Thursday, June 21, 2012

LOST in Technology handwriting

I have noticed over the years my handwriting has gotten worse and worse. And why should I worry about it? Really? The only thing I ever need to write are notes to teachers for excuses and sign my name on checks (Do many people even do that anymore) My daughter is 8 and her handwriting is pure loveliness. She practices, writes slowly and enjoys the process. She does not have a computer or keyboard yet.

So, who cares?  I did 2 days ago. I found myself in a panic. My printer broke and I needed to print 2 very important letters finished to go out with some photographs. The first day I just did nothing but put the work on hold, I went and looked at printers and realized I didn't know what I wanted. I came home, emailed the letter's to my husband so he could print them. Ahhh Problem solved. Except, he left town for the week and didn't leave them.

Well, back to the old K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid light bulb moment. Could I actually pick up a pen and write on that paper? I couldn't believe how long I sat here wondering that. Should I?  shouldn't I? Maybe someone won't think they are very important if it is a handwritten letter without my letterhead above.

Walh Eversharp 14K Gold Black Onyx Fountain Pen Desk Set


Well, I decided it was worse to make these 2  people wait any longer on their pieces because I didn't have a "printer." I grabbed my pen, looked at the prewritten letter on my screen and started to copy it. Then I realized, it's handwritten and some thoughts were just coming naturally, like the pen free flow moving in my hand. WOW I could actually write a letter.

My handwriting is not the best. But I reflected on how many letters my Grammy used to write to people long before computers, how much I cherish the handwritten letters I still have of people that are no longer here.

Frau and Fraeulein Vintage Photo Stones Set of 4



In fact a few years ago on Good Friday, a friend , Connie Bailey was killed by a drunk driver. Connie was  a Creative Memories and Stampin Up consultant, mother of 3 and foster parent. She always told people the importance of using their own handwriting when they journaled in their scrapbooks for their kids to have that to hold onto. And boy was it a special thing she left behind for all of us to see at her memorial. Here is a website dedicated to the handwritten letter, it's history and importance.

If you haven't written in a long time you may get writer's cramp;) Try something small first. You don't have to be FANCY, but you could get a fancy written card and put your own handwritten message inside.


LET me know, how long has it been since you have sat down to write a letter? Will you try?

6 comments:

  1. Your post has perfect timing! I was just talking about this with my husband yesterday. We've noticed a trend in paper companies closing down. We had two close down in our area (within a month of each other) and now one of my favorite scrapbooking paper company is closing!
    Is it because technology has taken over?
    Either way, it's sad. And I don't like it ONE bit!

    Ever since I started making cards, I have been sending more and more out... I love being able to greet my family & friends with an unexpected hand written note.
    Thanks for the feature, Molly!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sofia that's an interesting point. We have a paper factory here that has been sold multiple times to different overseas companies over the last 11 years.
    What would we do without paper? That sounds like a great conversation and future post:)

    ReplyDelete
  3. True, This! —
    Beneath the rule of men entirely great,
    The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
    The arch-enchanters wand! — itself a nothing! —
    But taking sorcery from the master-hand
    To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike
    The loud earth breathless! — Take away the sword —
    *Edward Bulwer-Lytton

    Thank You Molly for this lovely reminder to pick up a pen.

    xoxox,
    Antoinette

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ahhh Antoinette that is the coolest comment I have ever gotten:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I miss letter writing. Really need to pick up a pen again.

    ReplyDelete