1) I love that Gaiman has a writing shed. 2) I own a Lamy fountain pen (not the 2000) and it's my most prized possession ever. It has been all over the world with me and it is so rugged and awesome and no matter how much I have neglected it, it will eventually work again . . . if I dip it into my mouth enough. Best $35 I've ever spent on a writing implement. I would highly recommend their fountain pens to anyone, even over Montblanc, which are nice (and fucking expensive), but you've got to take care of those nibs and get some decent paper! 3) c418 is nice, hadn't heard of him before. 4) A good, personalized mess is what makes me remember that I live in a place.
I didn't know about Gaiman's writing shed until recently, and now I'm just even more jealous. He also has a Narnia-esque lamppost in his backyard. A very cool dude. I like fountain pens, but have never used one for any extended period of time. I have a calligraphy set that I couldn't write anywhere near fast enough with. The pen I use (and it's only ever that one specific pen) is a Uni-ball Signo 207 (which I only just looked up). There's just something about it that I love. Writes easily while still being quite inky. My mother bought me a $60 Parker for Christmas or a birthday a year or two ago, and it just sits at home, not even in its box, because I'm using the box for another pen that cost about $2 that has sentimental value. I have to use this pen, and if I lose it I'll buy another the same day. But never in advance, only one at a time. I only just found c418 today, actually. Quite pleased with that find. Exactly! I used to always have issues with people telling me to clean my room, because to me, it was clean. I knew where everything was, and the placement of everything (which was a mess, but it was still placement) comforted me somewhat. There's something about clutter that you've collected - especially when it's nice clutter - that is just extremely homely and calming.
I can't say I have much experience with calligraphy, except for a short unit we had in art class in elementary school. It seems really cool though. I saw this video recently and it made me want to know more about it. Also, that dude is wicked cool. "Master Scribe." What a title! I really like inky pens. My hands are very often covered in ink, if I've been working like I think I should. This is the pen that I mentioned, my favorite one. Not incredibly expensive. A good pen or stationary shop should allow you to try them out. Also, that is a sweet lamppost.
Ooh, that pen does look very nice indeed. How does it write/what is it like? I might check one out this week.
I like it, but I am definitely biased as it was the only thing I used for a long time. It's a medium nib and inky, but not drippy, though you'll still get inky hands (which I don't mind, but I can see how it would be a turnoff for some). It's a great workhorse though. I'm certain that I haven't been maintaining it as well as I could (should) but it still works great.