The Lost Art of Cursive Writing

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The Lost Art of Cursive Writing

Way back in the olden days when I went to school, they actually taught penmanship.  We learned to write with a straight pen dipped in an inkwell—ballpoints forbidden. Fountain pens were next, and that launched a love affair that lasted 30 years. In high school, I graduated to touch typing on a ginormous Underwood typewriter. I used to love hearing the little ding to warn that the margin was close at hand, and then flinging the carriage back to start the next line.  It made me feel so grown up.

Fast forward to 1995 when I bought my first laptop, and that was the harbinger of doom for cursive writing. My typing skills have supported me for much of my life, but the last time I put pen to paper is a distant memory.  There was a brief period before the advent of online banking when I paid my bills by cheque, but those are bygone days now too. As for phone numbers and the like, thumb typing on my smartphone handles all of that, ditto for post-it note reminders and to-do lists.

So, except for filling out forms at a doctor’s office and such, which they usually want you to print rather than write, there is just no need to even own a pen anymore.  But don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a good thing because my scribbles are barely legible, even to me. It’s about the speed I think. My fingers on a keyboard can keep pace with my stream of consciousness; whereas trying to convey my thoughts with a pen is like trying to win the Indy 500 on a tricycle.

I don’t know if that explains the demise of cursive writing in general, but that’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it.

 

Laura Vincent

Laura Vincent recently settled into retirement, doing a bit of writing, a lot of service and smelling the roses along the way. A plan is afoot to explore Europe on a Eurail Pass –  one last great hurrah so to speak.

Favourite book: The Chrysalids by John Wyndham
Favourite brunch spot: Rocco Restaurant & Bar

 

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