib friction, and offer you a better feel while jotting down your words on a piece of paper. 

Fountain Pens for Starters: 

I know there are lots of fancy pen on the market, but I would not recommend them for starters. For pen enthusiasts who are ready to plunge into the world of fountain, here are few options to start with. 

Lamy Safari: After stalking through different pen forums and grabbing suggestion from pen enthusiasts, I came to know Lamy Safari resides on the top of the chart when it comes to fountain pens for beginners. The cost of the pen is below $30 and is definitely the best price for its value. 

Pilot Namiki Retro Collection: Stylish, classy and trendy the Pilot Namiki Retro Collection offers a versatile array of fountain pens designed for beginners. The pen features classic cigar shaped profile accompanied by a sturdy steel nib that glides perfectly without any sign of skips. Easily available in the market below $20.

Noodler’s Konrad: From my personal perspective, Noodler’s Kornrad is a unique array of fountain pens for beginners. The pen costs less than $40 and offers a premium penmanship experience. Each Konrad pen includes a sturdy steel nib and a balanced profile which slips perfectly between your fingers. 

How to Take Care of Your Fountain Pen

• Always cap your pen after you finish your writing. If left open, the nib might dry up and may cause scratchiness.

• I would probably recommend you guys to flush your fountain pens at least once a month. By doing so, you can get rid of the ink clots building up inside the cavities of nib and feed. 

• Personalize the pen. The writing mechanism of a fountain pen is different than that of a ballpoint pen. With continuous writing, the nib will adapt your writing style. If you let someone borrow your fountain pen for a long period of time, they might wreck the nib and it may not perform as well as it used to.

Summing Up

There you have it!!! I have conveyed the basics required to dig into the world of fountain pens. A fountain pen is always an ideal companion to have; it serves as a long term friend and adjusts to your own style of writing. Besides, fountain pens are cost effective. Unlike ballpoint pens, they are not meant to be thrown away after the ink runs out. And, there is something amusing about fountain pens that compels us to take good care of it. So, if you have an immense desire to embark your fountain pen journey, then now would be the right time to start. 

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A Lifelong Companion - Napkin Primina Inkless Pen

Napkin Primina Inkless Collection

I'm sure all of us have heard the famous statement "nothing lasts forever", but some innovations have proved this statement partially wrong.

Over the course of time Napkin Pens have changed the notion of pens and altered the world of writing instrument with their Forever series. A recent addition to Napkin's treasure trove is the new Napkin Primina collection. The Napkin Primina series share similar design with Napkin's Pretiosa and Prima models but are comparatively shorter in size, making them an ideal writing instruments to carry on the go. Though small in size, this chip off the old block includes every little quality of an ideal writing instrument and delivers the promising theme of the brand.

Unlike other pens, Napkin Writing Instruments work with a different technology, these fine writing instruments use a  special tip called ethergraf. For pen enthusiasts who are not familiar with the term ethergraf, it is a special metallic alloy designed for writing purpose. Ethergraf tips are free from hazardous elements like lead and graphite, and are popular among pen enthusiast who prefer inkless writing instruments. The lines drawn by ethergraf tip resembles with pencil lines but are not erasable. The functionality of these sturdy tips are quite different from nibs and ballpoint tips. When these tips come in contact with paper, the special metal alloy creates a permanent line via oxidization. The caliber of the tip depends upon the quality of paper, so if you prefer darker lines then it's best to go for high quality papers from authentic brands like Rhodia and Filofax.

The new Napkin Primina is available in nine bold colors; Yellow, Orange, Red, Magenta, Purple, Blue, Cyan, Turquoise, Green. Each of these fascinating writing instrument will make a great companion and will never leave you halting in the middle of your writing journey. However, the tip does wear out overtime but the effects will be microscopic, and most of the users won't even notice the change.

Upon writing, the minimalist profile of the pen fits perfectly between your fingertips and its tip leaves smooth and clean result on the paper. The ethergraf tip is as smooth as melting butter and glides perfectly on paper without getting spots of ink tattooed on your hand.

The Napkin Primina collection of writing instruments are exclusively available at Pen Boutique but are flying out of our stores fast. So, get your favorite Napkin Primina pen today and embark an inkless writing journey.

                                                                                                                                                                           

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Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen – Review

From an entry level writer to a fountain pen expert, the new Visconti Rembrandt is a perfect writing instrument for all range of writers. Distinctly designed, this fabulous Italian migrant features an appealing design that resembles with the most expensive Visconti pens.

The name speaks for itself. Inspired from one of the most influential artists of European art, the new Rembrandt series portrays a fabulous design reflecting motifs of Rembrandt himself. The pen is composed of variegated resin – a resin that has nice kinds of swirls into it. Its design imitates Rembrandt’s most practiced painting style commonly known to many as chiaroscuro painting technique. As other luxurious products from Visconti, this pen also flaunts a distinct design and delivers the brand’s promising theme. For daily writers, this fascinating pen can be a perfect companion. The sturdy construction of the pen defines finesse artistry of Visconti, and delivers a premium pen that reflects perfection from every ounce.

As per my personal opinion, Rembrandt pens are perfect for people who are looking for a luxurious pen at an affordable price. Just imagine how cool it would be to pull out a Visconti pen and jot down your words onto a piece of paper. If you have friends who fall in the circle of pen aficionado, they would be completely thrilled when they see this fabulous writing instrument from Visconti.

So, let’s go deeper into the topic. Today I will break it down for you guys, we will be talking about Rembrandt types, it’ construction, materials used and various other aspects about this fascinating Italian writer.

Visconti Rembrandt Types

The Visconti Rembrandt pens are available in six different colors, each reflecting a sophisticated design that evokes Rembrandt’s legacy and recalls one of his favorite style of painting.

·         Ivory White

·         Black

·         Blue

·         Purple

·         Red

·         Merry-Go-Round

Though we are talking about fountain pens, but this series of pens is also available in Rollerball  & Ballpoint pens.

  

Construction

Rembrandt series are precisely engineered for perfection. Experts at Visconti have sophistically picked each material to craft a perfect writing instrument. The body and cap of the pen is composed of variegated resin – a high quality material that’s used to craft the most expensive luxurious pen. Though these pens are classified according to their color, they specifically follow Rembrandt’s chiaroscuro painting pattern and are characterized by elegant swirls and lines.

To compliment its fabulous design a smooth metal grip is featured on the pen, the grip section fits snuggly between your fingertips and offers hours and hours of writing without any signs of hand fatigue. The pen also includes a magnetic cap, which is ideal for people who have to jot down quick notes on daily basis. With the magnetic cap closures, you don’t have to worry much about twists and turns. You can instantly pop out your pen whenever required and close it instantly after you are done. 

Appearance/Price

This fine Italian writer exhibits a luxurious design characterized by its high quality resin finish and stainless steel appointments. The hard work and dedication of Visconti experts are visible on Rembrandt series. The beautiful resin finish of the pen is highlighted by beautiful swirls and lines that clearly mark perfection. The pen comprises of a hefty cigar shaped profile that offers a balanced feel while jotting down your words on a piece of paper. The design of the pen is further enhanced by Visconti’s trademark clip and a subtle cap ring that gels pretty well with the design.

The price range of the Rembrandt series is not what you would expect from Visconti. Though the pen looks expensive, it has a reasonably fair price and might fit into the budget of every fountain pen enthusiast.

Nib

The Rembrandt pens feature a sturdy stainless steel nib with a plastic feed. Each nib is enhanced with an etched artwork of Visconti’s logo and an engraved name of the brand. The nib offers steady ink flow and lays down smooth and elegant lines whenever pressed against a piece of paper. The Visconti Rembrandts are available with a variety of nib options; you can choose between fine, medium and broad nibs. Choose the best one that suits your writing style.

Filling Mechanism

Visconti Rembrandts are designed to work with medium size standard cartridge and converters. Plus, the best part is that you’ll get a free cartridge and a converter with the pen, Fascinating isn’t it. With the new Visconti Rembrandt you can use any medium sized international cartridge. Obviously, the long cartridges will work as well but while changing they might get stuck inside the barrel. And you might have to waste your precious time trying to pull the cartridge out from the pen. Hence, it’s best to stick with medium size standard cartridges.

And talking about converter, Visconti has provided a standard size converter with the pen. The design of the converter may differ from a regular standard converter, but it’s not a big issue. The main point is that it takes any kind of standard cartridge.

Performance

When it comes to performance, Visconti pens have always stood a notch above its competitors. And the cool thing about this pen is that it delivers the same quality performance that we expect from any Visconti pens, but at a cheaper price. The sturdy steel nib featured on the pen delivers fine writing experience without any signs of skips and scratches. Upon writing, the nib offers a balanced feel and lays down consistent ink flow. And as writers, it is one of the most crucial things that we expect from a good fountain pen.

Pros and Cons

Pros

·         Affordable

·         Stylish design with top class finish

·         Good for people who have to take down quick notes.

·         Lightweight

Cons

• ·         Wet nib, not good for writing on thin papers.
• ·         Not a good choice for people who tend stick with long standard cartridges.

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Visconti Van Gogh 125th Anniversary 'Portrait Blue'

Visconti Van Gogh 125th Anniversary 'Portrait Blue'   

Europe has been a center for art and luxury for centuries. Famous artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh have enthralled us with their timeless collections. Visconti, which has produced a Van Gog collection in the past, has come out with the Van Gogh 125^th Anniversary collection commemorating his passing. This limited edition collection is adorned with rose gold trim and brings to life the colors of many of Van Gogh's pieces. One those choice pieces is the 'Portrait Blue'.

The Visconti Van Gogh collection is not just a set of tributes to pieces, but masterpieces themselves. The collection takes the colors of the infamous Van Gogh paintings, twisting and splashing them into its creations for the writer to enjoy. The 'Portrait Blue' is an example of how rich colorways are used in this set. The colors are nearly identical to the ones in the paintings. The pens are all adorned with the 125th anniversary insignia on top of the cap. The cap also has a magnetic closing mechanism which is both secure and intriguing. The rose gold trim literally has small gold roses on the bottom portion of the cap trim. The pen has a medium-light weight and is well balanced without the cap. When posted, the weight of the pen may initially feel a bit unbalanced but rests well in the hand and is still a flowing writer.

Van Gogh 125th Anniversary Collection

The writing experience of the 'Portrait Blue' fountain pen is pleasant and sufficient. The nib does not have any flex yet it does deliver a medium softness. While the nibs of the series are steel, they are extremely smooth and have minimal drag. Down strokes were found to be especially smooth. All the fountain pens in the series come with medium nibs and take a standard international converter and cartridges.

      

If you feel like going on an artistic European tour, the Visconti Van Gogh 125th Anniversary collection offers both rollerballs and fountain pens that pay tribute to the artist's rich collection. Go ahead and treat yourself to this invaluable treasure!

- Vicki Marshall

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Pen Trivia

Pens have been used as props in motion pictures for years.

Director Stanley Kubrick was indeed ahead of his time, and no film shows that more than 1968’s “2001”. The effects for the time are rather remarkable. The film opens up with a simple pen floating in zero gravity. Today, you would be able to computerize it in. But in 1968 it was an impressive scene.

In the 1998 movie "Enemy of the State" with Will Smith and Gene Hackman there was a scene where Smith's character takes apart his Parker 51 looking for a tracking device.

The character Veronica, played by Winona Ryder, used a Montblanc pen to write in her diary in the teen favorite movie teen “Heathers”.

In “A Beautiful Mind” a young prodigy named John Nash (played by Russell Crowe) begins to develop paranoid schizophrenia and endures delusional episodes. Towards the end of the film he is being interviewed by a member of the Nobel Committee, when his Princeton colleagues present him with their pens. In others words, the pens are symbolic of the respect they have for the mathematical genius.

Question: What pen brand is predominantly featured in the “Breakfast Club”?































Answer: It was a Lamy Safari Ballpoint that Brian was putting up his nose in the movie “The Breakfast Club”.

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Writing Corner

“The perfect pen and the perfect paper and me working on work that pleases me and has no note for the critics.” - John Steinbeck

Edgar Allan Poe believed that handwriting is an indication of character revealing our “mental qualities.” Indeed, the marks we leave on the paper are our most intimate of thoughts. Few exercises offer the not always seamless collaboration between brain and body like that direct line of the brain and the tip of the pen reaching paper creating copy.

John Steinbeck (February 27, 1902–December 20, 1968) captures this curious role of the pen as a negotiator between brain and body in a series of disarming observations in Working Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath. This remarkable volume that gives us a glimpse of how the great writer used the diary as a tool of discipline and a hedge against self-doubt when he embarked on the most intense writing experience of his life, the masterwork that earned him the Pulitzer Prize and his Nobel Prize.

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Featured Story: History of Pen Stands/Holders

Portable pens that could carry its’ own ink supply were not perfected until fairly late in the 19th century. None of the great writers before that time, from Aristophanes to Shakespeare to Dickens, were in a position to enjoy such an instrument. Even Thomas Jefferson, who later in life sampled an early reservoir pen, had to fall back on the quill to draft the U.S. Declaration of Independence. For the first three millennia or so since the invention of paper, the writing instrument of choice in Western culture was the quill. One simply used a goose tail feather, the process being harvest the feather, allowing it to dry (often by immersing it in a bed of hot dry sand), "gutting" it and trimming off the excess fuzz. The tradition of needing a pen stand for your writing instrument was out of necessity to avoid ink from getting all over your desk. This historical tradition is celebrated today with functional and well crafted Jac Zagoory pen holders.

Jac Zagoory Design is nothing if not the epitome of creativity and innovation. Their collections include an almost unimaginable variety of pieces that are just as charming as they are unusual. Just as their mission statement proclaims, Jac Zagoory Design aims to create, innovate and acquire pieces that will help others reach for inspiration in their own lives. To help put a smile on the faces of those that value their rewards like they value their work. 

Although a relatively young company, Jac Zagoory Design has gained a solid footing in the world of art, pens and luxury merchandise. Their products have been featured in Wired Magazine, Stylus, Gift and Decorations, Greetings, Pen World, the New York Times and in many foreign publications.

Be inspired with these marvelous choices:

http://www.penboutique.com/jac-zagoory-humming-birds-pen-holder.html
http://www.penboutique.com/jac-zagoory-chain-your-bike-not-your-thoughts-pen-holder.html
http://www.penboutique.com/jac-zagoory-growling-bear-staple-remover.html
http://www.penboutique.com/jac-zagoory-lion-s-roar-staple-remover.html

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Ferrari

The famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is the Cavallino Rampante ("prancing horse") black prancing stallion on a yellow shield, usually with the letters S F (for Scuderia Ferrari), with three stripes of green, white and red (the Italian national colors) at the top. The road cars have a rectangular badge on the hood (see picture at top of page), and, optionally, the shield-shaped race logo on the sides of both front wings, close to the door.

On 17 June 1923, Enzo Ferrari won a race at the Savio track in Ravenna where he met the Countess Paolina, mother of Count Francesco Baracca, an ace of the Italian Air Force and national hero of World War I, who used to paint a horse on the side of his planes. The Countess asked Enzo to use this horse on his cars, suggesting that it would bring him good luck. The original "prancing horse" on Baracca's airplane was painted in red on a white cloud-like shape, but Ferrari chose to have the horse in black (as it had been painted as a sign of grief on Baracca's squadron planes after the pilot was killed in action) and he added a canary yellow background as this is the color of the city of Modena, his birthplace. The Ferrari horse was, from the very beginning, markedly different from the Baracca horse in most details, the most noticeable being the tail that in the original Baracca version was pointing downward. The motif of a prancing horse is old, it can be found on ancient coins. A similar black horse on a yellow shield is the Coat of Arms of the German city of Stuttgart
Sheaffer Ferrari offers a variety of affordable pens sporting the Ferrari logo and they are a distinctive way to celebrate the brand.

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Celebrate Mothers Day with Pen Boutique

At no initial point are you aware of your mother’s presence. There is no moment in time where you consciously acknowledge her existence – she is there the moment you enter this world, and no matter how long or short your time together is, she remains a permanent, immovable fixture in your life. No matter what transpires between the two of you, you both are connected by an unbreakable familial bond – a bond that does not necessarily have to be for a birth mother. Adopted mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and other mother figures in general can all inspire feelings of loyalty, love, appreciation, and devotion just as biological mothers do. The days of these amazing women know no end. Whether they are staying at home taking care of children and keeping the house in order or are filling their days with work along with managing a household, they always manage to make time for those who need them. They are perpetual fountains of love, support, generosity and care that are not congratulated nearly enough for all their hard work. Even though mothers should be praised every single day, the second Sunday in May is set aside for the celebration of their miraculous achievements throughout the year. Gifts are in no way even far near repaying for what they have done for us but that’s just a token of appreciation for them to say that we do care. Before you buy something crazy, try the PenBoutique. We can personally assure you that a thoughtful gift from the heart will mean much more to your mother than any designer bag or gem ever could.
So if not the flashy Open Heart necklace from Kay or a new Louis Vuitton clutch purse, what? What could so perfectly express the overwhelming feelings of love you hold for your mother figure? I have a couple nifty ideas for you, my friends. First and foremost, I am going to suggest a product that in the long run is just as exemplary as they are inexpensive: pens. Now, just hear me out before you give me that look – pens, while they don’t seem entirely exciting, are the greatest gift investment you could ever make in terms of sentimental value. Diamonds are nice, yes; expensive, yes; fun to show off, yes – but that’s only when the recipient of your gift has an opportunity to wear them. You cannot wear diamond earrings or necklaces everywhere, no matter who you are, so that leaves them for what? Dinner parties, ceremonies, weddings, and really not much else, and it seems to me that the only person who benefits much is the company that produces the product. So why don’t we bundle up all the aforementioned beauty and excellence into a device that cannot only be used every day, but is actually useful.
To begin, I am going to start with the Cross Sentiment Pearlescent Fountain Pen. This little masterpiece has a gentle, angelic quality about itself. The body is made of a beautiful ivory coloring that is masterfully hand-coated with a highly glossed lacquer covering. Its pearlescent hues are complimented by 10K gold-plated accents encircling the slender body and cap. The gold-plated clip is adorned with a removable heart-lock charm that adds a distinctly feminine touch to this delicate piece. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Cross Torero Ballpoint Pen provides a textured tour de force that is perfect for women who want a little more impact and a little less fluff. A rebel in its own right, the rich, high-end leather that encompasses the body of this pen is enriched with striking Bordeaux color. A winning combination of technical prowess and luxury, the Torero has a sophisticated style with a prominent dose of attitude. For women who want something a little more colorful but no less impactful, the Retro Tornado Pop Series displays a flaring blossom burst design upon a vibrant red background. This limited edition rollerball is unique in its utter rarity – only 500 exist. Only 500, and that makes these pieces much more valuable than any one of the millions of diamonds in the world. Low maintenance, convenient, and most importantly, fashionable, the Pop Series is what a perfect mother’s day gift is all about.
For something much more glamorous, Pen Boutique is also offering the Montblanc Grace Kelly Princesse Grace de Monaco Ballpoint Pen. (Unfortunately, it’s only the ballpoint pen.) Despite that, this lovely little gem has all of the femininity, grace and magnificence you could ever hope to incorporate into a Mothers’ Day gift. The body is crafted into a slender, elegant shape that is perfectly suited to fit any hand. The barrel is made of precious, dark purple resin that gives the piece a royal mystique. The twist-action cap is made of the same beautiful material and is expertly accented by a champagne-toned gold trim with a feminine neckline. The end of the clip meets at a drop-cut pink topaz gem, and underneath is an intricate engraving of Princess Grace’s monogram. Inspired by a woman whose beauty and grace made her a style icon for generations, this pen will exemplify and emphasize all of the stunning qualities you see in your mother every day.
Some women, however, do not like all the splash and splendor and prefer things that are a little simpler. Things that still maintain a certain loveliness, mind you, but are less flashy. Items for these milder tastes are being offered as well, most particularly the Cross Century Colors Ballpoint Pens. Chic and stylishly slim, the Century Colors offer the perfect balance of work and play. Their smooth bodies boast a unique pattern of pearlescent white and colored checks. Available in Tender Rose and Violet, these colors are fun and engaging without being loud or garish. Their chrome accents add a final, sophisticated touch to these hidden treasures. If these, however, are still a little too ostentatious, the pink Fisher Space Pen will set those fears to rest. When closed, they are the perfect size to carry in a wallet, pocket, purse, car glove box, or organizer. When opened, the Space Pen is an evenly balanced writing tool that is cleverly crafted out of all brass with a mild pink finish. An outstanding example of industrial art, the Fisher Bullet Pen is a proud exhibit of the New York Museum of Modern Art. (Now there’s something for Mom to brag to all her friends about.) Its timeless style and simple beauty have made the Space Pen the topic of many art books and magazine articles and it continues to be one of the most popular pens ever sold.
Last but certainly not least, Pen Boutique is offering the Filofax Finsbury Family A5 Organizer. Though not a pen, I don’t know any woman who does not need a notepad. Writing down notes, reminders, grocery lists, spur-of-the-moment ideas, phones numbers, financial information, addresses—the list goes on and on, and so does all the paper she’ll need. Say, “No more, Mom!” No longer should she be forced to scribble all of her immediately important information on hundreds of tiny, mismatched strips of paper. Instead, give her a quick and easy organizer that contains a whole host of useful features spread over 330 pages. Everything from a birthday party checklist to a pet’s vaccination appointment is possible with this decorative marvel. The covers are made of soft, high-quality grained leather and contain a full length zip pocket, four vertical credit card pockets, two vertical diskette pockets, a full length back pocket and a pen loop. Fashionable, handy, convenient, and boasting an attractive Raspberry color that looks as stylish as it is chic, the Filofax Finsbury is every mother’s dream come true.
A dream, a wish, an impossible reality – your mother is a priceless treasure that deserves a little more than a slight tip of the hat this Mothers’ Day. She also, believe it or not, deserves something a little more dear to the heart than some cold, empty jewel bracelet or necklace. She needs a gift that you feel proud giving her for the very fact that it is sincere and timeless. The reason parents treasure gifts given to them by their young children is because, having no funds, whatever they give is given with the full extent and consideration of their heart. They give everything because, in a sense, they have nothing to give, and it’s this simple beauty and sincerity that fills a mother’s heart with love. So give your mom one of these special, discounted gifts this year. Give her something that will fill her heart, and memory, with all the care and love you always wanted to show but never quite knew how.

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