Spirit Of Life design by Henry Simpole

[Truffle Finder]

Anne [s Gray], winning the lottery is a game of 50/50 really, you either win it or you don't!!! :ltcapd: :ltcapd: :ltcapd:

Pleased you like the pen.

Truffle Finder.

"Blow in my ear, and I'll follow you anywhere!!!" [Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Circa 1969]

:bunny01:

[Truffle Finder]

I must say, that I am surprised that since the images of the pen have been posted on this thread, there have been getting on for 150 or more 'views', but only two comments about the pen.

I'm surprised, having taken [Henry and Ghost Plane, and not forgetting Salman] getting on for six months to get the pen to this stage, I would have thought that some people might like to share their opinions about it, it doesn't have to be complimentary, criticism would be welcome as well!

In case anyone might be thinking that this is a very heavy-looking pen, it weighs 78grms including the cap, the cap weighs 22grms, which I don't think most people would 'post' while using the pen due to the extra length,[17 cms from nib-tip to the end of the barrel, 'unposted' obviously!!!] So if my 'subtraction' is correct, then we are talking about 56 grms in 'writing mode'.

 

"Veeeeerry interesting!!! But stupid!!!" [Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Circa 1969.] :ltcapd: :ltcapd: :ltcapd:

 

Truffle Finder.

[troglokev]

I must say, that I am surprised that since the images of the pen have been posted on this thread, there have been getting on for 150 or more 'views', but only two comments about the pen.

 

Put it down to the "gobsmacked" factor. Accurate in my case.

[sallywally]

Duh...I forget what the cap section is about....can someone remind me?

 

I need an extremely fine nib, basically the finest Japanese nibs available, UEF, Saibi Togi...would the CS EF lend itself to being tweaked into this fineness by a nibmeister?

 

Also, I am in love with this pen, but this year have redone our kitchen (in the process now), my bathroom, the driveway (formerly asphalt, now concrete)... and more. AND I have a Nakaya Bamboo Wood on order with my personal kenji, which is as expensive as this pen....so I am pretty much beyond the pale for pen purchases...although the Ohio Pen Show is coming up in two months... :embarrassed_smile:

 

(Goes into addiction paroxysms.... )

[Truffle Finder]

Strangely enough, I have spent quite a bit of time at Henry's stand at Portobello Road today, and he spent a great deal of time showing people the Spirit Of Life Pen, to those who were interested in his overlaid pens. The response was terrific, every one who saw it thought it was 'lovely',and 'surprisingly light' considering it's size, they actually said these things!

Henry always likes to take his latest pens with him when he goes to P/Bello on Saturdays, and enjoys showing them even if they are only partly done, and he gets great satisfaction from comments made by the people who stop to look at them.

Sallywally; Regarding the cap design,[i assume that is what you were refering to in the last posting here] it was taken from a wrought iron gate to a shrine to Bahallah, the 'B' being there as the initial letter of the religion. It is not an exact copy of the gate's decoration, but is based on it. The 'Morning Glory' leaves were put in to connect with the foliate pattern between the 'ribbon' lines on the barrel of the pen.

See Yawll!!!

Truffle Finder. :bunny01:

 

Go on make a comment here!!!

[Ghost Plane]

I'm thrilled to see the Spirit of Life in all its glory. It's beautiful!!

 

The cap design was inspired by a gate design at Baha'u'llah's shrine on Mt Carmel, which is a world heritage site. The quote on the pen is a verse of Hidden Words written by Baha'u'llah, founder of the Baha'i Faith, so consider the initial attribution to the author.

 

I think Henry and Salman did a wonderful job coming up with the design and calligraphy, considering the vague description I gave them. Poor Henry had to deal with engraving a verse in a language he cannot read, as well as designing a pen around my dream, and Salman had to deal with my descriptions via email from half a world away.

 

I can't wait to get home and actually hold the pen! Forgive the brevity of my explanation, but I'm on a borrowed system and must return it.

 

If anyone reading this lives close to Henry or Salman, I wish you'd give them a hug and a kiss from me. Their artistry brought a dream to life.

[Chris Chalmers]

I didn't even study the cap design...........are we casting pearls here???? :embarrassed_smile: Now I know the full meaning and that there is a 'B' there, I will pay closer attention in future!

 

So glad the Portobello Road gang liked it, even drooled over it........... what a treat for Londoners and Tourists alike to see our pens before we do........one could get jealous over this, but I suppose it is like road testing a new car design, but far more personal!!! :blink:

 

Anyway, Ghost Plane - the ball (or pen) is in your court - you have sway over how, when and why now and all I can say is...

"The Best of ..(insert nationality here) luck to you" :ltcapd:

Maybe the next design should be a lesson in PATIENCE

[Truffle Finder]

Ghost Plane,

Looking over Henry's shoulder while he read your 'posting' on here about anyone living close by HS, giving him a hug and a kiss!!! produced a distinct grimace!!! The only person he knows who lives close-by is George!!! :embarrassed_smile: Very likeable guy, but just not his type!!! :roflmho: :roflmho: :roflmho:

As and when you get back from your travels, Henry says:- "Get in touch with him, to discuss names addresses, types of nibs required etc:" something that neither you or him is looking forward to doing!!! Hey-Ho!

Truffle Finder.

[Ghost Plane]

Well, darn! Guess I can count on Salman's better half to express my happiness, but who's going to volunteer for Henry?

[Truffle Finder]

Ghost Plane, I take it that you are back in the land of the computers!!! Or are you borrowing a 'steam powered' model from one of the people used as the 'extras' casting used in the film 'Deliverence!' :roflmho:

Great news that you are back again.

Truffle Finder.

[troglokev]

You'd be surprised what GP can do with duct tape, hookup wire, a few household chemicals and an abacus.

[smk]

Well, darn! Guess I can count on Salman's better half to express my happiness

 

You can count on me for demanding it :-)

 

Salman K.

[Ghost Plane]

Ah, the purr of a happily married man. If she misses anything, let me know, Salman, and I'll give her a few pointers. :ltcapd:

 

I'm in the land of agencies who can mirror my computer and dump me on my virtual doorstep, but only after hours their time. :ph34r: No telling who or what they're bouncing me off of, so if anyone finds an unmanned drone circling their house, just wave and smile for the nice camera.

 

While I have this indulgence, I'm going to try and repeat my send to Henry of people's proper addresses, emails, names, etc. that the soon to be owners gave me some time back. If you haven't gotten your nib selection to me or Henry by now, DO SO!! He can't send your pen without the nib of your dreams, now can he?

 

Emails work better for me at the moment, so put "Spirit of Life" in the subject line and make sure Henry knows if you want a needle XF or a luscious IB or BB. [Edited to remind you to check the Conway Stewart website for their nib sizes. Obliques are not an option on these pens, but they have a range of italics in addition to the usual nib sizes.]

 

Anyone who didn't get in on the initial run of 10 [which is sold out] will need to contact Henry directly about a waiting list. If someone's purchase falls thru or enough of you put an order in to cast another run, you'll want Henry to have your info.

Edited August 31, 2010 by Ghost Plane

[Truffle Finder]

I can report that a 'steam-driven' E-mail has 'winged' it's way from somewhere deep in the backwaters of the USA to Henry's computer in the suburbs of London, giving details of several people who are on the list of prospective Spirit of Life Pen ownership.

Henry will be contacting these people fairly shortly with regard to the details that he will need, for him to proceed with the final part of this rather prolonged journey.

Since I first encountered this forum, I have noticed that some people who 'post' here have a sentence at the end of their messages, usually wise, sometimes funny, and sometimes profound. A great friend of mine once told me that:- "Where there is no change, there is no life. Fear of change turns an adventure into a drudgery." Very true I think.

 

'Nuff said!!!' B)

Truffle Finder.

[Ghost Plane]

Glad something is arriving where it's s'posed to. Nah, not having any problems with the tech here. Nope. Only took half a day to get the printer to interface. :bonk:

[Truffle Finder]

You may not be having problems over there, but something's wrong with the machine over here,I came down this morning to find that I can't get Googlemail up on the screen. So I cant communicate except via this forum!

Truffle Finder. [in communicado!]

P.S. Spak to you later, when things are back to normal.

[Ghost Plane]

After a flurry of carrier pigeon missives, it'll be another week on the hallmarking. Everyone have another cup of coffee or chai and find a comfy chair if Cardinal Fang hasn't taken them all.

[riff raff]

After a flurry of carrier pigeon missives, it'll be another week on the hallmarking. Everyone have another cup of coffee or chai and find a comfy chair if Cardinal Fang hasn't taken them all.

"NOT the Comfy Chair™!"

http://people.csail.mit.edu/paulfitz/spanish/tt12.jpg

 

:roflmho:

[Truffle Finder]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOBODY EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!!!

And for another thing, this is a dead parrot! The only reason it's standin' upright is because you nailed its foot to the perch!

This parrot is deceased, it has ceased to be! It is an X-Parrot, gone to a better place, it has expired!!!

 

Just thought I'd fill the time a little! :ltcapd: :ltcapd: :ltcapd:

In the meantime here are some dancing bunnies!

Truffle Finder.

[riff raff]

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/08_02/deadparrot1308_468x333.jpg

 

"This parrot is no more. It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. This is a late parrot. It's a stiff. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. If you hadn't nailed it to the perch, it would be pushing up the daisies. It's rung down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. This is an ex-parrot."