Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt #36 is “Begin.”
Word Prompt: Begin
Photo Prompt
I used to hand write journals for years. Then I had laptops at home and in the office, it was so easy to flip them open and move my fingertips. In addition, my husband bought me an iPad, I could take note and email the notes to myself. With auto-correction of the spelling, I totally depended on the technology. Occasionally when I do need to write, my handwriting doesn’t look like my calligraphy anymore.
The beginning of this year, I started my old habit again. When I have my coffee and quiet time in the morning, I hand write my thoughts in a new journal.
Surprisingly, I pay more attention to the spelling, because the paper and pen don’t have the auto-correct ability.
I used to be a “phone directory” of the family. I memorized a lot of phone numbers. Right now, I am not confident if I remember my husband’s cell phone number correctly. Perhaps I should begin to memorize phone numbers again!
What do you think about handwriting notes and memorizing phone numbers!
I tend to write notes all the time. I have a few notebooks – one may be specifically for one project I’m working on, another for film project notes, another for shot and long fiction notes. They’re vital. Plus, you can’t beat the feeling of a pencil (or pen – I always write with a pencil) on paper!
I just discovered your page. Thanks for sharing.
Shane
P.S. As for phone numbers – like birthdays – forget about it!
Thank you so much for your visit, S.J. Yes, I feel good about writing with pen or pencil, so that I can pay more attention to the spelling. Thank you for your comment!
Hi Miriam, This was a really great post to read. I have a true love for writing on paper with ink. Something about it that makes it seem ageless and like the old masters. Weird. But I am like you in that I have the laptop, desktop PC, ipad and iphone to capture words these days although I actually do both. I am finding that I am liking the electronic means a bit more when I want to write in a stream of consciousness mode. I feel better when I write things down on paper as I don’t have to worry about a piece of paper “crashing”. I back up as best as I can remember to do so.
Please go to my blog and read my “Paper Pages”, if you haven’t, or a reread. Let me know what you think. Be sure and read DavyD’s piece credited at the end
Chuck
xoxo
Yes, Chuck, I use laptop, computer, iPad, and phone for all kind of writing, spreadsheet, business, and records. What I started this year is to write a little bit of my unpublished personal thoughts in my paper journal in handwriting. Three weeks into the year, I’m still doing it. I think I’ll keep doing it.
My pleasure to read your Paper Pages,,,!!!
Miriam, I like the idea of paper and a paper journal. However, I do most of my writing on my tablet. It’s with me all the time and convenient. Plus, as you pointed out, it’s easier to make corrections.
It’s true. I have my laptop, iPad everywhere I go. Last year when I did hand write something, I noticed that my fingers were not doing too well. I started handwriting just one page on my journal as exercising my aching fingers.
Same here Miriam. I too love writing down my thoughts in diary in most neat handwriting I can. And I feel so connected with it. The feel of paper and pen takes me somewhere else.
That’s the reason I like paper back more than kindle.
Yes, I did my reading on contemplation by Thomas Merton, made notes in the journal with handwriting, almost like writing down my meditation. Right now, I have five to seven books with bookmarks in them, read little bit from each book as my routine. My new routine of the new year!!
Miriam! I love this post! I’ve been writing by hand also. It slows down my thinking, which some people find discouraging, but I find it can take me into depths, especially w poetry. 🙂
When on journeys, we do not use much in technology except to take photos… so we take notes with our little journal book each evening summating the things we did and our thoughts!
I sure have got very poor with my spelling all thanks to the auto correct on the phone. I even use the auto correct to check on spellings. But I do keep a diary where I hand write little letters and my thoughts. I think that is the least I can do to keep my handwriting alive.
I write almost everything directly into my blog editor, or put it on Word then copy/paste. I write notes during my devotion time occasionally, but do not like to handwrite anymore. Thanks for visiting me today, Miriam.
I don’t write pen to paper as much anymore but I like my quiet time in the mornings too. As for the tell numbers I only memorized my familys numbers. Having a cell phone makes it too easy not to remember numbers anymore. 😉
I love handwriting things! I used to have a forgiveness journal that I wrote in every day. It touches something inside of me. Blessings to you and your journaling Miriam!!! : ) Much love. Debbie
Thank you, Debbie! I find that when I do handwriting, I allow myself to write intimate thoughts. When I do it in my computer, I may still subconsciously feel that it’s not private. I love you too, Miriam
That sounds like a lovely way to spend a few minutes in the morning.
I know what you’re talking about! I don’t think I know more than two phone numbers now!!😳
My handwriting are fowl scratches to begin with and now with IT, it has become illegible! Penmanship is a thing of the past now as everyone depends on tech typing not writing. Good you are ensuring you preserve your writing😉
Now I do most of my writing on my laptop but nothing like putting my thoughts down in a journal. It feels very personal and private, plus it is easily accessible unlike technology that sometimes fails😀
Talking about technology that fails. When I broke my previous laptop, I felt like I was lost. Then I bought a new one as soon as coming back home from visiting my granddaughter. And… now my new laptop is in the manufacturer because the battery doesn’t charge. 😦
Memorization can be life saving and mind saving. During my memory struggles and health issues, my neuropsychologist said he could tell I do a lot of puzzles, and that I did a great variety. He said to keep doing them because they help save memory and health.
Yes, after my chemo treatment, I had some delayed memory problems. Then after I retired, I played a lot of games. Now I take classes for the retirees to learn new things.
I agree, it is oddly satisfactory to write by hand in a lovely diary. I have several of them just in case the ideas start coming. Like you I also am fond of my iPad which is fast and easy and can be used in most places. ,and makes many predictive spelling errors.😊 .
I seem to remember telephone numbers without trying. Some do, some don’t. With numbers programmed in I guess the ability will disappear.
Miriam
Hi Miriam, I’m glad to hear that you like to write your diary by hand. I think I’ll continue to write my diary by hand. It would be different than other writing I do with the computer.
It’s good for you that remembering numbers is easy for you!
technology is really convenient but like you, i’ve started handwriting in a journal again. there’s something different and special seeing your words written out in your handwriting. and gosh, my handwriting has suffered from all the typing!
great idea about memorising numbers. i can’t remember the last time i remembered a number but it’s good if our phones crash on us someday 🙂
Yes, I think I was conditioned to do that. When I was working, I checked and double checked my work before sending it to another department. The worst thing I did was sending a document to school board for approval but had the wrong date on it. I don’t even like having typo for my blog posts 🙂 ?????
True that, with the phone numbers. I can relate to this post. I don’t remember my mum’s phone number anymore and it’s crazy to even say this. I guess like you, I should begin to memorize important phone numbers again. They come handy during emergencies and when out of the reach of one’s phone… You never know! Great post. 🙂
Exactly, Stella. When I put the jeans in the laundry with my phone in the pocket, I almost had a heart attack. Ever since that, I have a list of phone number in my computer and print out a copy when we travel. 🙂
An interesting question, Miriam. I usually write my poetry out by hand first. Sometimes I write parts of my books by hand to and I write lots of notes. The laptop is perfect for long text and editing.
I write most of the poetry by hand first also because I would be in the restaurant eating, so I write it on the napkin, or I was driving, then when I get to a parking lot, I write it on the back of a receipt.
I think I would enjoy writing by hand again.
The Showers of Blessings 
I tend to write notes all the time. I have a few notebooks – one may be specifically for one project I’m working on, another for film project notes, another for shot and long fiction notes. They’re vital. Plus, you can’t beat the feeling of a pencil (or pen – I always write with a pencil) on paper!
I just discovered your page. Thanks for sharing.
Shane
P.S. As for phone numbers – like birthdays – forget about it!
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Thank you so much for your visit, S.J. Yes, I feel good about writing with pen or pencil, so that I can pay more attention to the spelling. Thank you for your comment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Miriam, This was a really great post to read. I have a true love for writing on paper with ink. Something about it that makes it seem ageless and like the old masters. Weird. But I am like you in that I have the laptop, desktop PC, ipad and iphone to capture words these days although I actually do both. I am finding that I am liking the electronic means a bit more when I want to write in a stream of consciousness mode. I feel better when I write things down on paper as I don’t have to worry about a piece of paper “crashing”. I back up as best as I can remember to do so.
Please go to my blog and read my “Paper Pages”, if you haven’t, or a reread. Let me know what you think. Be sure and read DavyD’s piece credited at the end
Chuck
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Chuck, I use laptop, computer, iPad, and phone for all kind of writing, spreadsheet, business, and records. What I started this year is to write a little bit of my unpublished personal thoughts in my paper journal in handwriting. Three weeks into the year, I’m still doing it. I think I’ll keep doing it.
My pleasure to read your Paper Pages,,,!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!! Keep to your plan!
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Thank you, Chuck!
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Hi Chuck, do you mind send me the link of your post? I searched for several months in your achieves. It hasn’t popped up!!
xox
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Miriam, I like the idea of paper and a paper journal. However, I do most of my writing on my tablet. It’s with me all the time and convenient. Plus, as you pointed out, it’s easier to make corrections.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true. I have my laptop, iPad everywhere I go. Last year when I did hand write something, I noticed that my fingers were not doing too well. I started handwriting just one page on my journal as exercising my aching fingers.
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My hands don’t do too well with handwriting either. It’s nice to have options.
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Yes, now my fingers remember how to hold a pen…!
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😊 I understand!
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I don’t write every day but often enough. 🙂
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Same here Miriam. I too love writing down my thoughts in diary in most neat handwriting I can. And I feel so connected with it. The feel of paper and pen takes me somewhere else.
That’s the reason I like paper back more than kindle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I did my reading on contemplation by Thomas Merton, made notes in the journal with handwriting, almost like writing down my meditation. Right now, I have five to seven books with bookmarks in them, read little bit from each book as my routine. My new routine of the new year!!
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Keep it up. I was an avid reader till last year . I observed now I’m not focussed.
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There’s an advantage of reading slow. I was reading slowly this morning.
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Miriam! I love this post! I’ve been writing by hand also. It slows down my thinking, which some people find discouraging, but I find it can take me into depths, especially w poetry. 🙂
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I find that true also and that’s the part I like – slow me down and take me to the depth. The computer is too distracting in that sense. 🙂
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Good for you!
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Thank you!
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When on journeys, we do not use much in technology except to take photos… so we take notes with our little journal book each evening summating the things we did and our thoughts!
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Yes, I try to write a few line a day now.
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I sure have got very poor with my spelling all thanks to the auto correct on the phone. I even use the auto correct to check on spellings. But I do keep a diary where I hand write little letters and my thoughts. I think that is the least I can do to keep my handwriting alive.
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Yes, that’s it. I’m trying to do a little bit of handwriting every day to keep it and the spelling alive!
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Whatever we don’t use, we’ll eventually lose. Our time, memory and skills are included. Enjoy practicing and take care of you.
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Thank you, yes, it’s true in almost everything. Use it or lose it.
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I write almost everything directly into my blog editor, or put it on Word then copy/paste. I write notes during my devotion time occasionally, but do not like to handwrite anymore. Thanks for visiting me today, Miriam.
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Yes, I used to feel that way, didn’t like to hand write, but I’m going to try for a while. Thank you for your visit also, Oneta!
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I don’t write pen to paper as much anymore but I like my quiet time in the mornings too. As for the tell numbers I only memorized my familys numbers. Having a cell phone makes it too easy not to remember numbers anymore. 😉
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I hope technology frees up our mind and we use it to remember other things!
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I love handwriting things! I used to have a forgiveness journal that I wrote in every day. It touches something inside of me. Blessings to you and your journaling Miriam!!! : ) Much love. Debbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie! I find that when I do handwriting, I allow myself to write intimate thoughts. When I do it in my computer, I may still subconsciously feel that it’s not private. I love you too, Miriam
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That sounds like a lovely way to spend a few minutes in the morning.
I know what you’re talking about! I don’t think I know more than two phone numbers now!!😳
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My handwriting are fowl scratches to begin with and now with IT, it has become illegible! Penmanship is a thing of the past now as everyone depends on tech typing not writing. Good you are ensuring you preserve your writing😉
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Yes, thank you, Garfield. I hope to continue before my arthritis fingers get to stiff. 🙂
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Fully understand as I too have arthritis. Sigh! I know the feeling.
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Yes, I take some kind of herb. It seems to help.
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Good!!💕
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Yes!! 🙂
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Now I do most of my writing on my laptop but nothing like putting my thoughts down in a journal. It feels very personal and private, plus it is easily accessible unlike technology that sometimes fails😀
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Talking about technology that fails. When I broke my previous laptop, I felt like I was lost. Then I bought a new one as soon as coming back home from visiting my granddaughter. And… now my new laptop is in the manufacturer because the battery doesn’t charge. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memorization can be life saving and mind saving. During my memory struggles and health issues, my neuropsychologist said he could tell I do a lot of puzzles, and that I did a great variety. He said to keep doing them because they help save memory and health.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, after my chemo treatment, I had some delayed memory problems. Then after I retired, I played a lot of games. Now I take classes for the retirees to learn new things.
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how wise… and so biblical 🙂
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Yes, indeed 🙂
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I agree, it is oddly satisfactory to write by hand in a lovely diary. I have several of them just in case the ideas start coming. Like you I also am fond of my iPad which is fast and easy and can be used in most places. ,and makes many predictive spelling errors.😊 .
I seem to remember telephone numbers without trying. Some do, some don’t. With numbers programmed in I guess the ability will disappear.
Miriam
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Hi Miriam, I’m glad to hear that you like to write your diary by hand. I think I’ll continue to write my diary by hand. It would be different than other writing I do with the computer.
It’s good for you that remembering numbers is easy for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
technology is really convenient but like you, i’ve started handwriting in a journal again. there’s something different and special seeing your words written out in your handwriting. and gosh, my handwriting has suffered from all the typing!
great idea about memorising numbers. i can’t remember the last time i remembered a number but it’s good if our phones crash on us someday 🙂
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Yes, when I found my handwriting was getting sloppy, I was so worried.
Oh the phone, I left the phone in my jeans in put it in the washer once!!!
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I did the same with numbers, but I guess I use the blog as a journal now, no formal one.
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Yes, I thought of using the blog as a journal, but sometimes I don’t want to put some premature thoughts out there!!
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Or immature which I often do : ))
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Yes, immature also, but for me, I like to think through certain ideas before shooting them out on my blog. 🙂
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I think we differ on that. I’m usually a fly by the seat of my pants type😳😉
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Yes, I think I was conditioned to do that. When I was working, I checked and double checked my work before sending it to another department. The worst thing I did was sending a document to school board for approval but had the wrong date on it. I don’t even like having typo for my blog posts 🙂 ?????
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I try, but sometimes spell check goes in and you don’t notice it till it’s too late.
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I downloaded Grammarly. https://www.grammarly.com
It works very well!
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True that, with the phone numbers. I can relate to this post. I don’t remember my mum’s phone number anymore and it’s crazy to even say this. I guess like you, I should begin to memorize important phone numbers again. They come handy during emergencies and when out of the reach of one’s phone… You never know! Great post. 🙂
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Exactly, Stella. When I put the jeans in the laundry with my phone in the pocket, I almost had a heart attack. Ever since that, I have a list of phone number in my computer and print out a copy when we travel. 🙂
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👌👌👌. It’s always a good idea to have a back up to forestall stories that touch. ❤
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Indeed, Stella!
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An interesting question, Miriam. I usually write my poetry out by hand first. Sometimes I write parts of my books by hand to and I write lots of notes. The laptop is perfect for long text and editing.
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I write most of the poetry by hand first also because I would be in the restaurant eating, so I write it on the napkin, or I was driving, then when I get to a parking lot, I write it on the back of a receipt.
I think I would enjoy writing by hand again.
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