I Love Calligraphy
Isn't calligraphy cool?!? I think it really makes writing more fun and more enjoyable to read, and hold. I have even started (likely because I'm practicing) to make my grocery lists in calligraphy. The last trip to the grocery store, the cashier noticed and made a big deal about it. I really was flattered that people thought it was so interesting; even one of the customers also decided it was worth mentioning to me, "that she thinks it's beautiful..."
Well, would any of that positivity have come about if I had just scrawled my list with a ball-point pen? No - it wouldn't have occurred.
That makes it special all on it's own!
But, I think it's even more than just looking cool. I think that writing is IMPORTANT and we should consider the words we are choosing carefully, and then use the best one available to convey our thoughts. After all, thoughts are extremely complicated and specialized, and we convey ideas to each other with modified grunts. When I put it that way, it doesn't surprise me that people often misunderstand what others say, or their intentions behind their words.
With those types of things in mind, I really enjoy writing in calligraphy. It makes thank-you notes and other cards just so much more meaningful. I have noticed, that I benefit from pre-writing my notes or cards - on a scrap piece of paper; then converting that normal text to calligraphy.
There is a comedian who has a beautiful portion of his set that focuses on how writing has changed over the years. In the past letters were really something special. It was expensive to purchase paper, ink, and a writing implement and not even everyone knew how to write. If you had invested all this money into the paper and the ink; and you knew it would take a long time for the postal service (or equivalent) to deliver the letter, this letter would take upon itself a much greater importance than most written nowadays.
You knew that your recipient wouldn't have loads and loads of written materials available to them! This also makes the letter WORTH more when they receive it. It was likely quite UNCOMMON for people to not re-read letters over and over and over! With your words being exposed to the thoughts and judgements of others for so long - you certainly wanted to put your best effort down, so others regarded you with respect.
I really enjoy writing letters now, and it's a big "to-do" for me. I have my wax and matches - to seal the letter at the finish; and I have my different colored inks, should I decide to write a letter with a bit of extra flair, and there are differently colored and textured papers and envelopes with which to wrap my carefully crafted correspondence.
It's fun. I like it. I have only heard positive things from the recipients, and I only hope that I receive a letter like it one day! I've never opened one of these wax seals and I must admit, I'm curious!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Nate
Well, would any of that positivity have come about if I had just scrawled my list with a ball-point pen? No - it wouldn't have occurred.
That makes it special all on it's own!
But, I think it's even more than just looking cool. I think that writing is IMPORTANT and we should consider the words we are choosing carefully, and then use the best one available to convey our thoughts. After all, thoughts are extremely complicated and specialized, and we convey ideas to each other with modified grunts. When I put it that way, it doesn't surprise me that people often misunderstand what others say, or their intentions behind their words.
With those types of things in mind, I really enjoy writing in calligraphy. It makes thank-you notes and other cards just so much more meaningful. I have noticed, that I benefit from pre-writing my notes or cards - on a scrap piece of paper; then converting that normal text to calligraphy.
There is a comedian who has a beautiful portion of his set that focuses on how writing has changed over the years. In the past letters were really something special. It was expensive to purchase paper, ink, and a writing implement and not even everyone knew how to write. If you had invested all this money into the paper and the ink; and you knew it would take a long time for the postal service (or equivalent) to deliver the letter, this letter would take upon itself a much greater importance than most written nowadays.
You knew that your recipient wouldn't have loads and loads of written materials available to them! This also makes the letter WORTH more when they receive it. It was likely quite UNCOMMON for people to not re-read letters over and over and over! With your words being exposed to the thoughts and judgements of others for so long - you certainly wanted to put your best effort down, so others regarded you with respect.
I really enjoy writing letters now, and it's a big "to-do" for me. I have my wax and matches - to seal the letter at the finish; and I have my different colored inks, should I decide to write a letter with a bit of extra flair, and there are differently colored and textured papers and envelopes with which to wrap my carefully crafted correspondence.
It's fun. I like it. I have only heard positive things from the recipients, and I only hope that I receive a letter like it one day! I've never opened one of these wax seals and I must admit, I'm curious!
Enjoy your Sunday!
Nate
