Sunday, May 1, 2016

The Art of the Handwritten Note


Je souhaite à mes amis Francophones et Francophiles 
un joyeux 1er mai! Je vous envoie un brin de muguet virtuel!
Speaking of virtual cards verses the handwritten: 
The book, The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication begins with: 

"When I mention the handwritten note to any group of otherwise optimistic and intelligent people, I almost always hear someone say, 'It's a dying art.' Wrong! It's not dying, it's healthier than ever. But it certainly is an art, because it brings out the best in both the person who creates it and the person who looks at it."

I am blessed to participate in this art. I sometimes lapse in keeping up my end, even though I so love creating, sending & receiving handmade notes, cards & letters.  I also resort to typing sometimes because of easy editing, spell check & dictionaries, especially when writing in French. I do understand why computers have pushed out writing by hand.
But what's this about penmanship no longer being offered in public schools?? Perhaps someone can explain this evolution to me...We're not all talented for calligraphy, but aren't there times when we still need to write by hand? Perhaps a former generation bemoaned the day when inkwells were taken out of the schools, & I am just an old fashioned member of my generation.

For me, those letters for copying that were posted above the chalkboard in grade school where magical. I grew up seeing my grandmother's handwriting, she being two generations before me & European, & I loved it. Below is a page from one of my grandmother's journals. She was Polish, but it is a poem by French poet Rimbaud. (THAT is a WHOLE other story.)
My cursive writing has degenerated these days & I've been re-inspired by a gorgeous handwritten note from a penpal  (Merci, mon amie!)  The Art of the Handwritten Note is also reminding me that handwriting is not only a means to an end for me, it's pleasant in its own right. Or should I say, "In it's own write."

8 comments:

  1. I love that poem in your nanas handwriting..a treasure..
    I too loved those cursive letters at the front of the classroom..to me.they were the classroom.
    I also love your bouquet de muguet and art supplies.

    I have started that class w/ motion and admire your work even more now if that is possible..It isn't easy!
    You have beautiful.happy,vibrant handwriting!
    I find it so pleasant to write..not quickly everyday lists or journals..that are like messy speedwriting..but taking the time to discipline my hand over my mind.

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  2. Oh I wish you publish your grandmothers writing in Polish! I love to read old letters and my grandpa's diaries <3 I'm a big fan of handwriting and try to work on it every day (with my fountain pen). I love this flow-feeling while I'm writing:)

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  3. Oh I wish you publish your grandmothers writing in Polish! I love to read old letters and my grandpa's diaries <3 I'm a big fan of handwriting and try to work on it every day (with my fountain pen). I love this flow-feeling while I'm writing:)

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  4. I used to write letters a lot more often than I do now with the advent of email and texting, but there are still a few people I write to, and certain occasions that require a handwritten note (in my opinion). I enjoy having to slow down and take my time while writing--once I settle in, that is!

    I also begin almost every blog post, article or essay I write by using pen and paper.

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  5. I just discovered your BLOG and I love it! I like your free and easy and open watercolor style. Thank you for mentioning The Art of the Handwritten Note (consider the title underlined or in italics); I just ordered a copy! I am a note writer from way back, and I have sent post cards and notes to my grand children since the first one (there are 44 now!) turned 18 months old. I want them to experience the joy of receiving a handwritten note in the mail before learning to type! :) A five year old grandson enjoys them so much, that after receiving one from me, he immediately writes/draws back and takes the completed note, already in an envelope, to his mother so she can send it to me! What a delight!
    I think I could spend many hours (and eventually will) on your BLOG! Blessings, Paula

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  6. I love to send a handwritten note. Alas, I rarely, if ever, get a reply in kind. I am distressed at having grandchildren who can't even read what I send to them, but must have a parent interpret it for them. The situation is appalling, especially when I consider what this generation is missing — the joy of using a lovely pen to write letters is so personal while a blinking electronic cursor has lost any claim to such. ~ Carla ~

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  7. How I've missed your blog! Just now catching my breath, with time to visit your gems again. . . xx

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Thank you for your comments! They mean a lot to me!