I want to cover a few things I own that bring me joy that may be a touch esoteric.
Typewriters
I have had an interest in typewriters since I saw an IBM Selectric II at my dad’s office as a kid. I remember on the Apple computer at my mom’s school you could make the word processor make a typewriter clacking sound when you pressed a key; ten year old me found the sound engrossing and ended up putting together a “newspaper” (read: embarrassing gossip) for my street.
I bought my first manual while in university in 2007; a brand-new Olivetti MS 25 Premier Plus. It was junk. I left it at that until a few years ago, when I was thinking of putting together a distraction-free writing solution – something with an eInk display, some microcontroller, and means to print. A used typewriter was cheaper. I picked up a 1960’s era Brother Charger 11, and it was nothing like that post-2000 era typewriter with its flimsy keys and carriage that would jump spaces. I fell in love with the experience.
Since then I’ve picked up an Olivetti Lettera 32, Brother Activator 850 TR, Remington Rand Deluxe Model 5, Smith-Corona Classic 12, Olympia Monica S. I got rid of a few, but I use typewriters on the regular now; word processors are convenient, but they’re attached to devices full of distraction. It’s nice to use something that doesn’t require electricity that cleanly puts words to paper.
Lanterns
Similar to typewriters, I have an affinity to technology that doesn’t require electricity to function while having its own unique value proposition. In the case of candles and oil lanterns, it’s a soothing light.
I own three cold blast oil lanterns, a W.T. Kirkman #1, a W.T. Kirkman #2, and a Feuerhand #276. Unlike the typewriters that were all obtained used on Kijiji in good shape, these lanterns were all bought new as the used ones were rusted or heavily damaged. I also have a couple of IKEA Glimrande tea light lanterns. I am partial to beeswax candles for their brightness.
Coffee Gear
Coffee brings me serenity like little else. For my daily cup, I like the Aeropress with a metal filter the most. It can make great coffee and is easy to clean.
For espresso, I use the levered Cafelat Robot Barista. Pairing it with a burr grinder that can make consistent grounds and freshly roasted beans is essential. For this I have the manual ROK Grinder GC. Neither require electricity to operate.
Headphones
Music is very important to me. I love to sit down, close my eyes, and lose myself to a concert.
I remember after my dad bought me my first pair of quality headphones – open air Grado SR60 – and hearing Glenn Gould hum and his piano keys strike the felt for the first time. I felt like I was in the room.
I’ve owned many headphones over the years. These days, the stand-out is my Hifiman HE-400i. They are high fidelity open-air planar headphones. It’s mated to an AudioQuest DragonFly Red amplifier.
If there’s a trend here, it’s that I have an appreciation for a life with fewer screens and a reduced dependence on electricity.
While I embrace technology such as my robotic vacuum cleaner, car, and home automation, I am selective about ensuring that what I bring in contributes to the life I want. Be that enjoying a book listening to crickets with an oil lantern for light, writing letters without distraction, drinking an excellent cup of coffee while listening to music, spending time to cook, or enjoying the outdoors.