Welcome to my Penmanship Journal, where I share stories about pens, inks, workshops, commissioned artwork,
and the quiet moments behind beautiful writing.
Every entry begins with something real—a conversation, a bottle of ink, a lesson, or a spark of inspiration.
- Before the Pen Touches the Paper
I grew up in Vietnam, where writing by hand was simply part of everyday life. From first grade until I graduated from college, I wrote with pen on paper every day. Friends often complimented my… Read more: Before the Pen Touches the Paper - Listening First: A Visit with Ralph B. Stillwell
There comes a time when we realize that tomorrow is never promised. Over the past few years, I have lost several friends in the pen community. Each loss has reminded me how quickly a familiar… Read more: Listening First: A Visit with Ralph B. Stillwell - When Four Colors Arrived
A few months ago, Dale Penkala emailed me and asked if I would teach one or two workshops at the Detroit Pen Show 2026. Detroit Pen Show is my home show—I live only about 30… Read more: When Four Colors Arrived