In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Pens and Pencils.”
When was the last time you wrote something substantive — a letter, a story, a journal entry, etc. — by hand? Could you ever imagine returning to a pre-keyboard era?
I love this prompt, as I have from time to time written letters on beautifully decorated stationary to family and friends.
What is astonishing, is that some will call me immediately after receiving the letter to discuss what I wrote. Others, simply email their reply, thanking me for the letter and never expand on what I wrote.
Now, I recently purchased tablet of nostalgic looking parchment paper along with an 18th century feather quill, ink and letter stamp, to write at least one or two letters this year to family and friends.
This type of letter writing is rarely used and will be a conversation piece if they notice the unique ink and paper. I believe writing a letter allowing thoughts to form as the ink dries in cursive on paper is rather nostalgic as it relaxes your thoughts as the letter is written.
While compiling the present blog, I have the idea of writing a letter in crayon and mailing it to my adult kids as they wrote to me when they were children. Now, that will be so unique.
By Expedition Nomadic Adventurer
As a retiree travel blogger touring the US, voicing my wisdom, opinion, and thoughts about the retirement lifestyle and life in general. I'm an aspiring pre-published indie author of baby boomer romance and adventures with a whimsical comedic side. I photograph wildlife and landscapes, mountain, biking, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. I travel the back roads and highways of America, Canada, and Mexico, documenting my adventures via print and photography.
I have a several calligraphy pens, a quill pen, inks, and a vintage blotter set! And all kinds of writer goodies!
https://achaosfairyrealm.wordpress.com/2014/11/23/writing-by-hand/
https://achaosfairyrealm.wordpress.com/2014/08/21/love-letters-touched-by-history/
I think it is important for all writers to remember the history of writing. It always gives the writer the perspective of how writing was done before all of these word processing advancements.
Went to check out your “Q” challenge today and found this little gem. I love the history of the written word…the quills, the feathers, the hand-made inks and seals pressed in wax. It shows what lengths the human spirit was willing to go to, to express itself and leave a permanent record of beauty and sentiment for all future generations to enjoy.
Yes, indeed it is all so true. The hand written word is fast becoming a lost art.
So sad. Calligraphy is a dying art-form and so beautiful.
Loved your post – particularly the crayon letter idea – just makes me happy thinking about it!