Monday, November 5, 2012

Unraveling Handwriting


I was never one of those girls who practiced her handwriting in school.  Many of my friends did - I can't think of Annie O. without remembering how she rounded her letters in sixth grade - and I wanted my handwriting to look prettier and neater, but the escape of writing overwhelmed the patience needed to hold back the rush of words from my pencil.  I always seemed to have too much to say too quickly, and being careful about how I wrote it down was stifling.

Somehow, though, my penmanship didn't suffer, and by the end of high school, when I realized that I'm a visual learner, I came to appreciate how taking my time over my writing could help me understand and retain information.  In college, I'd rewrite my notes to study for tests; now that I'm working, I always list my priorities for the day/week with pen and paper to make sure I really take in everything I have to do at the office.

That being said, I have to admit that, unless you need excellent handwriting for professional reasons, I don't really see the point in endlessly practicing penmanship.  We should certainly take pride in how we write, but the idea that your handwriting is an extension of your personal brand makes me a little uncomfortable.  I don't know - maybe that's naïve.  And, when I read about Joelle's link-up, I did get excited, so maybe it's also hypocritical!  I definitely had fun with this project, even though I have no idea what I'm going to do with all the washi tape I bought especially for today's post.  (Hey, Pinterest, got any ideas?)  So this is what we've got here:


Write it Down



Not sure why it looks like I wrote each piece on different paper and in different light, because that's not the case, but you get the idea!  Sorry, you're not allowed to see my signature - you know, because I work so hard to maintain an aura of mystery around here.  I will tell you that I had a lot of fun practicing my new signature last night, but alas; Jon values his privacy way more than I do mine, so his surname will remain a secret for now, too.  And the Jean Cocteau quote isn't my favorite ever, but I love the idea of "unraveling handwriting" as a metaphor for what we write.  It's beautiful, isn't it?

Let me know if you've linked up with Joelle!  Can't wait to see what everyone else has come up with.  Now, into November.  Happy Monday, dear readers!

In other fun blogging news, have you entered my superduper giveaway yet?

35 comments:

  1. La Chapstick FanatiqueNovember 5, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    I really like your handwriting! mine is so messy! i just don't want to slow down to make it neat.


    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

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  2. Very pretty! My handwriting looks neat but is mainly illegible upon closer inspection- some of my letter formations are a bit wild, especially when I'm in a hurry!

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  3. your handwriting is lovely! i might link up for fun, I've never linked up with anything before!

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  4. Your handwriting is awesome! And I love the washi tape you picked out :)

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  5. Great handwriting! I agree that nice handwriting isn't necessary, but it sure is nice to look at :)

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  6. oh man, all bets are off when I'm in a hurry!

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  7. he's a really interesting guy... worth looking up!

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  8. I'd take your handwriting. It's the only "N" I ever got in elementary school... mine's terrible. I did my 6th grade science fair project on handwriting analysis, though, and now random facts pop in my head when I see a handwritten note! Oops!
    The only thing I've ever purposefully done with my handwriting (well, besides an unfortunate year of putting circles as the dot of my Is) was to start writing typewriter-style As. Otherwise... I'm a clear product of the computer generation when it comes to penmanship.

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  9. that's how Annie O. did her As :)


    ANALYZE ME! what does mine say?

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  10. I love handwriting: http://cyrilandvivian.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1889&action=edit&message=6&postpost=v2


    Thanks for this! It was fun to do.

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  11. I loved seeing your beautiful script! and you taught me a new word :)

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  12. Kristen @ KV's ConfessionsNovember 8, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    Very cute! I love your cursive "Betsy" - so pretty! Makes me wish my name was Betsy :)

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  13. Your handwriting is so adorable Betsy, and definitely unique! You are too cute :) xoxo

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  14. Yours could totally be a font!! Love it :)

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  15. cool handwriting!

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  16. well, this IS a case of practice makes perfect :)

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  17. hey, thanks! that might be a fun idea if I ever decide to redesign...

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  18. haha I am not even bothering to enter this on Joelle's site as my handwriting is TERRIBLE lol ... my fiance on the other hand is fantastic !


    Love Chrissi xo


    www.christianaholt.blogspot.com

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  19. guess we know who'll be addressing your envelopes then! :P

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  20. I love your handwriting!

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  21. You have lovely handwriting! I like how it leans ever so slightly to the left :)

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  22. oh no - I never noticed that before! what does it mean?

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  23. SUCH a cool quote. i'm in love.

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  24. Clearly you have the handwriting of a serial killer! HA HA!
    Have a great weekend Betsy :)

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  25. Love your handwriting in your signature! My cursive letters are pretty terrible, which is why I always use a mix of cursive and print and hope no one notices.

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  26. the French know how to talk about poetry, n'est-ce pas?

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  27. why thank you! disclaimer: I concentrated REALLY hard :)

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  28. I think it's a mix for most people! when I'm in a hurry it all blends together.

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  29. super cute! I remember wanting to be that girl in high school with the prettiest handwriting (the ones the teacher would ask to write up on the board), but alas I never was!

    xoxo, Amy

    I'm hosting my 1000th post party, love for you to come!

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