Penmanship: rediscovering the art of handwriting
That squiggly line? That is my signature. That illegible note by the back door? That’s my handwriting. Oof. I’m officially embarrassed.
Texting, typing and voice memos have become the norm. In a digital world, we rarely put pen to paper anymore.
I am improving my handwriting this season. I want to be able to write a beautiful handwritten note. I want to be able to make myself a beautiful name tag. I want to be the person known for pretty place cards at the game table. I’m not just complaining about the lost art of handwriting, I’m doing something about it.
In the age of AI, we all doubt the sincerity of an email. If you are having Claude respond to my email, I can probably tell. I instantly trust you and your business less if I suspect you let AI email me. Did you just copy and paste a message? Or BCC me and 400 other people? That is another form of impersonal communication.
Even Christmas cards are mass produced without even a glance from the sender. Did your assistant manage the whole process? I ordered my cards in September so I can write just a little handwritten hello on each card. This year, I want to have legible handwriting for my personal greeting. I like to let each person know that even if I haven’t seen them since my wedding 20 years ago, I still think about them. It’s a few dollars to keep that network thriving.
I signed up for an online calligraphy class. The instructor sent the materials, and now I can learn and practice at my own pace. I have taken an hour-long class a few times in my life, but I never consistently practiced. This time I’ll be more committed to the art.
Stay tuned to see if my place cards at the game table or handwritten “just because” cards evolve into a thoughtful and beautiful gift. It’s progress over perfection right now.
And always email me a personal message... I love penpals, even on email. And no, I won't let Claude manage my inbox.
