before Armstrong took his steps, she'd been there with friends*

My current things wish list:

A space pen.
Paul C. Fisher’s design: it’s used on US and Russian space missions (in fact, has been used on all of their missions since 1967). And it writes upside down, underwater , at extreme temps and even on a greasy surface. I really want one.

A case.
Actually a pelican protector case, medium sized. It is guaranteed forever: unbreakable, watertight, dustproof [take that!]; it is resistant to [unnamed] chemicals and is corrosion proof. Even has an “automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure”.

A book.
John Berger’s Here is Where We Meet.


It looks like a list for a journey into outer space: a pen to write essays on extraordinary travels (or “help me”; or “I come in peace”); a case to carry a camera and a notebook, and any specimens gathered (that will survive the rigours of space and the journey back to Earth, even if we crash land); and a book (even in space it’s Sunday afternoon sometimes).

*international colouring contest