In grade school, the German elementary school (long story) I went to insisted that all us 2nd and 3rd graders use fountain pens. Oh, the tragedies that ensued!

In grade school, the German elementary school (long story) I went to insisted that all us 2nd and 3rd graders use fountain pens. Oh, the tragedies that ensued! The stained fingers, the spills on clothing, the blotches on homework. And nothing could be erased! You'd think that would have traumatized me, but once all grown up, I never liked ball point pens. Mechanical pencils are nice, sometimes very nice, but today I have gravitated back to fountain pens. The writing is smooth and effortless and looks fantastic, in spite of my poor handwriting. I am no connoisseur of fine pens, nibs, or inks, but today I write my journal and sign my checks with a fountain pen.