COVID-19 arrives
And then, there is a pandemic. COVID-19 arrives in our world. As we are told, the virus probably started somewhere in China in November 2019. In March of the next year, it travels to Europe and at the end of the same month the Dutch government tells us to stay at home as much as possible. So our world changes completely, from one day to another.
As a result we all live our lives behind the walls of our own home. A drastic change for many.
Small world
I use to travel a lot. Now, besides taking my Welsh Corgi Zeno out for a walk and doing the groceries once in two weeks, I do not go anywhere. Life is taking place indoors. I realize that I have to put my traveling plans in de refrigerator. But for how long.
I do not touch my Fuji X-T3 camera at all. That is a little strange for a photographer. A slightly apathetic feeling comes over me. Suddenly I am living in a world without hurry and deadlines. Nothing is really important anymore. Only staying healthy. More people are getting ill. They fall like domino stones.
Fountain pen
In this weird period, while the world is in war with a virus, and the walls so close around me, I need another activity to free my mind, at least. And I find something. Julia Cameron’s suggestion to start the day with automatic writing. Just write, each morning after waking up, the thoughts that come into your mind. Three pages, without censoring or making sense. Keep going till the lines are filled. Do not read back!
The muscles in my hand protest being used this way. Typing text on a keyboard is a completely different activity for your hand, as other muscle groups are used. And then I remember the fountain pen I learned to write with long ago. Off course I do not have it anymore, but my old Schaeffer Slim Targa fountain pen has to be somewhere. Yes, I find it!
Inks
Wanting to fill the pen with dark marron Waterman ink, I see that the rubber part of the converter has dried out over the years. Unfortunately! But not really. While looking for an ink converter on the net, I discover the fabulous world of the fountain pen and its inks. The beauty of design mixed with the magic of colors. I feel like Alice in Wonderland! My hand is doing better. Smooth writing in Mirror Mirror of Moraine, Wheatfield under Thunderclouds or Writer’s Blood. Those names! Now it is a joy waking up. Starting the day in colors. And being mindful in these dark times.
Ink doodle – ZenaZero
