An interesting aspect to my vision loss is not being able to see – much less read – ink on paper anymore. Hell, I can’t even see the *lines* on paper anymore. It’s an interesting position for a die-hard, list making pen and paper kind of gal to be in and something that has had a huge, frustrating impact on my writing process.
I started making my own “notepaper” with super big spaces separated by thick black lines on the computer and then printing them off. While not the prettiest solution – it works. But I still couldn’t see my handwriting when I scrawled out a quick and dirty grocery list or more importantly, a story outline. I finally gave up trying, tossed all my ink pens into Mr. Munder’s desk drawer and started using Sharpie permanent markers. On EVERYTHING. They work. If I write large enough.
But (and isn’t there always a but?) they bleed through almost every paper known to man.
If you take a look on websites for independent living aids you’ll see listings for the 20/20 pen. I certainly saw them enough. But honestly, I kind of blew then off. What could they do my Sharpie couldn’t? Well, baby – cue an audio clip from The Monkees (heh, listen here and try to get the song out of your head) ’cause I’m a Believer. These pens are smooth writing, dark enough to catch even my eye, and DON’T BLEED THROUGH. *sighs happily*
Now, if only I could do something about this damn double vision …
How about you? Do you have a favorite type of pen you can’t live without?
