CursiveLogic

CursiveLogic

Those familiar with the site (and, me, in general) know that I do not normally link to crowd funded projects. Mainly, for reasons I explain on the Site Notes page. This means that, when I do, it is because I believe strongly in the project and want to do all I can to contribute to its success.

CursiveLogic is an innovative new method to teach cursive writing. Instead of focusing on rote memory, it focuses on teaching the four key patterns present in the letter forms. Thus making it far easier to learn and more skillfully honed. I love the story behind it:

A few years ago, I volunteered in a local literacy program as a reading tutor for Josh, a 23-year-old student with learning disabilities. One day, Josh told me he wanted to learn cursive so he could sign his name. My first thought was, “At his age, Josh doesn’t have time to learn penmanship the way grade school kids do—letter by letter, day by day, for months.” And I didn’t see that process boosting his ego either. It was such a simple wish. I was touched and determined to find a way to help.

Seriously, this is worth checking out. I think we, as those that appreciate the history, beauty, and stewardship of the art of handwriting, are best positioned to appreciate the value in such an effort.

Three Questions With Patrick Rhone — The Pen Addict

Three Questions With Patrick Rhone — The Pen Addict

It is a great honor to asked by Brad to be a part of this ongoing series. Check out what analog tools I’m using today and why.

Writing by hand is commitment

Why You Should Carry A Pen | Everyday Carry

Why You Should Carry A Pen | Everyday Carry

In today’s world of smartphones, note taking apps, and the increasing use of technology in every day life, I strongly believe that there is still a place for analog writing tools. Not everyone carries a pen or pencil and paper, but it can be a valuable addition to your EDC that may have more utility than you had thought.

What we believe in.

Note Cards – Ronald Reagan’s index cards of one-liners – Pictures – CBS News

Note Cards – Ronald Reagan's index cards of one-liners – Pictures – CBS News

Throughout his political career, President Ronald Reagan used humor to win friends, influence voters . . . and crush the opposition. It turns out he had a secret arsenal: stacks of 3×5 index cards filled with one-liners, which he kept in his desk to append to speeches.

I love stuff like this.

National Handwriting Day

National Handwriting Day

The purpose of National Handwriting Day is to alert the public to the importance of handwriting. According to WIMA, National Handwriting Day is a chance for all of us to re-explore the purity and power of handwriting.

National Handwriting Day is today. Take some time out today by writing someone a handwritten letter or spending some time writing down whatever is on your mind.

Indexing My Journals – Roz Wound Up

Indexing My Journals – Roz Wound Up

I index my journals for a host of reasons. I’m compulsive, perhaps even obsessive; I like organization; but most of all I like to be able to find things again, even if I never have to find them again. I put this tendency down to a childhood spent traveling; a childhood filled with daily reminders of the importance of laying your hand on something quickly.

Worth a read. This is a bit detailed but still an interesting symbiosis between the analog and the digital. It’s not my thing as I actually enjoy “forgetting” what’s in an old journal and the serendipity of discovering it again with new eyes. But hey, different strokes…

13 Things to Do With All Those Blank Notebooks | The Well-Appointed Desk

13 Things to Do With All Those Blank Notebooks | The Well-Appointed Desk

Here’s a list I compiled from various sources and my own crazy ideas for things to do with that pile of empty notebooks you might have laying around

Some good ideas. I know I’m quickly reaching “peak notebook” so I need these.

Hobonichi Techo – The Newsprint

Hobonichi Techo – The Newsprint

Simply the best review of my personal fave, the Hobonichi Techo planner, you will likely ever see. Quoting a single sentence or photo would be insufficient.

Breadman by J. Robert Lennon in The New Yorker

Breadman by J. Robert Lennon in The New Yorker

breadman

If you have yet to read J. Robert Lennon’s excellent short story, Breadman, in The New Yorker. Above, is the original manuscript for it. J. Robert explains:

This story came out much cleaner in the first draft than most of my stuff—I did some work to the beginning and end, and tweaked small things throughout. Then I went through a bunch of drafts with two editors and a copyeditor at the New Yorker. I think the first few pages were written on a laptop, then I switched to the notebook for the rest.

Please do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes with it right now.