I’ve discovered the joys of using a fountain pen. It gives me a unique sense of pleasure to feel the pen tip moving across the paper. The paper’s texture enters my brain in a way it never could if I was using my super-smooth ball-point pen.
My sister and her family raise chickens. Sure, it takes a lot more work to keep those birds happy compared to simply buying eggs at their local supermarket. I am sure that the eggs taste better – and that their kids are learning responsibility in a way that schoolwork alone could never do.
The book Words Onscreen (by Naomi Baron) advocates moving away from electronic books – and back to the old paper variety. At least one of the reasons is that printed typography can be better. I’m not sure I am willing to ditch my old Kindle, but it’s worth considering.
Walking or riding a bike to get somewhere takes a lot more time. Time is money, so it can be expensive too. But you’ll smell the roses along the way.
Brewing coffee with a French press takes longer than an electric drip machine. But I like the taste better.
I’ve started sending old postcards, by snailmail, to friends. I like using my fountain pen and making that small analog connection with humans. (Who doesn’t like to get something in the mail?) If you’d like to get a free postcard, send an email to me (with your address) at phmerrill at gmail dot com. Apologies, but if you live outside the USA, I can’t afford the postage – about four times more!
The photograph was taken by my daughter Rachel.
Good picture, Rachel!
We received your postcard today. I’m enjoying the feeling of my fingertip on my iPhone as I write this appreciative reply 🙂 and YES, an in-person visit, whether in Texas or Colorado or wherever, would be great. Our love to you and yours. – Steve
Steve, our love to you and your family too. Can’t wait to meet again!
Interesting that you mention enjoying the feeling of your fingertip on your iPhone. Similarly, I enjoy the feeling of my fingertips on the trackpad of my four-year old Macbook Pro. Though it’s silver-colored, it’s actually glass.
I used a fountain pen in junior high. It took more effort to write neatly, but overall was a fascinating experience.
I’ve always enjoyed the mail I received from you. I posted scans of a batch of odds and ends you sent a few years ago, including an AIDS pamphlet and a tourist map of Brussels. Fascinating stuff. I also treasure the cassettes you sent me decades ago. You introduced me to some of my favorite music.
I much prefer to press on actual keys than on a glass screen. There’s more reliability, for one thing. My current phone can be really annoying when it won’t respond to touch. But I don’t know of any good current phone that uses actual keys except maybe a Blackberry, and I hate their tiny keyboards.
Thanks Tim! I have enjoyed staying in contact over the years.
Send me your snailmail address & I’ll send a postcard. My email address: phmerrillatgmaildotcom.
How did I miss this one?? Postcard, por favor! I always enjoy your mailings!
Yo, friend- I so hope you are still doing this, I ‘d enjoy a postcard!!
I send mail too.
I feel I pass around more of me this way- something tangible. That way I am still there where they’d want me when my season passes.
I will watch for your communication. Thanks Bud.