Of course, there are more important things in life than this hobby. You have to be sensible and give each and every thing the importance it deserves. James, walk at your own pace. I'm sure all of us who are regular viewers will still be here to enjoy your videos and learn from them. Personally, I am not the kind of person who does prayers in a standard way. However, I do wish your father all the best and hope that he gets well as soon as possible. Personally, I am not going through a good time either, but I am hoping to get out of this one, as I have done for so many others. I send you my best wishes and congratulations on your achievements in life.
Congratulations on finishing your studies. I can resonate with the feelings around the personal importance of completing it and the recognition of the sacrifices and support of family in the midst of it (from my own studies). Will be praying for your family--giving thanks for the good and interceding for the pain/struggles. Thanks for the update! Grace and Peace from ZA
Congratulations to your daughter and her drama group. Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations to you as well! More importantly, Praying for your Father and you and yours... May God Bless you all, My Brother!
Prayers for your Dad and you all. I lost both my parents in the last 2 years after a lot of health and mental issues. They lived full lives and though I miss them, I know where they are. I know how much the concern and care can occupy your mind and time. A couple of pen favorites - Pilot Prera with the 1.0 stub nib (just enough line variation) and Platinum Procyon (I have 3 colors - dark blue, turquoise, and coral, each with matching ink).
Congratulations to you and your daughter!! I finished my D. Min. not too long ago and had the same experience. Only when I finally finished did I realize how much it meant to me.
Congratulations on your degree and on your daughter and her classmates on their state championship in one act play. My local high school had also qualified in their classification for the Texas State one act play competition. Prayers for your dad for strength, healing and recovery. Also, prayers for you and your family for strength and continued resilience.
I wish your Dad all the best and hope he recovers completely. My Dad passed away almost 41 years ago. At the time it was a shock. In retrospect I should have not been blind to the signs his health was not as good as he let on it to be. If there is anything positive to have come out of it, we had grown closer shortly before his passing. I only wish we had done so sooner. As for the here and now, my wife and I are staying 10 days in the Poconos Mountains to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is quiet and the atmosphere is much more relaxing than at home. I am looking forward to your future videos. Most of the pens you have shown I do not own, so it will be a great pleasure to hear your reviews. I also enjoy your positive attitude and makes it a joy to watch. Im conclusion, all the best to your daughter on her achievement winning the one-act play competition. I am sure she is on cloud 9 as you and the rest of your family are.
I’m praying for your Dad, and for your entire family. I remember both the struggle, and the immense privilege of caring for aging parents. It has been many years since my parents passed on to their glory, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I had to care for them as they had cared for me. In challenging times it is a special blessing to see a child excel, and for you to be striving to accomplish personal goals that ultimately serve others more than yourself. Your channel has always provided so much more than pens. You are an inspiration. May you and your family always remain in God’s loving care.
Thanks for showing us your pen and ink combos. And don't worry. We understand how life is and that family takes priority. And congrats to your daughter and to you as well. Hope that God continues to bless you and your family.
Wonderful tour of your pens and inks in rotation! Prayers up for your dads,and congrats to your daughter and for your accomplishments. God bless you James!
Good to see someone who understands the importance of family and maintaining a balance in life. Congratulations for the accomplishments and best wishes for your dad. Always look forward to your videos.
Congratulations on that state championship. I'm very thankful for the wonderful parents I had and you've reminded me of that. My Dad was a storied educator and prominent figure in the UIL. Prayers for you and your family, and for all who share their neighbors' burdens.
Small world! I don’t recall involvement with UIL back then, but both parents and 3 of 4 grandparents were educators. Both my in-laws, too. My wife coaches elementary UIL teams every year, too.
Thank you for another great video. Congrats on your degree. I will be praying for your dad. So thankful we can lift each other up to our Father in prayer and He hears us wherever we are (I’m next door to you…Louisiana).
Will include your dad in my prayers! You stay strong, James. Can I just share that I am now considering Eclat De Saphir and Serenity Blue because of your reviews? I only use black and dark hues for my pens but I'm slowly liking blue inks.
I like this currently inked type of review: thanks for the heads up about Lamy blue/black - have had bottle of this for ages but not inked it up yet!; so glad you like your Pilot Falcon: mine is never out of my rotation - currently my SEF is inked with Sailor nekoyanagi:)
Wow. Here is where I wish we were in the same pen club, or ministerium. I think so warmly of my pastoral friends over the decades. And, I do remember you and family in prayer, James. To my life . . . since January 2023, from 0 to 2 as a grandfather! Spouse and I, 44 years at the end of the month! Parents/in-law, all four in good health! (This has to be bonus time. I'm 65. But, I give thanks.) As to profession, grateful to be a hospital chaplain, even after last week. (Some of what I dealt with saw a guilty plea this week.) I love being there for those whom God loves! ... As to your video, first, family. Daughter: Yay!!! Father-in-law: Yay! Dad: God bless his healing! ... Pens: Wing Sung 601A: Parker clone or heir? (Who got the Chinese assets in 1948?) Also, love my three, too! Wing Sung 630: mine with 14k nib -- only uninked to give other great pens their time. Jinhao x159 -- drying not an issue for me, rarely uninked. You shouldn't be having this problem, and I'm sorry! ... Thanks as ever for a wonderful review!
"What are you writing with now?" At the moment I'm "writing" (or "typing", I suppose) with a mouse on my tablet's virtual keyboard. 😇👍 Fountain pens inked are a few Jinhao X450, a 95, and tu 950's. Also inked three Hero 329 "Star Trek", & to vintage lever fills; Esterbrook "J" ... Anna Waterman's "Ideal" with the original (s'far az i no) 10K Number 2 semi-flex EF/M nib. 😁👍
My dad passed away in 2019 due to complications from his time in Vietnam. Praying for your dad, keeping in mind that the Lord's will be done in all things. God bless you, brother.
In my dad's case he was there when they spread Agent Orange around. This caused a host of health problems, including Parkinson's, which ultimately killed him.
Thank you for your explanation. Well done. Will you pursue a doctorate of divinity? I have the luxury of studying and taking classes since I am retired
I may in time, but more like a doctorate in ministry (more practical approach, I once thought of working toward being a professor, but I prefer the "in the trenches" side of things at this point in my life).
I own a Platinum 3776 which has 2 hairline cracks in the section. I have not been able to locate a replacement part and wanted to know if there is any repair i might try. Ideas?
What country are you in? In the United States, replacement parts can usually be purchased from the Platinum distributor (Luxury Brands), although they are not inexpensive. This may be true in other countries if you can identify the distributor. I imagine this might not work if your pen is a discontinued color.
I’m not sure about how to repair that. I’d definitely contact Platinum or Luxury Brands. I haven’t had to use their customer service, but similar brands have been good to solve these kinds of things so far.
This is a degree like a seminary degree. I actually should have received a long time ago, but just as I was finishing up, the school lost some of my records (I promise, no dogs were involved in eating them), and said I’d have to retake the last semester. I let that get under my skin (so their mistake then became my own over time) and put it off for years. A while back I finally grew up (lol) and retook the classes (along with a few more that got added on because of the time passed). I enjoyed the classes (both times!), so that part of the issue wasn’t the problem. I just kept getting bogged down by my frustration that I’d had them before (even taught myself before in other schools). Anywho, it’s all good now, and I’m thrilled. It was good to put that all to rest so I can move on to the next level, which should begin in the fall. Crazy thing, in relating some of this to my mom, I found out the same thing nearly happened to my dad at university. In his case, though, they found his files behind a cabinet during an office move so his resolved quickly.
Hello James, Thank you for sharing. I will pray for your father...do you mind sharing his first name? Otherwise James' Dad will do. Take Care & God Bless you.
Of course, there are more important things in life than this hobby. You have to be sensible and give each and every thing the importance it deserves. James, walk at your own pace. I'm sure all of us who are regular viewers will still be here to enjoy your videos and learn from them. Personally, I am not the kind of person who does prayers in a standard way. However, I do wish your father all the best and hope that he gets well as soon as possible. Personally, I am not going through a good time either, but I am hoping to get out of this one, as I have done for so many others. I send you my best wishes and congratulations on your achievements in life.
All the best to you, too. We keep pressing on!
Best wishes for your dad, James. 👍
Thank you!
Congratulations on finishing your studies. I can resonate with the feelings around the personal importance of completing it and the recognition of the sacrifices and support of family in the midst of it (from my own studies). Will be praying for your family--giving thanks for the good and interceding for the pain/struggles. Thanks for the update! Grace and Peace from ZA
Much appreciated!
Congratulations to your daughter and her drama group. Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations to you as well! More importantly, Praying for your Father and you and yours...
May God Bless you all, My Brother!
Thanks, Charles!
Sorry about your dad, hope he's okay. We understand that things happen and that it can delay things nothing wrong with that.
Prayers for your Father and all of you. Congratulations to you and your daughter. God Bless!
Thank you so much!
Prayers for your Dad and you all. I lost both my parents in the last 2 years after a lot of health and mental issues. They lived full lives and though I miss them, I know where they are. I know how much the concern and care can occupy your mind and time. A couple of pen favorites - Pilot Prera with the 1.0 stub nib (just enough line variation) and Platinum Procyon (I have 3 colors - dark blue, turquoise, and coral, each with matching ink).
Thank you!
(Procyon is a good one!)
I really enjoy your pen videos, there is a sincerity about them that is good to see.
Thank you very much!
Prayers going up for your dad. 🙏 Plus many congratulations to your daughter and to you!! May the blessings continue.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations to you and your daughter!! I finished my D. Min. not too long ago and had the same experience. Only when I finally finished did I realize how much it meant to me.
Congratulations to you, too! And, isn’t it funny how that is?
thanks again for posting. I always enjoy
Congratulations on your degree and on your daughter and her classmates on their state championship in one act play. My local high school had also qualified in their classification for the Texas State one act play competition. Prayers for your dad for strength, healing and recovery. Also, prayers for you and your family for strength and continued resilience.
I appreciate that!
James, your dad will be in my prayers.
I wish your Dad all the best and hope he recovers completely.
My Dad passed away almost 41 years ago. At the time it was a shock. In retrospect I should have not been blind to the signs his health was not as good as he let on it to be. If there is anything positive to have come out of it, we had grown closer shortly before his passing. I only wish we had done so sooner.
As for the here and now, my wife and I are staying 10 days in the Poconos Mountains to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It is quiet and the atmosphere is much more relaxing than at home.
I am looking forward to your future videos. Most of the pens you have shown I do not own, so it will be a great pleasure to hear your reviews. I also enjoy your positive attitude and makes it a joy to watch.
Im conclusion, all the best to your daughter on her achievement winning the one-act play competition. I am sure she is on cloud 9 as you and the rest of your family are.
Glad you did get the time you did. My dad and I missed a lot of years in the past, but talk a lot more now.
Enjoy the trip!
I’m praying for your Dad, and for your entire family. I remember both the struggle, and the immense privilege of caring for aging parents. It has been many years since my parents passed on to their glory, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I had to care for them as they had cared for me. In challenging times it is a special blessing to see a child excel, and for you to be striving to accomplish personal goals that ultimately serve others more than yourself. Your channel has always provided so much more than pens. You are an inspiration. May you and your family always remain in God’s loving care.
Thank you!
thank you james for all your work and prayers
Thanks for showing us your pen and ink combos. And don't worry. We understand how life is and that family takes priority. And congrats to your daughter and to you as well. Hope that God continues to bless you and your family.
Thanks!
Wonderful tour of your pens and inks in rotation! Prayers up for your dads,and congrats to your daughter and for your accomplishments. God bless you James!
Thanks!
Best wishes to you and yours.
Thanks!
Good to see someone who understands the importance of family and maintaining a balance in life. Congratulations for the accomplishments and best wishes for your dad. Always look forward to your videos.
Thank you!
Praying for you, James. God bless you.
Thanks!
I always enjoy seeing your pens, and I'll say a prayer for your Dad.
Thank you, Teresa!
Congratulations to both you and your daughter. Those are some great accomplishments for each of you.
Thank you!
Congratulations on that state championship. I'm very thankful for the wonderful parents I had and you've reminded me of that. My Dad was a storied educator and prominent figure in the UIL. Prayers for you and your family, and for all who share their neighbors' burdens.
Small world! I don’t recall involvement with UIL back then, but both parents and 3 of 4 grandparents were educators. Both my in-laws, too. My wife coaches elementary UIL teams every year, too.
Thank you for another great video. Congrats on your degree. I will be praying for your dad. So thankful we can lift each other up to our Father in prayer and He hears us wherever we are (I’m next door to you…Louisiana).
Thank you!
Will include your dad in my prayers! You stay strong, James.
Can I just share that I am now considering Eclat De Saphir and Serenity Blue because of your reviews? I only use black and dark hues for my pens but I'm slowly liking blue inks.
I like this currently inked type of review: thanks for the heads up about Lamy blue/black - have had bottle of this for ages but not inked it up yet!; so glad you like your Pilot Falcon: mine is never out of my rotation - currently my SEF is inked with Sailor nekoyanagi:)
I wondered the Falcon might be overhyped, but it is as good as others said, I really enjoy it.
Wow. Here is where I wish we were in the same pen club, or ministerium. I think so warmly of my pastoral friends over the decades. And, I do remember you and family in prayer, James. To my life . . . since January 2023, from 0 to 2 as a grandfather! Spouse and I, 44 years at the end of the month! Parents/in-law, all four in good health! (This has to be bonus time. I'm 65. But, I give thanks.) As to profession, grateful to be a hospital chaplain, even after last week. (Some of what I dealt with saw a guilty plea this week.) I love being there for those whom God loves! ... As to your video, first, family. Daughter: Yay!!! Father-in-law: Yay! Dad: God bless his healing! ... Pens: Wing Sung 601A: Parker clone or heir? (Who got the Chinese assets in 1948?) Also, love my three, too! Wing Sung 630: mine with 14k nib -- only uninked to give other great pens their time. Jinhao x159 -- drying not an issue for me, rarely uninked. You shouldn't be having this problem, and I'm sorry! ... Thanks as ever for a wonderful review!
To be clear, God loves all. Including perpetrators. I try to remember this.
Much to be grateful for! I like “heir” for the 601a better, and I do think that’s why it is so good.
Congratulations on your degree and and your daughter's drama (the theatrical drama, not the everyday daughter drama!).
Thanks. (Drama 🤣)
🙏💕James
"What are you writing with now?"
At the moment I'm "writing" (or "typing", I suppose) with a mouse on my tablet's virtual keyboard. 😇👍
Fountain pens inked are a few Jinhao X450, a 95, and tu 950's.
Also inked three Hero 329 "Star Trek", & to vintage lever fills; Esterbrook "J" ... Anna Waterman's "Ideal" with the original (s'far az i no) 10K Number 2 semi-flex EF/M nib. 😁👍
“At the moment…” 😆
My dad passed away in 2019 due to complications from his time in Vietnam. Praying for your dad, keeping in mind that the Lord's will be done in all things. God bless you, brother.
Thanks! My dad didn’t go to Vietnam, but he is of that generation. I know so many who did and had/have health complications.
In my dad's case he was there when they spread Agent Orange around. This caused a host of health problems, including Parkinson's, which ultimately killed him.
Thank you for your explanation. Well done. Will you pursue a doctorate of divinity? I have the luxury of studying and taking classes since I am retired
I may in time, but more like a doctorate in ministry (more practical approach, I once thought of working toward being a professor, but I prefer the "in the trenches" side of things at this point in my life).
I own a Platinum 3776 which has 2 hairline cracks in the section. I have not been able to locate a replacement part and wanted to know if there is any repair i might try. Ideas?
What country are you in? In the United States, replacement parts can usually be purchased from the Platinum distributor (Luxury Brands), although they are not inexpensive. This may be true in other countries if you can identify the distributor. I imagine this might not work if your pen is a discontinued color.
I’m not sure about how to repair that. I’d definitely contact Platinum or Luxury Brands. I haven’t had to use their customer service, but similar brands have been good to solve these kinds of things so far.
Congratulations on completing your degree. Care to elaborate?
This is a degree like a seminary degree. I actually should have received a long time ago, but just as I was finishing up, the school lost some of my records (I promise, no dogs were involved in eating them), and said I’d have to retake the last semester. I let that get under my skin (so their mistake then became my own over time) and put it off for years. A while back I finally grew up (lol) and retook the classes (along with a few more that got added on because of the time passed). I enjoyed the classes (both times!), so that part of the issue wasn’t the problem. I just kept getting bogged down by my frustration that I’d had them before (even taught myself before in other schools). Anywho, it’s all good now, and I’m thrilled. It was good to put that all to rest so I can move on to the next level, which should begin in the fall.
Crazy thing, in relating some of this to my mom, I found out the same thing nearly happened to my dad at university. In his case, though, they found his files behind a cabinet during an office move so his resolved quickly.
Hello James, Thank you for sharing. I will pray for your father...do you mind sharing his first name? Otherwise James' Dad will do. Take Care & God Bless you.
He's Jim (I'm the third James in a row, explaining the 3 in JG3). Thank you!