I have collected pens my entire life, beginning with a Cross gold-filled ball point, and progressing over a twenty year year period to vintage flex nibs. I still buy whatever appeals to me, although the LE's are growing less appealing and I look for rarity now -- and of course, speciality and flex nibs are a must! I attended my first pen show in Chicago in 2002, and plan to go to many more.

I am an attorney, who after twelve years of practicing juvenile and criminal law have taken a break in order to de-stress and finish my novel. However, progress has been delayed by too much time spent on pen message boards and lists... I love all things from the past, which is probably why fountain pens have always appealed to me. And since I love literature and poetry, I tend to buy those pens named after great writers I admire.

Of all the collections I have lived through, pens and writing items are the one that will never pass.