Greetings from my little end-of-summer California diary. In this video I’m in the Bay Area getting ready for the San Francisco Pen Show—my third year teaching there—and it’s very much a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a journaling + fountain pen workshop. I’m printing big-format signage at Walgreens (honestly, it made my workshop feel so legit), unboxing supplies, and finally seeing my sticker book design in person, which was such a satisfying “it’s real!” moment. Once the show starts, it’s go-go-go: I’m building a presentation with a bunch of segments (demo, ink bar, journaling time, and space to mingle), packing kits, and testing a few tech upgrades like a mic and a document camera—yes, it made me feel like a pop star. Between workshops, I squeeze in time to browse, meet brands I already use, and catch up with friends and attendees (plus… my pile of gifts and snacks is piling up). The vlog wraps with a bittersweet reflection on seasons changing—summer camp energy, a lot of feelings, and that little nudge to stay silly because life is beautiful and there are new chapters waiting.