Write that down

When I first started having book signing appointments and was giving talks about having some books published I was often asked a question. "When did you start writing?" My smart alecky answer usually was, "Well, I printed until I was in the third grade and then I began writing." That answer will not make sense to younger generations very soon. Because according to the "Reader's Digest" current issue, 46 states have eliminated cursive writing in their public schools.

This magazine is not my usual reference for research, but this article was written by Katie Zezima from the New York Times. I am a frequent player of the New York Times crossword puzzles and realize that their staff certainly knows a lot of hard words. So I will accept this information about cursive writing as fact.

What I will not accept, nor did Ms. Zezima accept, was the wisdom of these 46 states. It seems that the younger people are taught to use the computers and other pads of electronic wizardry which all use the printed letters, so the thought is that cursive writing is not necessary in today's world.

Evidently it is still taught in Nevada R-5 in the third grade, and reinforced in the following grades. But, of course, they are also taught keyboarding as a way of communication.

I should be glad to see the skill made less important. My handwriting has always been terrible. I can remember some recesses spent indoors writing the capital letter G over and over. Since my last name started with G my fifth grade teacher felt I should learn to make a more perfect capital G for my signature. That brings a smile to my face as I autograph a book for a buyer since I have kept my maiden name as part of my professional signature. I could have avoided that troublesome G by just using Carolyn Thornton when I sign. Capital T's are easy to write, but I never did master the G very well. But I like the flow of the shorter maiden name between two longer names. And I wanted to keep my family identity.

Since I have reached middle age plus my former questionable handwriting has become even worse. When I take notes during an interview I try to avoid letting others see my notes. I can only hope they think I have developed my own style of shorthand, because if I had not written it myself I couldn't read what I had written hurriedly.

Some have suggested that I use some of the handheld little pads to take my notes, but my thumbs are not as agile as I would need for that. I have used a tape recorder at times but I have enough trouble keeping the batteries charged in my cell phone and camera, and often the recorder goes dead.

Old habits don't die easily. I find that even though my cursive handwriting is messy and hard to read by others, it is easier for me than printing. However if I am getting a name or a date I will print it.

I see my younger relatives always printing if they are forced to use pencil and paper instead of a machine. Usually they do it all in capital letters. I wonder what they will do when they get to college and have to take a test in the dreaded "blue book." Would an essay question on a test be accepted if the answers are printed? Or am I so far behind that no college student would ever be faced with writing an answer in sentences in a test?

If I look at old letters in my file cabinet, I can tell instantly which ones are from sister Kathryn or from my father. Their handwriting was as individual as their personalities were. Finding an email message, if that had been possible then, would not have brought the loved one to life as easily as a message written in cursive does.

But I am sure my readers are happy that my columns are not written in MY handwriting. I would not have any readers at all if both of you had to decipher my cursive writing.