Currently Inked January 2022

Currently Inked January 2022

Some time ago, I had had some vague idea that I could do a monthly blog post on which pens I had inked up, something to keep me on track, and would also be useful since I sometimes ink up new pens or new special editions that come into the shop. Lots of potential birds with one stone. It goes without saying that that was a bit ambitious, if still a nice thought.

January 02, 2022 — Liz Chan
The Holidays and Year-End

The Holidays and Year-End

Just a quick hello from over here, your favourite shop cat caretakers, as we round out the year. We hope you had a holly jolly holiday, and or if it was terrible for whatever reason, we hope the year ahead brings you some lovely surprises.

December 31, 2021 — Liz Chan
Acadia Books

Acadia Books

Acadia Books has been an institution on Queen East since (apparently) 1931, at Queen and Sherbourne. I remember when I first moved to Toronto, walking past it with curiosity, often only in the neighbourhood on Sunday mornings. 
December 27, 2021 — Liz Chan
Chicken’s Corner: Chicken of the Sea

Chicken’s Corner: Chicken of the Sea

It’s getting colder, and I am embracing all the warm and furry things I can get. The other day Jon called from the road, and he told me that he saw the grey cat following the mailman on Berkeley, which is a residential street adjacent to us. 
December 20, 2021 — Liz Chan
End of Year Journaling Prompts

End of Year Journaling Prompts

Most of my journaling these days has to do with trying to keep up, trying to get things down on the page, things I’ve been meaning to record, to think about, things that are happening. The school boards here are contemplating a switch to remote learning after the holidays, the shop is busy and bustling and we’re also trying to get a jump on some projects for the new year.

December 17, 2021 — Liz Chan
Bruce Lee Blackwing

Bruce Lee Blackwing

One of my favourite things about the Volumes special editions is the treat of a new box of pencils for the next little while. A box of pencils! Almost an archaic notion in itself. I rarely get through more than a couple before the next Volumes is out, and then all of the old editions commingle in drawers and cups, and occasionally with only a small gasp at the bottom of some irresponsible child’s backpack.

December 13, 2021 — Liz Chan
Naomi in the Shop

Naomi in the Shop

We normally go into the shop on Sundays as a family, but last Sunday Jon and Caleb were off doing their own thing, so it was just me and Naomi holding down the fort.
December 11, 2021 — Liz Chan
Chicken’s Corner: Contemplating Life

Chicken’s Corner: Contemplating Life

I now have two cats who relax in very different ways. 
November 24, 2021 — Liz Chan
Cosmo Air Light Notebook

Cosmo Air Light Notebook

The new Cosmo Note notebook is fairly new to our shop, and is of particular note because it’s made from the new Cosmo Air Light paper, from Yamamoto in Japan. Cosmo Air Light (also available in loose leaf A4) paper is extremely fountain pen friendly, super smooth and luxurious. In comparison to Tomoe River Paper, it is thicker, heavier, naturally more opaque and less resistant to ghosting (because Tomoe River paper is so thin).

November 20, 2021 — Liz Chan
Happy Fountain Pen Day

Happy Fountain Pen Day

The first Friday in November is Fountain Pen Day, which is a day to celebrate our favourite desk supplies. If you missed it, perhaps you can celebrate on your own, today, or whenever you like, a little private fountain pen celebration. I celebrated by posting on Instagram.

November 18, 2021 — Liz Chan