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Mar 25, 2003 At one time I had very pretty handwriting. I even used to take up an enormous amount of room on just one line. My cursive was big, bold, curvy, and full of personality. Aside from writing my signature, I believe my handwriting has lost its initial flair. I blame it of course on all the typing I do. Day in and day out I plunk away at the keyboard and rarely write. When I do, it is barely legible scribbles on post-it notes and other small pieces of scrap paper. Even writing in my journal lacks the neatness that I used to take such pride in. Still some people comment my handwriting is nice but I know how it used to be and it doesnt measure up. In fact I have to laugh because I dont even write as fast as I think, something that seems to work smoothly as I type. Of course it also looks better when you dont have to erase or cross out a word when you can just delete a word on the screen. While I have always prided myself on being a good speller, there are a few I miss so I must thank spell check for catching a few of the mistakes. But I must say that there is something very special about writing in a beautiful journal or notebook. There is something uniquely personal when you take the time to write with a colorful or decorated pen. My favorite pens are the ones with a feather in blue, looking like a quill, reminds me of the older days when people looked so classy with their pen and bottle of ink. I dont think I would have the same amount of patience as I would end up making a pretty big mess and get frustrated by the fiftieth time I had to dip the pen in ink. Still, there is something to curling up on the couch with a notebook and pen and just letting go. Those are the times when I can write my most personal thoughts and spiritual poetry. I watch as my son struggles learning to write neatly and trying to incorporate letters in cursive. I found learning to write come very natural to me, but it does take patience. In time I know his writing will come together, but I also see how mine quickly unravels. In our world of high tech and email submissions, I dont really find the time to fine tune my own handwriting. One of my favorite ways to write is calligraphy and I had a blast learning that in school. My parents bought me a gorgeous set with various pens and inks and several different tips to use depending on the style you chose to use. Thankfully it came with an exercise book and I spent many nights with my tongue lodged at the corner of my mouth, practicing those strokes as best as I could. Someday I hope to pick that back up. It is fun to see how different cultures write, using pictures or exaggerated marks, having a whole ancient way of conversing and conveying thoughts. How exciting to see hieroglyphics and symbols carved into stone and rock. I admire people who have taken the time to learn to read those, expanding their minds and partaking in such a forgotten art. Regardless though, I love to write and think up stories, but I tend to become much more distracted as I sit down with a pen and paper. There is something about the computer screen, challenging me to fill it with words and phrases, prose and symbols, daring me to finish something I have started. As I thumb through my notebooks I see many pieces I have began but stopped in the middle and went onto a new half written story. I cant say it is more comfortable to write in front of the computer because by the end of the day my neck and shoulders are tight and in serious pain, my back is stiff, and my eyes ache. Does this keep me from going back the next day? Of course not, what is a little pain when you have thoughts roaming your mind, asking to be free. My main worry is the day the arthritis sets in and it is the kind of pain that will deter me from writing. I have enough problems burning or cutting my fingers, as it is that even affects how well and fast I write. One relief I have noticed is those new gadgets out there on the market where you talk into it and it writes words for you on the computer. While I dont want to do that any time soon, there is a certain amount of joy I get from knowing things flow from my very own hands, but when the time comes I think that will be a precious alternative. For now I will continue my scribbles, deciphering them with a careful eye, taking a few special moments to write in a journal covered with butterflies, and type away on the keyboard to my hearts desire. No matter how it is done, it is a gift worth sharing and a way to express oneself. About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com ------------ Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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