ÿþ<html> <head> <title>Float About... Floaty Pen Newsletter #66</title> <META NAME="description" content= "Float About - Floaty pen newsletter #66, Eskesen floaty pens for sale, online floaty pen newsletter, pen parts, and float pen displays."> <META NAME="keywords" content="Eskesen, Float About, floaty pens, float pens, floaty pens, tilt pens, schwimmkugelschreiber, scenic view pens, floaties, collecting: floaty pens, pen displays, souvenir pens, travel souvenirs, floaty newsletter, pen newsletter, pen displays"> </head> <body text='#000000' link='#0000ff' vlink='#551a8b' alink='#ff0000' bgcolor='#ffffff'> <B><font size = '+2' color = 'FF95CB'>Float About #66... </font></B> <font size = +1 font color = ff95cb> <B>Dedicated to Eskesen Float Pen Collectors </B></font><BR> <font size = -1 color = 000000>&#169 Copyright </font>Wed/July 7, 2010</font> <P><font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>Follow-up to Issue #65... </B></font> <BR><font color = ff95cb><B>I was convinced it would be September...</B></font> before there was enough news to warrant pulling a newsletter together. This time of year many floaty collectors are preoccupied with outdoor activities, enjoying the company of family and friends, as well as traveling. For those out and about and on-the-hunt, my best wishes. I sincerely hope you will report all of your floaty finds. Just about the time Bill and I began gearing up for our 2010 art/craft show season... the dam broke. Suddenly information and pens began pouring in. This won't be the longest issue ever, but I promise it has substance. Let's pick-up where we left off in the frigid month of February. <P><img src = 'images/bpageful.jpg' width=489 height=600 align=right hspace=20> <font color = ff95cb><B>In issue #65... </Font></B> I announced that <em>Darkhorse Comics</em> had a custom-made Bettie Page <em>tip n strip</em> floaty pen on order. Just to refresh your memory, Bettie Page was often referred to as the <em>Dark Angel</em> or <em>Queen of Curves</em>. In 1955 she won the title of <em>Miss Pinup Girl of the World</em>. Even though Bettie rose to fame in the mid-fifties she still has a loyal and global cult following. It's truly amazing her image hasn't been captured in a floaty pen before now. Her story is stormy, surprising and fascinating... much like Page herself. <P>I received notice that the Bettie Page pens would reach the USA on July 14th. So I was pleasantly surprised to receive my package on Tues/July 6th. There was an unexpected bonus. The pen is in a blister pack with a display card (as shown). I have notified anyone and everyone that had Page pens reserved. If you did not receive notice, but you would like to own the Bettie Page <em>tip n strip</em>, the price is $9.25 each. I know, OUCH! Find Bettie on my <a href='newarriv.htm'>New Arrivals</a> page. <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.darkhorse.com/Products/12-409/Bettie-Page-Striptease-Pen'>www.DarkHorse.com</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B> is also offering the pens for $12.99 each. <em>DarkHorse</em> has a number of Page items available and many new items in-the-works. The pens will soon surface at <em>Big Bad Toy Store</em>, <em>Historic Aviation</em> and other retail outlets as well. <br clear=left> <P><img src = 'images/supreme.jpg' width=169 height=456 align=left hspace=20> <B><font color = ff95cb>It was Ned West, at HDS Marketing... </B></font> that originally turned me on to the Bettie Page pens. Ned contacted me last week with exciting news. He confirmed that 5,000 <em>Nickleback Tour</em> floaty pens were made and distributed. The pens were given as part of the VIP premium ticket package for those that attended the band's <em>2010 Live Nation Tour</em>. Sorry, as far as I can tell, they are not available outside of tickets sales. However, if you really want to dig, the band has a fan club. <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.nicklebackfanclub.com'>NickelbackFanClub.com</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>, there might be some leads. Watch <em>eBay</em> too. Surely there are a few fans willing to part with their pens. <P>Ned is currently working on <em>tip n strip</em> pens and bottle openers for the fashion brand <em>Supreme NY</em>. Their floaty items will be headed to NYC, LA and Japan. Sneak preview of their steamy design pictured left. <img src = 'images/starkist.jpg' width=290 height=113 align=right hspace=7 vspace=15 alt text = 'Charlie the Tuna Floaty'> <P>Starkist placed a re-order for their <em>Charlie the Tuna</em> promo pens. If I can get them, I will, but don't hold your breath. <P>A float pen for the alternative country band, <em>Wilco</em> is in-the-works. He is also reeling in a pen order for <em>Rossignol Ski</em>. That Ned is one busy guy! Now for the tragic ending. It's unlikely collectors will ever own any of Ned's current designs. Corporate pens rarely hit the streets. <img src = 'images/nedstart.jpg' width=500 height=91 align=left hspace=7 vspace=5 alt='Rare Star Trek Floaty'> <P>Ned did have some good news to share. For the lucky few that have this <em>Star Trek</em> pen in their collection, Ned tells me it is very rare. He worked on the pen two years ago and only 550 were made. <P><B><font color = ff95cb>The folks at Topline Products... </B></font> have been busy generating revisions and new designs. The Seattle company is a major player in the souvenir market and my #1 distributor. They are responsible for several pens on the new arrivals list: CA/Oakland/Gondola, CA/San Jose/Computer Chip, CA/San Francisco/Sailboat, KS/Wichita/Twister, OH/Cleveland Rocks/Guitars, UT/Salt Lake City/Bi-plane. Somehow I missed their new Seattle Coffee Cup floaty, but they will restock. I won't let it slip away next time around. <br clear=left> <img src = 'images/marsmupa.jpg' width=390 height=108 align=right hspace=15> <BR> <B><font color = ff95cb>The long-awaited Mars PA Museum Pens arrived.... </font></B> about a month after the release of issue #65. A handful remain in inventory. It's not every day you see a flying saucer as a floater. Truly an unusual theme for a advertise floaty. And it's extremely nice for a digital design. <br clear=left> <P><font color = ff95cb><B>Way back in March I received a note from ... </B></font> Victoria B in CA. She went to the <em>Gama-Go</em> website in search of their custom set of six floaty pens. The pens had vanished from the website. Apparently out-of-stock. However, after a little surfing expedition Victoria found the entire set of six here: <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.perpetualkid.com/search.aspx?find=floaty+pen'>www.PerpetualKid.com</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. The price is just $4.99 each. I didn't follow it through to determine shipping charges. Thanks for providing the option Victoria. These are Chinese pens, but some of the cutest I have seen. I visited the <em>Perpetual Kids</em> site again on Fri/June 25th. At that time, all six designs were in stock. <P>Since issue #65 of the newsletter posted <em>Gama-Go</em> produced a second set of floaty designs. They offered a set of six at a great price, but I see the complete set has since sold out. You can still purchase most of the designs individually here <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://store.gama-go.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=39'>Gama-Go's New Designs</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. Remember, <em>Gama-Go pens</em> are made in China. I contacted them via email to find out if they intend to re-stock the first or second set. I have yet to receive a response. <P><img src = 'images/britmumy.jpg' width=142 height=500 align=left hspace=20> <font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>Pens Out and About... </B></font> <BR><B><font color = ff95cb>The week of May 22nd, Doug Yeo celebrated... </B></font> his 55th B-Day. August 31st Doug and his wife, Pat, will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. Congratulations on both counts! In between they will be on-the-move. The couple didn't waste any time. Doug was quick to provide his first spring pen report. <P><img src = 'images/chicagox.jpg' width=200 height=295 align=right hspace=20 alt text = 'Chinese copycat pens'> <P>&ldquo;Recent travels across the country have shown that China is continuing to make inroads into the floaty pen marketplace, with their cheaply made, gaudy designs. They have pushed Eskesen pens out of the running in many key locations. My wife and I traveled to Yosemite National Park in California; our third trip to this wonderful national park. Yosemite is so remote that there is no town, city or village nearby where a floaty pen collector might walk about looking for pens. So pen explorations are limited to the park itself. There was only one place in the park where floaty pens could be found, in the <em>Yosemite General Store</em>, near the visitor center. Unfortunately the bright display of C-top pens was from China, pens with no maker's mark and a pedestrian design. For $5.99! I was very glad I had bought Eskesen Yosemite floaty pens in my previous visit and also one from your February lottery.&rdquo; <P>&ldquo;Chicago's O'Hare airport was no better; two different news stands (there surely are others) had displays of floaty pens, but all were clearly marked &lsquo;Made in China&rsquo; and sported dreadful designs that paled against the dozen or so Chicago Eskesen-made pens I have in my collection. At one stand, I saw a woman holding a Chinese floaty and I said to her, &lsquo;Excuse me, Ma'am, but you should know that this pen was made in China, a cheap rip-off of the original floaty pens that are still made in Denmark.&rsquo; She looked at me - looked at the pen - and then put it back in the bin and turned to leave with a smile. One small step...&rdquo; <P>Doug is a brave soul. He doesn't hesitate to speak his mind when it comes to float pens. No matter where I travel, when I encounter Chinese knock-off's I politely explain to the clerk or manager why collectors prefer Eskesen pens. The more they hear it, the more likely they are to do something about it. In Doug's photo there are at least three Chicago designs and they all look like graphics from a coloring book. Not a floaty pen among them I would want in my collection. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>Late June, Doug Yeo and family were in England...</B></font> on tour with the <em>Natural State Brass Band</em> of Little Rock, Arkansas. Doug reports... &ldquo;I am the guest soloist. My wife Pat and our oldest daughter, Linda, are also playing in the band. They came over with me a few days early to enjoy London before heading up to Yorkshire later in the week for the tour.&rdquo; <P>Doug continues... &ldquo;The floaty pen situation is grave world over, so it was an encouragement to see a genuine E C-top at the <em>British Museum</em> today, with some highlights of the Museum's fine Egyptian collection. It was a little pricey at £3.00, but I was happy to support the museum by buying one.&rdquo; I am familiar with the design. The picture above and left is the original photoramic version from my personal collection. I can tell the pens available at the Museum are now digitals. If you find yourself in London... you know where to go! Thanks Doug. High hopes you find more floaty treasure in your travels. <P><img src = 'images/redbusln.jpg' width=500 height=142 align=left hspace=20 alt text = 'Red Bus London Floaty'><P> <BR>With that said, the very next day Doug found a gorgeous Eskesen floaty designed for <em>Red Bus</em>. This is a shot of the artwork included in the pen. &ldquo;It is a wonderful design, very striking.&rdquo;. I agree. I contacted <em>Red Bus</em> via email regarding the purchase of 36 pens, but they didn't bother to respond. So, I do not have any of the pens, but you can order them directly...<BR> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.templeisland.com/'>www.templeisland.com</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. <br clear=left> <P><img src = 'images/schlitzf.jpg' width=170 height=504 align=right hspace=20> <font color = ff95cb><B>Tues/July 6th Doug submitted... </B></font> his final update from their England trip. &ldquo; In the middle of our tour of England with the <em>Natural State Brass Band</em> from Little Rock, Arkansas, we had three free days. We jumped in our rental car and drove South to Wiltshire to visit friends and some favorite sites in the area. There were no floaty pens in Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral, or Stonehenge - or Coventry Cathedral which we visited on our way back up north. But there was a pen in the Roman Baths gift shop in Bath - the pen was a digital <em>twist n click</em> from the <em>British Museum</em>. I did not see this design at the Museum. It features Roman soldiers. Not a bad haul given the current state of affairs. Three pens, two of which were new, in just two weeks.&rdquo; <P>&ldquo;But there was a bonus. Our pastor and his wife picked us up at Boston's Logan Airport on our return and as we pulled up to our house, they gave me a new pen - a classic digital from the <em>Orchard House Museum</em> in Concord, Massachusetts. The Museum is at the home of the Alcotts - I have driven past it hundreds of times but never have gone inside. Little did I know they had a floaty pen! I guess that's a lesson: never overlook the places in your own back yard!&rdquo; Welcome back to the USA Yeo family. Doug, thank you for the travelogue and pen report. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>June 9th, Nils Alisch from Germany...</B></font> uncovered this beauty from the Schlitz Beer company. It is a <em>twist n click tip n strip</em> Eskesen floaty pen. The pen features Miss December from way back in 1968, Cynthia Myers. The Schlitz logo is imprinted on the barrel. The barrel is ivory colored. I ordered 40 pens to share with my collectors. They are included on my new arrivals list. I had to pay retail and s/h so the cost is $6.50 each. <P>To order directly from Schlitz... this is the link <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href='http://www.cmgestore.com/pab6/SKUDetailsPAB6F7530.Asp'>www.cmgestore.com/</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. Twist action ballpoint pen with Miss December 1968, Cynthia Myers! Flip the pen upside down and watch her clothes disappear. Schlitz logo on barrel and "Things Had Better Body Back Then ...Especially The Beer". <P>Note that unlike most <em>twist n click</em> pens, both the Bettie Page and Schlitz pens have a pocket clip affixed to the back of the pen. So, if you utilize the clip, the images are fully visible. All too often if you use the clip on a <em>twist n click</em>, the art panel is cut in half. This is a common complaint regarding the <em>twist n click</em> style. It's refreshing to see the full design instead of a split image. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>Biggy Kuhn found this... </Font></B> Eskesen-made <em>Wee Devil</em> c-clip twist n click floaty from the <em>Shawnimals</em> series. This design will NOT be on my list. If you would like to order one... <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href='http://shop.shawnimals.com/collections/frontpage/products/wee-devil-action-pen'>http://shop.shawnimals.com</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. According to the website... &ldquo;We re pleased for the upcoming release of our first Action Pen"! with the Inked Pulp"! special projects label: Wee Devil Action Pen! The pen, commonly called a  floaty pen , features two sides: The animated action side pictures a gang of troublesome Wee Devils floating ominously toward the wise Ol Master Ninja. The reverse side has the Ninjatown"! logo, iconic Mt. Feroshi, and a cast of popular Ninjatown"! characters from the popular Shawnimals land. &rdquo;. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>This tip from Nobi Ochiai...</B></font> via Beverly Broadstone. Even though this is a Chinese floaty I know there are a lot of <em>Alice in Wonderland</em> and Johnny Depp fans among us. Nobi discovered a floaty pen for the newly released movie... <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://item.rakuten.co.jp/ustoy/inral866511/'>http://item.rakuten.co.jp/ustoy/inral866511/</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B>. Last week I received word from Nobi. She still has a few of them available for trade. &ldquo;The body of pen is very thick, and made in China, yet it is a bit expensive (945 yen, which is approximately $10.50) plus S&H. If you wish to arrange a trade, you may contact Nobi directly: <a href = 'mail to:nobuko1999@yahoo.com'>nobuko1999@yahoo.com</a>. <P><img src = 'images/caoakgnd.jpg' width=500 height=128 align=left hspace=20> <br clear=left> <BR><B><font color = ff95cb>Beverly B's husband traveled to the...</B></font> San Francisco area on business. &ldquo;George bought some floaty pens for me, and believe it or not, there is one new Eskesen pen design he found at the Oakland airport. It had a floating gondola. It certainly made me question why a gondola would be featured in an Oakland, CA floaty pen. I Googled it and evidently, Lake Merritt in Oakland offers authentic Venetian gondola rides. Hey, at least they are getting more creative than the usual Oakland scenes of a boat or the Bart train.&rdquo; Thanks for the leads girls! The Oakland gondola design is included on my new arrivals list. <P><img src = 'images/tarigeo.jpg' width=480 height=283 align=right hspace=20> <font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>Media Sightings... </B></font> <BR><B><font color = ff95cb>In June, Virginia collector, Tari Meredith,</B></Font> accompanied by Beth and Mary, enjoyed a 4-day shopping spree in NYC. From Tari's correspondence I'm certain they had a fabulous experience. &ldquo;We had an unplanned visit to the set of <em>Good Morning America</em> and had our 15 minutes of fame, standing directly behind Robin Roberts, the host. We were on TV for a good portion of the segment. And you'll appreciate this - we were at <em>Bergdorff Goodman</em> one day and I saw this very nice looking guy walk past - then it dawned on me, it was David Boreanaz, of <em>Bones</em> fame. I so wanted to ask if he had a floaty pen with him and tell him that I was a friend of his supplier, but I refrained! Of course, I did score my own pens at a small shop near the hotel. My friends were quite tolerant of my search.&rdquo; (Photo left to right: George Stephanpoulos, Beth, Tari and Mary). <P>All five pens Tari found were <em>Eskesen</em> designs. <BR> Each a digital remake of an older <em>photoramic</em> design: <BR> 1) Caption: &lsquo;Statue of Liberty&rsquo; - Art panel: Statue of Liberty, with &lsquo;USA&rsquo; floating behind.<BR> 2) Caption: &lsquo;NEW YORK&rsquo; (apple for the &lsquo;O&rsquo;) - Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, floating &lsquo;big apple&rsquo;.<BR> 3) Caption: &lsquo;NEW YORK&rsquo; against Times Square backdrop - Street vendor afloat in Times Square. <BR> 4) Caption: &lsquo;NEW YORK&rsquo; against yellow &#38 black checker backdrop - Art panel: 4 people hailing a taxi. <BR> 5) Caption: Empire State Building, New York - Art panel: King Kong climbs E.S. bldg and a NY apple. <BR>It's nice to know there are still a few Eskesen souvenir pens available. Tari is an excellent scout. She will accompany her husband on a trip to Vienna in October. Fingers crossed she discovers floaty bounty there as well. Thanks for keeping us posted Tari. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>June 16th I received a call from my son, Josh...</B></font> to alert me to a pen sighting. He was watching the <em>Colbert Report</em> which airs on <em>Comedy Central</em>. I caught the 2am re-run. I could see right away the pen was a <em>twist n click</em>. No way to determine if it was an <em>Eskesen</em>. Colbert suddenly takes notice of the boat afloat in his pen. He remarks something like... &rdquo;If I had a gross of these I could have my own flotilla&rdquo;. He continues to wave the pen around. For the remainder of the segment the pen rests in plain sight on his desk. Thanks for the heads-up Josh. I would have missed that one for sure. It so happens the design Colbert was holding is the <em>Squid-ship</em> floaty from <em>Gama-Go.com</em>. They featured the actual clip from the <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.gama-go.com/blog/squid-ship-floati-pen-on-the-colbert-report?Click='>Colbert show</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B> on their website. <P><font color = ff95cb><B>This is a media sighting... </B></font> still in-the-making. Are you familiar with a publication called <em>Pen World</em>? It's a glamorous glossy magazine that features the finest writing instruments the world has to offer. According to <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>(</Font></B> <a href = 'http://www.PenWorld.com'>Pen World's</a> <B><font size = "4" font color = FF95CB>)</Font></B> website... &ldquo;Pen World has been the premier publication for fine writing instruments for over two decades. We cover the universe of writing culture new pens at all price points, vintage pens, fine papers, inks, accessories, reviews, how-tos& if it s connected with pens, you ll find it in Pen World. Discover the beauty of handwritten communication and learn about the intriguing people who design, produce and write with pens. Issued bi-monthly, Pen World entices both new and experienced pen connoisseurs to look at writing instruments in fresh ways.&rdquo; <P>From experience, I assure you it's all true. <em>Pen World</em> is all that and so much more. If you have a passion for writing and/or an appreciation for fine pens, this is the publication for you. The pens range from the classic clean lines of a traditional writing instrument to gem encrusted masterpieces. As you browse the pages, you will surely <em>ooh</em> and <em>ahh</em>. As you might imagine, PW doesn't give floaty pens much press... at least not until now! Freelance writer, Wendy Sedia, pitched an idea to the editor for an article about our modest collectible, the humble float pen. The editor actually liked the idea. I have been working with Wendy on and off for the last eight weeks. The article will appear in either the October or December 2010 issue. Release dates would be September or November. Watch <a href='fltalong.htm'>Float Along</a> for updates. <P><font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>Collectors News... </B></font> <BR><B><font color = ff95cb>April 30th I finally made... </B></font> my way to Pittsburgh. Bill took me as far as Akron, OH where I caught a bus. Saturday we visited the <em>Kawaii</em> store in Shadyside. Josh was very patient while I looked through all the paper, stickers and toys. They did have three of the <em>Gama-Go</em> floaty designs in stock, but nothing in the way of <em>Eskesen</em>. Monday afternoon we met Bill in the <em>Strip District</em> to do some International grocery shopping and grab a latte. That evening, Josh, Bill and I had dinner with floaty collector Marisa Barna at <em>The Union</em> in Oakland. The food was excellent, but the company was even better. Marisa had completed her finals on Saturday so she was feeling great. We were excited to hear Marisa will study abroad in Italy as early as January 2011. Marisa brought her latest pen acquisitions for show and tell. She has an incredible collection. We all had a fabulous time. I look forward to doing it all over again. <P><font color = FF95CB><B>Congratulations to Beverly Broadstone... </B></font> she will celebrate her birthday this week. She is almost too busy to notice. Beverly's son, Rob, is getting married in October. Happy events going on at the Broadstone homestead. I so enjoy sharing good news. <br clear=left> <P><font color = ff95cb><B>May 29th Finn S&#248rensen attended the annual...</B></font> Dutch Pen Collectors Club meeting in Barneveld, Holland. This group shares a passion for pens in general, but there are several die-hard float pen collectors among them. Sixty two collectors gathered to exchange pens, ideas, and friendship. Looks like Mother Nature favored the event as well. What a beautiful day for a get-together. <P><img src='images/dutch10a.jpg' width=720 height=207 align=left vspace=5> <P><img src='images/dutch10bc.jpg' width=720 height=315 align=left vspace=5> <br clear=left> <P>Finn went on to say... &ldquo;Personally I found it highly enjoyable to meet my collector friends again and also make new friends. I wish the meeting had a longer duration - too little time to talk to people. The <em>floaty harvest</em> was very satisfying. Afterwards Morten and I spent a few days in Holland. We made time to tour Amsterdam and Utrecht to hunt for pens. We both brought home plenty!&rdquo; <P><img src = 'images/capsfuny.jpg' width=400 height=155 align=left hspace=20 alt text='Palm Springs Mystery Design'> <font color = ff95cb><B>I am going to let Victoria B...</B></font> attempt to explain this oddity. &ldquo;One of my generous friends was visiting Palm Springs to see the Palm Springs Follies. She found a classic-style digital design in the gift shop, but it was unrelated to the show. The floater is the same male snorkeler as seen in the old standard Puerto Rico pen, but he is swimming the opposite direction. <P>The background is different too. The caption panel has no text, just a picture of a beach resort.&rdquo;<br clear=left> <P>Now for the puzzle. &ldquo;Mysteriously, the pen has a &lsquo;Palm Springs, CA&rsquo; barrel imprint, even though Palm Springs is a desert city nowhere near a body of water suitable for snorkeling. When my friend expressed her confusion to the store clerk, the clerk suggested the man might be in an aquarium. Funny, they don't have an aquarium in Palm Springs, either.&rdquo; It's a floaty conundrum! <P><font color = ff95cb><B>June 20th I received a postcard... </font></B> from Victoria B. She was traveling through Utah with her brother. They were re-visiting some favorite national parks and exploring a few that were new to them. They experienced 103 degree temps in the <em>Arches</em>, <em>Canyonlands</em> and <em>Monument Valley</em>. Thunder storms rocked their world at <em>Capitol Reef</em>. <em>Bryce Canyon</em> had snow and they were expecting more on their next stop at <em>Cedar Breaks</em>. Victoria reports &ldquo;I haven't been able to find any new pens, but <em>Ruby's Inn</em> at <em>Bryce Canyon</em> still has plenty of their custom digital design.&rdquo; <P><font color = ff95cb><B>In February, Lee Williams stumbled over this display...</B></font> while making her way through the Philadelphia Airport. Thank you for providing photos Lee. Most of us will not have the opportunity to see the exhibit. <center> <img src = 'images/philyair.jpg' width=750 height=400 alt text = 'Philly Airport Floaty Display'> </center> <P>Because the photo included Stacey Swigart's name, I asked her for permission to post the photo in <em>Float Along</em>. She responded, &ldquo;Sure--you can use pictures of the collection. I only lent a portion of the pens I have (it's hard to be without them, as only a true floaty pen fan can understand!).&rdquo; Stacey... we do understand! <P>My questions prompted more information from Stacey. &ldquo;I started collecting floaty pens around the age of 10 when my mom took my brother and me to visit Mount Vernon in Virginia. George Washington was/is one of my heroes!&rdquo; Stacey hasn't counted her pens lately, but she guesstimates she has about 400 pens in her collection. <P>Stacey helped develop a floaty pen for the Museum where she works. &ldquo;While at the vendor showroom, the sales rep let me have carte blanche with a bucket full of pens. I tried (really hard!) not to be greedy, but I got a great big boatload of pens from him! It was nirvana!&rdquo; Some of Stacey's favorite floaties.... a <em>No-citation</em> blue pen with floaty sharks and <em>Blobfest</em> from the <em>Colonial Theatre</em> in Phoenixville, PA. It features a floaty <em>blob</em> from the movie <em>The Blob</em> and a pic of Steve McQueen. Her most recent fave is President Lincoln at the Smithsonian. A top hat floats over a picture of Lincoln. <P>I asked how Stacey was chosen to participate in the exhibit. &ldquo; The Museum I work at has two different play spaces at the airport, so I know the Director of Exhibitions there. She contacted the Museum to see if we knew any collectors with interesting collection obsessions. She was interested in my floaty pens! Two fellow colleagues loaned their stuff too--owls and Smurfs!&rdquo; <P>Thanks for filling in the blanks Stacey. Maybe the idea will spread and <em>Personal Collection</em> exhibits will appear in more airports and other public places. If you discover such an exhibit in your travels, tell us about it. <P><font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>Pens past, present and future... </B></font> <BR><font color = ff95cb><B>In the past...</B></font> I was able to purchase pens wholesale and offer them to you at terrific prices. Those days have vanished. There are only a couple of distributors that carry stock designs. Like Eskesen, wholesalers are concentrating on custom designs that go directly to the client. Those clients often prefer to distribute their own inventory. Consequently I am forced to buy retail and the higher price is reflected on my pen list. I had hoped this trend would change, but I am convinced it's the new reality, but it's not going to slow me down. If I can't afford to purchase a pen retail, I will continue to provide links for you to buy direct. <P>Without the aid of my scouts and distributors... I would be lost. Nils Alisch found the Schlitz pen. Robert Henry discovered the <em>Boot Hill Museum</em> design. <em>Topline</em> had a handful of new designs. Ned at HDS directed me to the Bettie Page pens. Otherwise, my new arrivals list would be a blank slate. You will be quick to notice the Duplicates category and Main List remain unchanged. I was determined to have another duplicates lottery before our art show schedule began, but it's way too late now. Bill and I will embark on our 40th art show season with our first event in Medina, OH on July 18th. Neither of us are ready. We are not going to be ready. We are seriously debating whether this year will be our last year in show biz. First we need to survive this season. I want to believe you are so busy this summer you won't even notice the shortage of pens. When our show schedule ends I will rush to get a duplicates lottery up and running. <P><font size = +2 font color = FF95CB><B>On the Homefront... </B></font> <br><font color = ff95cb><B>We didn't take a spring vacation...</B></font> Instead we invested our time and energy into building a screened-in pergola on our back porch. It reminds me of a cabin by the lake, without the lake. It's fourteen feet deep and over twelve feet wide. In reality it is a <em>Cat Shack</em>. A safe place where our cats can play and sleep without venturing outdoors. <center><img src = 'images/catshak1.jpg' width=600 height=354 alt text = 'Cat Shack'></center> <P>Our porch is above our workshop, so we have a <a href='images/catshak2.jpg' width=600 height=335>beautiful view</a> from the second floor. We guesstimated the entire project would take three weekends to build. HA! If we knew what we were doing... maybe. May 16th we bought materials for the basic structure. Working in between rain and thunderstorms, it took a full month to complete the build. <P>Screening was by far the biggest challenge. Bill didn't have a ladder tall enough, so in typical <em>Bill fashion</em> he <a href = 'images/wsladder.jpg' width=181 height=400>clamped two ladders</a> together. By June 18th the space was deemed <em>cat safe</em>. The 20th we declared our new outdoor space finished. At bedtime, we left the dining room door open so the cats could party all night. The next morning they were so exhausted they slept through breakfast. They love the <a href = 'images/catwalk.jpg' width=500 height=517>52 linear feet of cat walk</a> that I made for them. We have <a href='images/4cats.jpg' width=800 height=738>four safe and happy felines</a>. Bill and I really appreciate being able to have coffee and meals outdoors without swatting bugs. Mission accomplished. Spring is DIY time. Did you tackle a home improvement project too? <P>I know you are anxious to hit the pen list, but before you go, there is something you need to know. I will not be available Thursday afternoon through Friday night. Bill's sister-in-law passed away a few days ago. She has been ill for too many years to count. Yes, it is sad, but it was also a relief for the family. We expected the viewing and memorial to be over the weekend, but not so. The viewing is Thursday and services are on Friday. Our house/catsitters are not paid enough to deal with business in our absence. They will not be able to help you. Even so, send your order in right away. I will handle orders on a first-come first-served basis when I return. <P>Wishing you a grand summer! <BR> Forever afloat... <BR> Diana <HR><center><font color = ff95cb size=+1>If you read this newsletter when it posted in October, you may notice it looks different now. <BR>Thurs/Dec 16th, I rearranged some paragraphs to make the newsletter printer friendly. <BR>The original information is intact. </font></center> <hr> <BR><center><B><Font size = +1 color = FF95CB>That's all for now. </Font></B> <font size = default color = FF95CB><B>Updates will be added to <font size = +2><a href = 'fltalong.htm'>Float Along</A></font>. <BR>Check it frequently for incoming news! </font></B> <BR>Read the current issue of the newsletter <a href = 'fa67.htm'>Issue #67</a> posted October, 2010<BR> Back up and read the <a href = 'fa65.htm'>Issue #65</a> posted Mon/Feb 22, 2010 <BR> <img src = 'images/butonstr.gif' ALT= "Link Symbol"><font size = "+1" font color = FF95CB> a star indicates an active 'clickable' link throughout this website</Font> <BR> <P><a href = "mailto:DiAndra@FloatAbout.com"><img src = "images/emailblk.gif"></a> <a href = catlist.htm><img src = images/penpnk.gif ALT = "Pen List Button" width="123" height="30"></a> <a href = terms.htm><img src = images/termsblk.gif ALT = "Order Info Button" width="150" height="30"></a> <a href = sitemap.htm><img src = images/sitepnk.gif ALT = "Site Map Button" width="132" height="30"></a> <a href = index.htm><img src = images/homeblk.gif width="96" height="30"></a> <BR> <B><font size "+1" font color = '#FF95CB'>FLOAT ABOUT... <font color = 'black'>Diana Andra, 1676 Millsboro Road, Mansfield, OH 44906-3374</B></font><BR> <B><font size "+1" font color = '#FF95CB'>phone </font>419/529-8876 (11 am - midnight) * fax 419/524-3354</B><BR> <font size = "-1" font color = '#FF95CB'>Copyright &#169 Wed/July 7, 2010 <font color = 'black'> FloatAbout.com<BR></center> </body> </html>