Spirit Of Life design by Henry Simpole

[Chris Chalmers]

The garage work has ground to a halt................:roflmho: get it? Ground - oh, never mind!!! Anyway, yes, this is the first of the three and RR have been a tad tardy with their end of the bargain - that's for sure! :hmm1: :bonk:

 

Anyhoo............we will park the best bits in the safe, and to hang with the rest - let it go rusty, see if I care!!!!

 

Now back to deciding ink for the drinking thereof.......... :hmm1:

[Ghost Plane]

George, how could I forget your assistance with the drawings in the early days? :embarrassed_smile: George is the man behind the curtain who keeps Oz going. Fixes Henry's email, fixes the payment system, fixes the shipping, sent the most lovely emails, and I miss him when I'm handing out the kisses, smooches, laurel wreathes, and mylar balloons! :bonk: :embarrassed_smile:

 

I'm still using the convertors in mine for the benchmarking and shake down flights.

 

I had the same thought on color as Miranda did and the initial workout is using PR Blue Suede as I wanted a peaceful blue-green shade.

 

Waiting breathlessly to catch up with the Persian Diversion and see what he thinks. I want to see those beautiful swirls come off the pen when he writes. So yes, the Spirit will be used by one special person besides me. :clap1:

 

I can't stop grinning. Miranda is right - it's Christmas morning and Eid and Ayyam-i-Ha all rolled into one! :clap1:

 

Going in to get my first mug of tea for the morning and buckle on down with the writing. Oh the things that are going to roll off the nib of this pen

[GeorgeWP]

Thanks GP.

I do hope that you didn't think I was fishing for plaudits.

The purpose of the posting as to make casual readers aware that my seeming over exuberance for a pen that I haven't even ordered did have some basis.

I can tell you that it has made me very happy to have played a very minor part in a project that has brought pleasure to so many people.

I suppose that I should really order one from Henry, but the last time I saw him I ordered a "Forest School Pen" for my daughter - I'll get that out of the way first. For those of you who remember that far back to the previous thread, I put up a post saying that Henry went to the same school that my daughter now attends. Henry had made a pen with the school crest and motto on it for the 175th anniversary. In his typical generous fashion, he gave it to the school to be used to raise funds - I also posted up pictures of it.

After that, we shall see.

One thing GP - I do most sincerely hope that some time in the future you will get to meet up with Henry - he really is such a lovely man.

[Ghost Plane]

George, I know you weren't. Just realized my manners were somewhat lacking. :embarrassed_smile: Let's blame it on the excitement, shall we?

 

We're in complete accord - Henry is a sweetheart

 

I miss ye olde UK and hope I can scrape together the time and the dosh to get that way in future. Henry would be a definite stop on the way. Altho' I suspect it might be ruinously expensive as we'd get our heads together and start sketching on the back of something and more pens would ensue.

[Treecat]

Thoroughly enjoy reading the posts this morning, especially Miranda's enthusiasm, which gives me a smile as I finish the second cup of coffee. I assume she's sleeping by now over in Oz. Or--maybe still writing!

 

If I had the SOL, my music would have to be Loreena McKennit, probably An Ancient Muse. If I had the funds to have Henry Simpole design a pen for me , it would have to be Celtic in spirit and the music would be Altan, Clannad and Enya. Alas, no money, unless I rob a bank. Or maybe not... better think.

 

Congratulations to all of you who are writing with your beautiful pens.

[GeorgeWP]

George, I know you weren't. Just realized my manners were somewhat lacking. :embarrassed_smile: Let's blame it on the excitement, shall we?

 

Yes, I can understand the excitement all too well.

 

 

I miss ye olde UK and hope I can scrape together the time and the dosh to get that way in future. Henry would be a definite stop on the way. Altho' I suspect it might be ruinously expensive as we'd get our heads together and start sketching on the back of something and more pens would ensue.

 

That is for sure.

[Ghost Plane]

Spooky that. :ph34r: I'm using the pen to Loreena, Enya, Secret Garden, EKO's Celtica, and Niyaz because there's days I can't tell Persian from Celtic

 

Treecat, it's not too late. Looks like Henry's going to have a waiting list for a 2nd round. Might give you time to save up, sell off, or otherwise do what you have to do. :hmm1: I sold a LOT of my collection to get the Spirit and I'm not sorry. :blink:

[reprieve]

<------------ This is me, reading this thread! It has been like an old-time serial, published chapter-by-chapter in a monthly magazine. The wait was agonizing, even for us vicarious by-standers! Now we finally have the happy ending! Edited September 30, 2010 by reprieve

[schadowrider]

Definitely some IB's in this group! Sorry if I'm missed this in previous posts (it is, ummm, quite a long thread! ): did anyone get an IF or an IM nib, and if so, I'd love to hear how you like it with this pen (or better yet, some writing samples would be awesome!! ; actually, would love to see some writing samples with the IB too...).

[Truffle Finder]

I should imagine it won't be long before Ghost Plane shows us what she can do with her IB nib!

Truffle Finder. :embarrassed_smile:

[GeorgeWP]

I am adding this for the readers of this thread that hail from the UK.

 

This Sunday, 3rd October, is the WES Pen Show in London, Kensington Town Hall.

If you are planning to come, Henry will be there, as a stallholder, with his pens - do pop along and see him - if you are interested in meeting me, I will be there as well (I won't be upset if you don't want to, so don't let that keep you away).

If you do not own a "Simpole" this will be an opportunity to handle one, or more, of Henry's creations, and see exactly what we "Simpole" owners have been talking about. It is also a great opportunity to meet the man himself.

Many FPN members will be going along, and there is an FPN table in the cafeteria where we can all meet up and have a chat.

Do get along if you can, details can be found under "Miscellaneous" - "Clubs, Meetings and Events" on FPN.

[smk]

did anyone get an IF or an IM nib, and if so, I'd love to hear how you like it with this pen (or better yet, some writing samples would be awesome!!

 

I asked for an IF nib and am looking forward to seeing how it writes. From what I've read about these nibs, some offer more line variation than others. I guess we'll have to wait and see - the pen has been 'here' but stuck in customs - it was released this morning but the FedEx people couldn't deliver it today :-(

 

Writing samples and pictures will be online within hours of my receiving the pen.

 

Salman K

[schadowrider]

I asked for an IF nib and am looking forward to seeing how it writes. From what I've read about these nibs, some offer more line variation than others. I guess we'll have to wait and see - the pen has been 'here' but stuck in customs - it was released this morning but the FedEx people couldn't deliver it today :-(

 

Writing samples and pictures will be online within hours of my receiving the pen.

 

Salman K

Looking forward to seeing them (probably not *quite* as much as you )!

 

EDIT: BTW, love your avatar -- is that your own drawing?

Edited September 30, 2010 by schadowrider

[Ghost Plane]

did anyone get an IF or an IM nib, and if so, I'd love to hear how you like it with this pen (or better yet, some writing samples would be awesome!!

 

I asked for an IF nib and am looking forward to seeing how it writes. From what I've read about these nibs, some offer more line variation than others. I guess we'll have to wait and see - the pen has been 'here' but stuck in customs - it was released this morning but the FedEx people couldn't deliver it today :-(

 

Writing samples and pictures will be online within hours of my receiving the pen.

 

Salman K

You know they're only holding it so it will be a real birthday present.

 

I asked for an IF nib and am looking forward to seeing how it writes. From what I've read about these nibs, some offer more line variation than others. I guess we'll have to wait and see - the pen has been 'here' but stuck in customs - it was released this morning but the FedEx people couldn't deliver it today :-(

 

Writing samples and pictures will be online within hours of my receiving the pen.

 

Salman K

Looking forward to seeing them (probably not *quite* as much as you )!

 

EDIT: BTW, love your avatar -- is that your own drawing?

It's just a small sample of Salman's work. He's incredibly gifted!

[Chris Chalmers]

Just when I thought our usual delivery time had passed - and it is Friday here - a little van pulls into the drive - and hands me a Fedex box...............I've opened the outer box :clap1: :clap1: now for the next part

 

 

edited for >>>>>>>>>>>

 

Aha! padded bag opened to reveal a white carboard box.........but no note so far

 

edited again for >>>>>>>>>>

 

opened card box to find lovely black box - and a note :clap1: :clap1: :clap1:

 

edited for the third time!!!!!!! to add OH MY GOD!!!! I actually said this out loud and gave our Miss Mollie such a start!!!

For those following nib sizes - I paid for an extra nib/feed so have IF and IM and will later have IB when CS and Henry get some in again!!!

 

Now to fill this beautiful LARGE beauty!!!

 

Thank you Henry, Ghost Plane, Salman and George, and not forgetting Neal who has

taken all the wonderful photos along the way!

 

Henry - you are indeed a Master Pen Man!!! :cloud9:

 

edited again to add a quick photo -

 

http://dxlab.ky1v.com/zzz/SOLsample.jpg

Edited October 1, 2010 by Chris Chalmers

[GeorgeWP]

Just when I thought our usual delivery time had passed - and it is Friday here - a little van pulls into the drive - and hands me a Fedex box...............I've opened the outer box :clap1: :clap1: now for the next part

 

 

edited for >>>>>>>>>>>

 

Aha! padded bag opened to reveal a white carboard box.........but no note so far

 

edited again for >>>>>>>>>>

 

opened card box to find lovely black box - and a note :clap1: :clap1: :clap1:

 

edited for the third time!!!!!!! to add OH MY GOD!!!! I actually said this out loud and gave our Miss Mollie such a start!!!

For those following nib sizes - I paid for an extra nib/feed so have IF and IM and will later have IB when CS and Henry get some in again!!!

 

Now to fill this beautiful LARGE beauty!!!

 

Thank you Henry, Ghost Plane, Salman and George, and not forgetting Neal who has

taken all the wonderful photos along the way!

 

Henry - you are indeed a Master Pen Man!!! :cloud9:

 

edited again to add a quick photo -

 

http://dxlab.ky1v.com/zzz/SOLsample.jpg

 

I guess that you are happy then Chris.

[Chris Chalmers]

Just ever so.............George, ever so!!!!

 

I've now filled it as it was intended, as an ED - and I love that FI nib........it is as smooth as butter on a babies bottom - or is that "smooth as butter on glass"??? It is smooth anyway, and I'm so glad I asked for it......... I have the wider nibs on others of Henry's pens - but this one is just amazing!

[Ghost Plane]

I'm totally thrilled to see the verse copied out in your writing.

 

And now you know - when I dream, I dream BIG.

[Treecat]

Spooky that. :ph34r: I'm using the pen to Loreena, Enya, Secret Garden, EKO's Celtica, and Niyaz because there's days I can't tell Persian from Celtic

 

Treecat, it's not too late. Looks like Henry's going to have a waiting list for a 2nd round. Might give you time to save up, sell off, or otherwise do what you have to do. :hmm1: I sold a LOT of my collection to get the Spirit and I'm not sorry. :blink:

 

Good music choices!

 

I dunno.. I'm not sure a couple of Parker '51's, a Visconti, a Pelikan, etc., are just going to get me a Henry Simpole SOL.... I'll need to search higher in the food chain... let's see..

 

Cats...

Husband..

 

Hmm... well, the cats are protected by the breeder's contract....

 

Chris--you have such nice handwriting, and the verse is very beautiful.

Edited October 1, 2010 by Treecat

[Ghost Plane]

For those coming late to the story, the verse on the pen is Baha'u'llah from Hidden Words.

O SON OF MAN!

 

I loved thy creation, hence I created thee. Wherefore, do thou love Me, that I may name thy name and fill thy soul with the spirit of life.