I was asked by Fyre Bird the other day "Why purple pens?" in response to my stated fact that I always use one of my ten identical purple pens to write in my journal before bed.
Why purple pens? Well... why air? Why water? Why puppies and rainbows and the sexy neighbour who conveniently forgets to pull his blinds down when he works out? Is nothing self evident anymore?
In truth I have no particular attachment to purple ink. Or rather, in deference to my recent lesson learning about the value of not making sweeping pronouncements about myself before actually thinking about what I'm saying, I had no particular attachment to purple ink when I bought the things.
I have ten identical pens because I've used the make once before and really liked them. I have ten identical purple pens because I bought them at a liquidation centre. I always use one of my ten identical purple pens to write in my journal because what else am I going to use purple pens for, doing my taxes?
Except that I did use one of them to do my taxes, actually. I also plastered the envelope I sent them in with stickers of puppies and kittens. I sincerely hope I succeeded in making someone's day a little less beige.
So there you have it. All perfectly logical, even pragmatic reasons for owning ten identical purple pens and using them exclusively when I write in my journal.
And when I bought them those were the only reasons I had for owning ten identical purple pens and using them exclusively when I write in my journal. I admit it's gone beyond that, though.
It's all about being in the zone. It's all about having everything that's of no particular importance being familiar to the point of invisibility. It's all about having the tools fade into the background and letting the creation occupy all of your focus. When I'm writing with one of my ten identical purple pens no part of my mind is looking at the colour of the ink, or the quality of the ink, or the thickness of the line, or adjusting the thing to my hand, or deciding if I like the tool in use. It's just there quietly doing it's job with no attention from me.
You know, some of my favourite people are a lot like purple pens.
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The Road Less Traveled
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31 comments:
I've used the same brand of pen for over ten years now, and I can't explain why. Hey, it functions well, and works, what else are you looking for in your choice of stationery?
Michael.
Do you hate it too?
"If you're going through Hell, keep going."
Holy Holism!
Cute post and you are absolutely right, 10 purple pens on hand, you will always be able to find one and no surprises so you can focus on what you're writing rather than what you are writing with. Smart Gal!
I love finding pens that write the way I want them to. When I find them I purchase as many as I can and I stash them so no one else can use them.
I think it's awesome that you're known for your choices of ink colors. I bet the people who receive mail from you are delighted by it. I can relate too, because I'm also a huge fan of stickers and colored ink. I say keep it colorful!
Loved the fact you covered the tax form envelope with stickers. Bet you did brighten someone's day :)
I enjoyed reading this- especially your last observation about friends :)
Hurray for purple pens that break through the beige of ordinary life!
So glad you made someone's day "a little less beige"! Love that line!
That's really cool! God bless you AND you ten purple pens!!!
Oh, pens. I did a quick double-take when I started reading your entry, I can tell you
you know that last sentence...i know that feling...i like my purple pen friends....
Totally get this...
Hi. Thanks for visiting me at sixtyfivewhatnow. You know that purple has many wonderful meanings, among which is the status for truly creative people. Glad to meet you.
I use a purple Waterman for all my writing. It was a special gift from my hubby when I told him I'd be writing novels. The pen has been a good omen.
Now, you too are a good omen with your own set of purple pens.
Go Pirate!
I LOVE your way of seeing things!
You know, some of my favourite people are a lot like purple pens.
I agree!
How cool is that? I never thought I'd see purple pens, (or any writing instruments), being compared to the people in one's life. ;-)
You probably are less likely to be audited than the next person as well!
Hahaha, LOVE your wit and perspective on things. And your art is very cool, I must say! You rock!
Purple pens and friends! I love it!
The paragraph starting with It's all about being in the zone.
Yes - from there to the end of the post, that's exactly what it's about, it reads almost like a manifesto. Wonderful.
Love your titles by the way :)
I litter my home with Pilot G-2 .05 black gel pens.
I even buy them myself to use at work instead of using the pens they supply.
So, I get it. Oh, I get it.
Well I hope the naysayers will take note (so to speak) and leave you alone about your purple pens already.
This post is exactly the reason why I love your blog.
Really like the way you write. :-)
Found you on SITS. Have a great Sunday!
What a great post! Why not use a purple pen! Especially since you have 10 of them! That is just awesome : ) Purple is a great color. It always makes me smile! Hope you have lots of wonderful things to write in your journal today!
Stopping over from SITS.
Hahaha! Ah yes. Use any color pen you like. I like purple pens actually any color, I love pens. I have hundreds (yes. hahahah!).I love fountain pens but I have not seen purple fountain pen ink. Thank you for stopping by.
Plus, you had a crush on Harold and his purple crayon when you were five....
I am very picky about my pen too. I have one that smells like lavendar when I write.
It's so friggin cool.
I must use Papermate blue pens and I don't really think about them until I don't have one. Then I feel sad.
I loved the post!
I started buying a brand of pens becuse it came with a pack of Mike & Ike candies. Ten found that I really like the pens.
My 2-year old daughter will love you and your purple pens. She loves everything purple. She saw a building with purple paint yesterday and she announced that she wants to "live in that purple building"!
"People are a lot like purple pens."
I never saw a purple pen,
I never hope to see one.
But I will tell you, now and then,
I'd rather see than be one...
I sure would have loved to be a fly on the wall in the IRS office that received your sticker laden envelope!
Give pink pens a try.
They'll blow your mind.
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