Been busy too!

[Doug T.]

Hi All,

It seems a lot of us have been busy with other things, eh?
I sold off most of my collection to support my other passion, vintage writing instruments. It wasn't much of a collection anyway, so I decided to start over again.
I also decided that retirement isn't cutting it, fixed income stinks , so after a VERY long search, I've rejoined the workforce. It's hard to start a new chapter at 62, but I found a position as a residential counselor in a home for the developmentally disabled. I've done it before, and love the work, so I should fit right in.
I start this coming tuesday, the 10th, and can't wait

Doug

[philbirch]

Well done. It takes a special kind of person to do that job. My daughter (23) is working in a home with people of a similar disability. PC speak sort of avoids using words that would more accurately describe the patient/client's condition.

As I said, it takes a special type of person. You're one of them.

[truls]

Most important: If you manage to do what you want and like to do, life becomes joyful - congratulations! What kind of writing instruments do you collect? Pens or writing machines?

[Deleted]

Congrats, Doug. The key to life and health is keeping the mind active and doing something you enjoy doing.

W.

[mickeyobe]

Jun 8, 2014 9:41:08 GMT -5 @wayne said:

Congrats, Doug. The key to life and health is keeping the mind active and doing something you enjoy doing.

W.

How right you are.

My profession, which I loved, virtually vanished thanks to an unholy partnership between the provincial government and a private corporation.
I, fortunately, was able to retire before it was too late.

My job was instantly replaced with painting and being infected with the disease of camera collecting and by my amazing family.
I have never been bored.

I know I am very lucky.
Mickey

[Doug T.]

Thank you all for the kind words!

I worked in a total care residence, and found that the work suited me perfectly. For some reason (maybe my beliefs which I won't mention here), I felt drawn to this kind of work. I know I'll be happy there. I'll also be able to support both my hobbies, which is something I haven't been able to do lately.

Truls,
Besides cameras and photographica, I collect vintage fountain pens, pencils, paper, etc.
I'm also trying to improve my penmanship by re-learning some old writing styles, for example, Palmer and Spencerian Business writing, cursive italic, and copperplate.
It's fun and good exercise for my brain

Doug

[Deleted]

Good luck improving your writing. My handwriting was never very good. But typewriters and computers made my penmanship almost illegible.

[philbirch]

I had to use italic handwriting while at high school. It was an art school. The only subjects we didnt need italic for was art, maths and music. My handwriting reflects the italic style with the shape of the letters and the unique (to italic) way the letters are joined. Unfortunately due to problems with the nerves in my hand I find it difficult using a pen these days. And a paintbrush or certain tools.

[mickeyobe]

philbirch,

I, too, have problems with my hands.
Lack of feeling due to neuropathy and arthritic pain.

I found my solution with a Lamy Safari fountain pen. $30.00 CAN.
Its 3 sided grip and its unconventional clip makes it a pleasure to use.
A selection of colours and nibs and ink loading methods is available.

I found the extra fine nib with its stiffness and slight flexibility suited me perfectly.

I had been using a Parker Vacumatic for almost 30 years. The Lamy felt almost the same, perhaps, even better in my hand.

Mickey

[philbirch]

Thanks Mickey, I looked this one up its £10 at W.H. Smith. I think I'll pay them a visit in the morning.