Sunday, January 23, 2011

happy handwriting day...

Today is Handwriting Day...What's that? Handwriting? Hmmm... I vaguely remember that word...
I remember when I was in school 'penmanship' was important. I really loved my  handwriting classes where the curves and lines my pen made rested comfortably on pre-printed lines. The upgrading from pencil to pen to fountain pen were highlights in my childhood. And to this day, a pen can make my blood pressure rise. 

Beyond that there is something I noted this past week while cleaning out drawers and closets and boxes of 'stuff'. I was determined to discard things I did not need. I had decided to be relentless...some of this stuff HAD to go. Among the clutter I found myself reading each and every card that was handwritten...a note, a message, a love drop written by hand, evoked in me an image of the person who wrote it. That emotional thread made it impossible to discard any card from my husband, parents, kids, friends...how could I take that little bit of them...and throw them away. IMPOSSIBLE...
So I resolved myself to take the time this year to jot off a hand handwritten note to those who mean so much to me.  Though email communication is fantastic, no denying it...(in fact any kind of communication is fantastic!)...I was moved this week to remember just how wonderful it is to receive a hand written note from someone you care about. You know how much fun it is to get a humorous card in the mail with a little note from someone you miss? I'm doing it...hope you will too...

Just in case you didn't know...January 23rd was chosen because this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence and he's known for his bold, large signature. 

Look what I just found in my closet. My old Penmanship book from Grade 4. 


 
Click here for a fun Handwriting analysis personality test...

14 comments:

Cheyenne -Millie said...

I find it hard to sit down and write anything now days, much less read! I have to turn off the computer, the DVD's and the TV!!

Cheyenne -Millie said...

Oops! I meant to say good idea Angela!

Cathy Bueti said...

Hi Angela! I am a big fan of your art and I have your book "Mixed Emulsions" and am loving it! I know what you mean about handwriting. I too remember penmanship in school and do miss the handwritten note/card. I think my handwriting has gotten worse since I mostly type these days! Great post! :)

Mystical_Lucie in Canada said...

I fondly remember those childhood school years where penmanship was something to be proud of. What a thrill it was when I became old enough to use a fountain pen and discovered all the wonderful colours of ink that were available: purple, green, turquoise, etc. I still enjoy writing with those today.

Anonymous said...

I remain a huge fan of snail mail handwritten notes. Cannot believe I did not know about handwriting day. I wrote to two people yesterday and must write to some more today now that I know this. Join in everybody!

James said...

Hi Ms Cartwright, Writing to our loved ones seems like such a sweet idea. Now if my loved ones would just let me know where they live.... I was afraid to do the Penmanship Personality Test. I was afraid of what I might find out. BTW, I loved your hand "Shadow Rabbit" in the top picture, kool. As always, I love your work.

JoJo said...

I remember the days in the early 90's when I'd hand write tons and tons of letters to my friends and family, when we moved to California from the east coast. I'd write for hours and hours. Now, I'd just get writer's cramp.

margo said...

I used to have good penmanship in school but now it's horrid. I'm embarrassed with it.

I found some old letters from childhood friends recently and will never throw them away. I just couldn't.

Didn't know about Handwriting Day. Cool.

Thufer said...

I thought I was a pack rat, but you have me beat. Only thing I have from my 4th grade is my report card.
Good post as always AC, I so enjoy looking at a bit of the world through your eyes.

ac said...

Actually the shadow is of me holding a fountain pen in my right hand while holding the camera and shooting the photo with my left hand ...It does kind of look like rabbit ears...

Mystical_Lucie said...

I love receiving handwritten cards, letters & notes, so thank you for the lovely note you sent me with my purchase. That's a keepsake I'll always treasure!

James said...

DOH!!

ooglebloops said...

I loved the penmanship classes - I think that was the start of my creativity. I was always adding a little flourish or a tail to a letter, and getting chastised for it. No thinking outside the lines back then!!!!

sf said...

AWWWW!