Hello,
I was delighted to read that this week is National Stationery Week!
I know that to many people that doesn’t sound too exciting, but if you love pretty paper and cards and gorgeous pens, like I do, then this is a week to revel in...
Have you had a note in the post recently? Something handwritten that someone didn’t dash off but had spent time crafting and was popped in a cheery card that you could place with love on your mantelpiece, desk or pinboard? There is a common view that letters, notes and writing by hand are things of the past and that ‘thank you’ notes and keeping a diary are also old school…can you even remember how to hold a pen?
The media has for
the past few years have been bemoaning the apparent fall from grace of
handwriting, but it is still something my children are very much into and I
know primary schools the world over are still teaching it, even if they have
all singing, all dancing IT suites. One
look at my pinterest newsfeed tells me the art of calligraphy seems to be
having a bit of a comeback. Personally, I love nothing better than to have
a lovely paper diary or calendar with a pretty cover and luxurious paper to
thumb through. I get giddy with
excitement in presence of beautiful stationery as my friends have witnessed on
many a shopping trip...
It’s convenient
to think that we don’t use diaries because everyone favours planners on i-pads
and tablets, and that no one writes a handwritten letter because it’s easier
and cheaper to email it. I think more than likely, technology and our overly
complicated and very busy lives have distracted us from sitting and staring out
of the window, composing ourselves and putting pen to paper.
Up in our loft I have a large box of letters
from my pre-internet days that are replies from letters I had sent to friends
and family, which documents my life at that time in a very unique and treasured
way, in a way that an email could never do and I feel blessed to have such a box of treasures!...
The organisers of National Stationery Week want to remind people of the joy and importance of putting pen to paper. They
say it’s not just about the physical act of putting pen to paper but also about
stopping what you’re doing and taking time out to enjoy the process. Think of
Beatrix Potter and the wonderful stories and paintings of her characters she
included in some of her letters. It was a creative activity and so heart-felt...
Possibly slightly
ironically I am telling you all about this on a blog and the organisers are
using the hashtags #GetBritainWriting as well as #LoveStationery and
#StationeryAddict on Twitter. Maybe we should all be popping a few notes in the
post about the event this week instead?
To find out more
visit: www.nationalstationeryweek.com. The awareness week
runs from 31st March until 6th April.
Happy writing!
Best wishes,