Spencer

Remember learning how to write in elementary school? As a lefty I felt like I was always at a disadvantage even though I was allowed to write with my left hand. I didn't have to endure a ruler slapping for using the wrong hand, but penmanship did not come easily to me.

These days we can all write in New Times Roman at roughly 60 words per minute and cringe at the thought of having to write in cursive. Of course when I say 'we' I'm referring to anyone born during the era of Tom Selleck as Magnum PI or the A-Team showing on day time television.

Clearly it is an advantage to be able to produce written word that everyone can read, but isn't it a little inconvenient to need a computer and printing technology to do it? Once upon a time children were taught how to write, and write well enough for people to be able to read it. Before that time penmanship was not only legible, but it was also beautiful.

Call me old fashioned, but I think fire is magic. And it scares me. I also feel slighted by the public education system because not enough emphasis was placed on penmanship. As a result my writing looks like a two year old's. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to write someone a note and have it look pretty too? Doesn't it mean more? A pen in your hand is like a polygraph tied directly to your brain, just ask anyone who studies graphology.

I'm pretty sure there's an inversely proportional relationship between quality of script and quantity of writing required. For example, for me to effectively write an acceptable thank you note these days I need to fill 3-4 pages with my chicken scratch. If I could write like the Spencer brothers teach, all I would need to write is "Thanks".




Luckily there's a group that's come to rescue me from my own incompetence. I'm talking about IAMPETH, you know, The International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting. On their website you can get a real education, and now that I'm back in school this is what I intend to do.
Spencerian Script