Writing sans the keyboard

...is becoming more rare. Between texting and the laptop, the keyboard seems ever at hand. This trend has improved my typing skills, a plus, but I like the flow of ink from the nib of a pen or of messy, every thickening graphite from a yellow number 2 pencil.  My written words are so connected to my being.  Handwriting is an individual expression as much as the words it conveys. One's handwriting shows one's mood, focus, creativity.

For example, if they are to be of any use to you, class notes have to be taken in speedy and neat writing.

When I put into a spiral backed notebook what I glean from the professor's  spoken words my handwriting becomes small and regular. It flows precisely along the pale blue line of the page, all legible, complete with dots and crosses.

But, when I am writing in a creative fervor the words sprawl big and bigger across the page with no respect for lines or margins. Letters choose their own shapes. Dots and T crossings all but disappear.

Creative writing on a keyboard does not show my passion, just lots of typos to be dealt with when I am through.

I have heard that Eskimos say that everyone is an artist, everyone can sing, everyone can dance, each in his/her unique way. Handwriting is certainly like that. It is as revealing as facial expressions.

Write a note on the next greeting card you send.  Or even write a letter to someone close to you.  It may be saved for posterity.  Letters have become so rare that chances are that your state historical society collects them. Letters are eye witness  history. Electronic signals soon disappear.