Spirit Of Life design by Henry Simpole

[troglokev]

The Ballad of Eskimo Nell? I'm shocked, GP.

 

A small experiment to test the filters:

When a man grows old and his ...

 

Edit to remove the full experimental text. The filters allow quite a lot though.

Edited October 20, 2011 by troglokev

[Ghost Plane]

For shame! As if such things would be worthy of the Spirit. Or the Persian.

[Truffle Finder]

2011 was really quite a year, both for me, and quite a few people on this thread I think.

It took me quite a while to find it [the thread, I mean!] but I persevered, and eventually got it by 'searching':- 'Chris Chalmers'! knowing that she was the one who started it shortly after Ghost Plane made the request to make this very special pen. :hmm1:

I think that the incredible thing about it was the way the whole thing 'evolved' out of the seed of an idea by Ghost Plane, then Salman Khattak's patience [particularly with me, being so amateur with my computer skills!] with writing the verse out for me so that I was able to transcribe it onto the 'spiral' around the barrel of the pen. :blink:

I can't now remember whether the name: "Spirit of Life" had emerged at the very start of the journey, or it was referred to by that name as the enthusiasm gathered by the people who participated on this thread while we worked through the various stages of making it. Either way, it was indeed the 'Spirit' of all those who were involved at the time, that I think that the name is so apt.

In the end, I think that 22 pens were completed, and I sincerely hope that they are all being used on a fairly regular basis' Of all the pens that I have made to date, this has got to be the one that stands out in my mind as being the one that gave me so much pleasure to be involved with it's construction.

Can I take this opportunity to wish everybody who might take the time to read some [if not trudge through all!] of this thread, a very Merry Christmas! :embarrassed_smile:

Truffle Finder

PS. Special Christmas Cheer to Ghost Plane, you are indeed a very special person. :embarrassed_smile:

[Ghost Plane]

Allah'u'abha, Henry. You're pretty awesome yourself. :notworthy1:

 

And Salman has to be one of the most patient men on the planet to deal with both me and Henry in our creative throes. :embarrassed_smile:

 

It was one of the other posters who named the pen - we need to go back and look to see which thread it first appeared on and whose brilliance spotted the name in the verse. Their contribution was huge and should be appreciated.

 

After having a lovely chat with someone who picked up a used one and is loving it, let me repeat an open invitation to ANYONE who acquires a "Spirit of Life": email me at any time for an explanation of the verse, the symbolism of the design, or any other question you might have.

 

I'm awed and appreciative that so many people fell in love with the pen. It was designed in a spirit of unity and love and it seems like it takes some users down fascinating paths.

 

Please feel free to post what you're doing with your pens.

[esterbex]

Though not in possession of the SOL, I have had the privilege of holding it....And this thread helped to make 2010-2011 one of the most fascinating periods of my life.

 

May the Spirit be with us all in the new year!

[Ghost Plane]

:cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9: :cloud9:

[Truffle Finder]

Well! I'm back from my sister's place, having spent a 'low-key' Christmas over the weekend, with the family, giving and receiving presents, and helping out in the kitchen. All good stuff, when you're an X-chef, you are bound to be asked to help out with the cooking!

My Lap-Top was alright the first time I switched it on, but went on strike when I tried to fire it up again! Obviously I wasn't doing something right, so I experienced 'cyber-black-out' for the rest of my stay there! But that was no big deal, as I had plenty to keep me occupied, helping my sister!

May I take this opportunity, to wish everybody a very happy New Year?

Truffle Finder.

PS. Special good wishes to Ghost Plane! :embarrassed_smile:

[Truffle Finder]

I had a quite long conversation with someone who came to see me at my stand at Portobello today, explaining about my overlaid pens, and at one point he asked me about the length of time that it generally took to make a bespoke O/laid pen, I explained that it usually took about three months from the time that the ideas for the design had been agreed upon, but then I cast my eyes down into the cabinet at the last remaining Spirit of Life Pen, which was on display there, and [i went on to explain!] sometimes it can take as long as a year or even more!!! He looked aghast, as I handed it to him, and he held it as if to write with it, as I went on to tell him why this particular commission had taken so long!

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I have a feeling that I will be seeing the gentleman again fairly soon, I do hope so!

Although I don't have any great feelings about celebrating New Year's arrival [being a tea-totaller!], may I take this opportunity to wish everybody reading this, a very Happy New Year, especially Ghost Plane, without whom this thread would not have happened! :embarrassed_smile: :blink:

See Y'awll!!!

Truffle Finder.

[Ghost Plane]

I'm a totally tea myself, so wish you were close enough for us to celebrate with a pot of Tazo Chai

 

Here's hoping that Spirit finds a loving home with someone who sees the infinite potential or falls in love with the verse or simply can't stand being without it another day!

[esterbex]

 

Here's hoping that Spirit finds a loving home with someone who sees the infinite potential or falls in love with the verse or simply can't stand being without it another day!

 

I second that hope!

 

A happy and blessed New Year's to all!

 

 

[smk]

A happy new year to all.

 

Henry and GP - my very limited supply of patience was not tested in working on this very enjoyable project. I had a lot of fun coming up with the different ideas and getting to understand what worked and what didn't.

 

I'm ready to work on another one ;-)

 

Saman

[Ghost Plane]

Happy New Year!

 

Here's to the right verse, the right calligraphy & the right pen.

[esterbex]

With so many craftsmen in the running, I have no idea the chances of Henry's winning. But as gamblers say...can't win if you don't play. Craft & Design Magazine is sponsoring the annual Selected Awards 2012 for British and Irish designer/makers.

 

Here's the link if you've a notion to vote for our esteemed friend. Good luck Henry....again!

 

craft&design Selected Awards 2012

Edited January 2, 2012 by esterbex

[Chris Chalmers]

Happy New Year Everyone................Henry - I'm so glad you searched for 'me'!!!

Wendi..........I love that photo of the fireworks.............but can I say there is no link for me in your last message here?

 

Ghost Plane.............it is wonderful to see you here and I wish you a very special and Happy New Year - in every way!!!

 

Salman and Kev............... May your 2012 bring absolutely every thing you wish for - and more!

 

Can we all hope for Peace please????

[esterbex]

"Let there be Peace on Earth....And let it begin with me...."

 

Thanks, Chris....I hope the link works now.

[Chris Chalmers]

Thanks Wendi!

 

I was already registered with Craft&Design so they emailed me an invitation to vote - and I did!!!

Good Luck Henry!!!!

[esterbex]

Before this day ends I just have to give a Birthday Shout Out to the initiator of this beautiful project....Happy Birthday GP!

 

May the Spirit of Life continue to shine in and through you for many more birthdays to come!

[Truffle Finder]

Last night I spent quite a bit of time trying to use the 'search' facility here, to resurrect this thread, it kept on telling me that the problem was that I must have used words of less than 3 letters! So I took their suggestion, of putting the title that I was looking for in inverted commas.............. it still didn't work!!!

Still, I'm pleased that someone else managed to do it! Thank you!

 

"Many Happy Returns Ghost Plane!!!" :embarrassed_smile:

 

Truffle Finder.

[Ghost Plane]

Thank you! Survived another one

 

Time to try another ink color in it. Loving the Iroshizuku line at the moment. :clap1:

[esterbex]

Memorial Day is upon us. I can't help but think of this pen and what it represents in relation to the sacrifices many have made that we might enjoy the life that is given us. Spiritually and physically we are truly blessed.

Thank you again, GP....for all you have done and the sacrifices you have made as well. I'm happy to be able to say it to you whilst you still draw breath. May the Spirit of those we remember live on in us.