I mentioned that on my long commute that I write on my laptop for a blog to support marginalized children, and am also writing a book. My Secret Santa, from Taiwan, found an absolutely fantastic fountain pen, ink, and leather carry case for the whole shebang. All made in their native Taiwan. Truly a unique gift I could not find in Japan. Thank you, Secret Santa!

I hadn't mentioned it in my profile, but I hate ballpens, and everything they stand for. I hate the collection of them I have engraved from lovers past - All pens lie equal in the graveyard - the cheap, hard-pressed gummy ink...the horrible plastic barrels. The cheap engraving. They leave indents on the page as well as the last knuckle on my middle finger. What castatrophes which bear my name.

Thank you Santa, for sending a proper fountain pen, complete with an ink bottle, and even silicone grease to maintain the seals on the filling mechanism. I am a sucker for fountain pens, and this is one of the nicest I've ever had. Even Cross fountain pens dry out and leak, and Preppys dry out if the cap is off for even 30 seconds. I wish only to write with ease, without dimples on the page nor my own tender hands. I don't want to push the pen across the page, I want to pull it - and feel it gently obey my subtle manipulations...

This is a quality and beautiful piece and it has earned a spot in my briefcase. Absolutely lovely. Thank you so much!