Sending a Letter in Green Ink

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inClanmother, Letter Writing, Mother's DayTags:, , , , , ,

Happy Mother’s Day

I have come back to cursive writing after many years of using a typewriter, followed by the computer keyboard, to record my thoughts, ideas and reflections.

Fountain pens are perfect for cursive writing, which is making a comeback in the world of keyboards and digitalization. A few weeks ago, my first pen arrived, followed by a second, and a third and fourth. Why so many fountain pens you may ask?

It is a simple answer. My sister Sarah, deciding that we should have many different colours of ink, provided me with pink, purple, green, and red. I had chosen the usual midnight black, never realizing the possibilities of colour. (Thank you, Sarah!)

I have read that cursive handwriting prompts different areas of our brain, igniting the creativity that is within us.

On Mother’s Day, I am sending a letter, written in green ink, to my mother, Frances, by way of new technology, using old technology.

Until next time we meet, dear friend, keep safe and be well.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

97 thoughts on “Sending a Letter in Green Ink”

    1. I am excited that you will be joining me, John, in the cursive writing adventure. How did authors write in long hand? YIKES! I’m used to typing and have found that I am much slower in putting my thoughts on paper using a pen. Now, that I have been writing for two weeks (I try to write something everyday with my pen) I have found that my thoughts are coming more easily. But I have many more weeks to go before I write my “masterpiece.” Thank you so much for stopping by…

      Liked by 7 people

      1. I’m not sure I could stand slowing down my thoughts to meet the limitation of the pen. Also, I need to worry about legability. May be a problem for these shaky mature hands. 😁 Wishing you the best.

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    1. Oh Susan – those letters are treasures that bring the past alive, vibrant and full of joyful memories. I have my grandmother’s recipe box filled with hand written recipes. One of the recipes was for soap. Can you imagine?!!! One of the reasons that I went back to cursive writing was to send handwritten letters to family and friends. Handwriting tells so much about a person. I have my father’s letters written when he was young and strong. I have others written later in life, where his writing was less clear. Sending many hugs along with my thanks for your lovely comments.

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  4. That’s a really beautiful video, Rebecca. I think the part of my brain that would have the ability to produce beautiful cursive like your lovely writing packed up and headed to the cerebral border a long long time ago. I can’t write legibly in cursive to save my soul. I can’t print very well either. Beautiful handwriting looks so good on the page. Happy Mother’s Day.

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    1. You are too kind, Tim! I have been practicing my cursive handwriting for several weeks. Thanks to Sarah, my writing is now in colour which does make a difference. Perhaps it is just more fun to write in colour. I like the scratches that the pen makes against the paper, which makes me think of those quill pens that Shakespeare used to write all his sonnets. I understand that when you write in cursive handwriting, our creative talents are energized. I’m waiting for sonnets to flow from my pen. Will keep you posted on the developments.

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      1. I feel currents of sonnets will splash onto your pages in glorious color very soon. A lot of wonderful classic novels were written in longhand.

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  6. Hi Rebecca, Interesting how your post comes up when I have been considering buying (or gift suggestion) a fountain pen. I have read recent books and articles suggesting how handwriting prompts our creativity. Your phrase “…by way of new technology, using old technology.” made me pause and reflect. An aha moment. The video…beautiful in its simplicity. Moving words…”the greatest gift of all.” Thank you for being a special part of Mother’s Day, Rebecca.❤️

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  7. Synchronistic. I use fountain pens in all the colors of the rainbow (causes me problems with banks who don’t like cashing checks in purple ink and such!) I went back to using fountain pens a year or so ago after using them as a child.

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    1. What a wonderful way to start your stories, with your father’s gift. His good wishes and support comes through as you write with your pen. I am delighted that you stopped by – your comments are very much appreciated.

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  11. Oh, Rebecca this is such a beautiful video you created honoring the day. I adore writing with a fountain pen and mesmerized at the sight of a fountain pen forming dancing shapes, letters, words, phrases… Needless to say, love green ink too! xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely, comments. The letters do dance, don’t they? I am delighted that I have come back to cursive writing using a fountain pen. I feel the energy of the words lift off the pages. Sending many hugs back your way!!!!

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  12. I enjoyed your video showing you writing a Mother’s Day letter to Frances. The pen seems to write so smoothly! (Or is that you and not the pen?) I’m with Tim in the illegible cursive writing camp.

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    1. It was the pen! This pen has a medium tip, which allows the ink to flow more smoothly. I have a fine tip pen as well, which seems to be more difficult for me to maneuver. But I think that will change as I become more familiar with writing with it. The part that is the most humorous is filling the pens with ink. So far, I have pink, green and purple ink on my fingers. I am have a lot of fun. You will notice the angle of the video. Writing always looks more elegant when it is upside down!!!

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      2. This was a fun video to make. You are right – Don built a special stand on my desk to hold my iPhone. All I did was press the start button and let the pen do the rest. I am enjoying the feel of my hand crossing the paper.

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  13. Congratulations on returning to cursive writing, a skill that is threatened to disappear in our digital age! I am using handwriting for all my first drafts of my posts. I feel more creative and free that way.

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement, Peter. What a great idea to use handwriting for the first draft of post. I have a notebook that I can use to do the same. I have read that cursing handwriting unlocks certain areas of our brain that influence creative thought. In the coming weeks, I will join you in creating drafts using my fountain pen. Many thanks for your comments and visit.

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  14. First of all I would like to say that I am always very touched by your very special relationship you seem to have with your mother and that you wrote her a handwritten letter seems to me very special nowadays, Rebecca! I used to do this to my mother.. I do not have a special pen, but I am convinced of the colours in connection with creativity! Besides, I have realized that cursive writing also helps me to improve my mobility.
    Big hug Martina

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    1. I remember getting hand written letters in the mail, Martina. I looked forward to opening the mail box to see if there was a letter waiting for me. Then came new technology and with it the ability to fax letters, then e-mail letters, then connect with others virtually. But the idea of a handwritten letter has power because it has been written by a person. Handwriting is personal and a statement of creativity – we know the person by the scrawl of the ink. How I love looking at my grandparents letters and imagining them at a desk writing out the words. I am now going to look for the connection between writing and mobility. Thank you for this insight!!! Sending many hugs back your way with all speed.

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      1. I still have all the letters my husband sent to me when he studied French in Paris! I sometimes think that it is very sad for the now young people, who won’t have anything to reread and refeel when they are old! I absolutely agree with your speedy message as far as creativity is concerned and thank you very much:)

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      2. How very well said. Those handwritten messages – even grocery lists bring back so many wonderful moments. I was just speaking to my Mother, Frances, tonight about how fast we get old, without knowing it is happening.

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  15. Another beautiful tribute to your mother! Green ink is so appropriate. (You’re inspiring me to write a little each day with a pen, curious to see how it changes my thinking 🙂

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    1. I would love to share “cursive writing” experiences, Mary Jo. It feels so strange to think and write with my hands instead of typing with my fingers. And consider if the colour of ink makes a difference. I know it may sound far-fetched, but I think there are nuances when we write with different colours. This was brought out in the book “The Enchanted Forests” that you recommended. Remember Sita wrote in red ink.

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      1. Oh I’d forgotten Sita’s red ink! My handwriting muscles are being put to the test. I remember school days and the callouses from pencils and pens. That must mean it was an athletic event or even a creative event, like playing guitar. 🙂

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      2. I had those callouses too – on my third finger mostly. By the way, I am enjoying reading “The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kaddish. I think you would enjoy this book.

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  16. Love this idea and post, Rebecca. I have several journals lying around that I write in now and then. But since I love to type and I’m pretty fast :), hand writing has been tossed to the back burner. You have inspired me though, and I also love the different colors of ink. I wish I could write to my mom, but she and Dad have passed. But it might be something fun and new for my sisters and I to begin. Thank you! And Happy Monday!
    ~Lauren 💗

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    1. I laughed out loud when you said you had several journals. I have so many piled around me, most with blank pages. YIKES. I love to type and feel the ideas come easily, without effort. When I pick up a pen, something happens to block the flow of thought. I have now been writing a little each day, and am surprised by the incremental progress that is being made. I still write to my father, even though it has been 10 years since he passed. It is a cathartic experience, which allows me to recall distant conversations. Mitch Albom, says it best: “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” Many thanks for stopping by…. Hugs!

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  17. What a new practice! Handwriting with a pen. It is good to get back to this artistic way of writing. I remember when typewriters came into use. We were so happy to have a relief from handwriting–believe it or not!! It was so good to sit down by a typewriter and quickly write a letter or note. And, then came the computer, an easy way to quickly send a note. MY! ! ! How times have changed! When I was in the first grade, we had pictures at the front of the “one-room school house”, just above the two blackboards to show us how to make each letter, both small and large. Then, by high school years we had special classes to teach us how to use the typewriter–then on to computers! ! My, how the world had changed. But, I am glad the we are using pens and ink and are again learning to write beautifully with pen and ink! !

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    1. We have technology to put down our thoughts quickly, and the ability to rewrite without ever leaving a trace that we crossed a word or sentence out before we moved on to the next paragraph. I am reading “The Weight of Ink” by Rachel Kadish, which has opened my thoughts to the idea of writing and how important it is that we continue to write. “If we looked through the eyes of history, we’d live differently. We’d live right.” Whether or not anyone reads our writing is inconsequential – what is important is to remember we are giving breath to our story, our time, our history. Happy Mother’s Day, Frances. Thanks for everything.

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    1. You must try the fountain pen, Charlotte! You will LOVE the sound of pen scratching against the paper. Think of all those composers who used quill pens to compose music. Thank you for stopping by and for your comments – very much appreciated.

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  20. That was beautiful to witness your lovely cursive writing and the reasons behind the letter. The music, by the way, was also beautiful.
    I rarely write, Rebecca, in either print or cursive these days. I do have a fountain pen, which does look very stylish on paper.
    You’ve inspired me to think more on this and see where it can be used. Perhaps just little notes to my man, for instance!
    xoxoxo

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    1. I have enjoyed going back to cursive writing. I agree – little notes are the best way to reconnect with the pen. A couple of days ago I watched Pride and Prejudice (I think this makes about the 15th time) and enjoyed that part when Darcy was writing that long letter to Elizabeth. Happy writing – keep me posted!

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  21. I’ve always admired beautiful cursive handwriting. How lovely that you wrote the letter to Frances in green ink. That’s so different. I had a friend when I was a child. His name was Claude and he had a long handlebar moustache, wore a trilby hat and multicoloured suede shoes. I guess he must have been somewhere in his eighties. He always gave me birthday cards written in the most fancy cursive writing you could imagine, not to even mention the old-fashioned ‘flowery’ language. Thanks for bringing back fond memories. I hope you and your dear mom had a wonderful Mother’s Day. 🤗😘

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    1. Claude sounds like a wonderful friend. How exciting to living in colour and drama (long handlebar moustache!!!) He reminds us that we need to take a deeper look at how we live in the moment and how we make choices. The other day, when I was choosing a new glasses, I was about to go with the standard frames. And then I asked myself why didn’t I choose the ones that I really wanted? And that is how I found myself with blue frames with transitions to deep blue/violet. Claude would approve, I’m certain. I have enjoyed going back to cursive writing! The colours do make a hugs difference. I’m so pleased that we celebrated Mother’s Day together. Hugs and more hugs!

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      1. I omitted to mention that Claude lived in a caravan painted all the colours of the rainbow. He was a very eccentric person with a big heart and he loved to sing, ‘Onward Christian Soldiers” as we walked down the street together. He was one of a kind for sure. I like the sound of your new glasses and I’m sure you look stunning in them. 🤗😘

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      2. You would love me glasses, Sylvia! You reminded me of a summer afternoon day when Don and I walked along the SeaWall. Ahead of us were three people – two men and a woman. The two men were singing loudly together, one man’s hand over the shoulder of the other , protectively, as he guided the walk. The woman dropped back and fell in with us as we all walked along. She told us that these men had been friends from childhood. Her husband was the one who steered the progress. His friend had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years before. Singing and walking along with her husband gave him comfort and clarity for a few moment. As Vincent Van Gogh say so eloquently: “Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.”

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  23. What a wonderful message to Frances for Mothers’ Day!
    Adored watching you write.
    I have never stopped using cursive. As soon as I heard “they” weren’t going to teach it in schools anymore, I began to use it all the more.
    I taught myself to write. I had to. I had been kept out of school far too, long, and was going to have to do grade 2 over.
    My MOM (Happy Mothers’ Day) found a school that said if I could catch up on my own and get good grades, they would pass me. Everyone already knew how to write. I passed!

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    1. I LOVE your Mom! And I am glad that you never stopped using cursive – you have great spirit and determination. There is an elegance of the past age, a tradition that comes through the centuries of penmanship. I just found a feather pen with ink, a seal and wax. I am tempted, Resa!!!

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    1. Remember the postcards and Valentines in Fiona Finch and the Pink Valentine. There is something about colours that add dynamics to a message. Sending hugs back on the wing.

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  26. I can so relate to this post, Rebecca. I have a preference for very fine tips that glide smoothly and write with minimal pressure. That is not the case with most of the run of the mill pens. And when I find one, I hide it so it doesn’t get used or wrecked by the rabble in my house. Lol. I hadn’t thought of adding color as an option. And what a lovely thing to do for Mother’s Day. You have a lucky mom. ❤

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    1. I know exactly what you mean, Diana. I confess hiding pens so well that I forget when I put them. YIKES! My sister, Sarah, who is more dramatic than me, gave me a bottle of purple ink for my birthday. And then serendipity stepped in when I read that Virginia Woolf wrote her books using different colours, in particular, purple. And the I read that Lewis Carroll did too. “Virginia Woolf used different-colored inks in her pens — greens, blues, and purples. Purple was her favorite, reserved for letters (including her love letters to Vita Sackville-West, diary entries, and manuscript drafts. Lewis Carroll also preferred purple ink (and shared with Woolf a penchant for standing desks), but for much more pragmatic reasons: During his years teaching mathematics at Oxford, teachers were expected to use purple ink to correct students’ work — a habit that carried over to Carroll’s fiction.” https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/09/23/odd-type-writers/#:~:text=Virginia%20Woolf%20used%20different%2Dcolored,diary%20entries%2C%20and%20manuscript%20drafts.

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  27. Just found this lovely piece, and lovely thoughts Rebecca.
    Since my computer meltdown some months ago, when I lost everything, I’ve been slowly piecing things back together, but remained mystified as to why I couldn’t receive my favourite blogs.
    Today I have discovered that for some months now they’ve been going into a file called promotions that I never look at, and find there are thousands and thousands of entries to work through… and the depressing thing is, that it all seems to have to be done one by one… hence this very belated message to you… will be catching up soon I hope,
    Love Valerie

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    1. My dear Valerie, I have been thinking of you and hoping that all was well on your side of the world. Thank you for your heartwarming comments – I have missed you. The world of internet, e-mails and texts continue to evolve and I’m running to catch-up. I am always mystified but it keeps me on my metal. Sending many hugs and lots and lots of love!

      Like

    1. I smiled when I read your comment. At one point, the only one who could decipher my writing was my mother, Frances. Not even I could figure out what I wrote! LOL!

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  29. Thank you, O’ noble transparent Clanmother,
    For being that genuine and special other,
    How sharp & brilliant your intellect,
    Channels opening, releasing that which smothers.
    If there ever was a Mother Hen
    Her truth would be thro’ a Fountain pen. xoxo

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    1. I LOVE this poem, Jason! Especially the part about be sharp and brilliant 😀😀😀Thank you! I’m looking forward to following your blog and videos on Youtube. I just watched your video of Logy Bay, Newfoundland on the East Coast Trail. https://youtu.be/SyilEg3zgLU. We visited Newfoundland in 2019 and had a wonderful time. It was good to travel back virtually today.

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      1. Glad you enjoyed my video. Have you posted about your trip to the Rock? Let me know if you do; it would be nice to read about your experiences. Thank you for subscribing to my sites. You may appreciate my recent post titled Blackfoot Becomes Whitefeather. By the way you kind of look like our mutual friend Mary Jo Malo. Are you two related by chance?

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      2. I read your recent post and enjoyed how your bring out the mysteries of mythology A few months ago I posted a video about traveling the ocean with icebergs. It was an amazing moment for me to see the icebergs even though I was seasick for the two hours. The captain of the boat came to talk to me as I sat huddled in the cold. We discussed his life as a fisherman and that made the day even more memorable. https://vimeo.com/420169270

        Mary Jo and I are related in spirit. I first met her several years ago and have been blessed with her friendship. You can listen to our discussion on poetry on Tea Toast & Trivia podcast: https://anchor.fm/teatoasttrivia/episodes/Mary-Jo-Malo-on-Poetry–A-Poets-Calling-et8v58

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      3. Such wonderous delight and joyful occasion! Thank you for the links; looking forward to viewing them over the weekend. It is also my intention to post this Saturday the 2nd installment to Blackfoot’s adventure by introducing my Grandmother through the ground of our Mi’kmaq culture. As a Clanmother who is true in heart, you will likely respect this second part.

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      4. You had a wonderful ending to your first post, Jason: “Therefore when you gaze upon the night sky, that is why you will hear him say, “Aim for the brightest star to know who you truly are!” Looking forward your Saturday installment!

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      6. Enjoyed your awesome interview with Mary Jo, and glad to be made aware of what makes her poetry glow. Your iceberg production was extraordinary. Watched a few more of your vids as well. You have a good eye for composition and an amazing talent for pairing the right kind of music with the motion picture. Thank you for sharing such beautiful art.

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      8. You are most welcome my dear.

        In regards to your tagline ‘A Backward Look Forward’, here’s an interesting quote that seems to complement it rather nicely:

        “Cast your eye on the past, such great shifts in the pattern of things, and it is also possible to foresee the future, for its nature will be just the same.” – Marcus Aurelius

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  30. hi – your video had such a professional feel that was warm and soothing
    Also with a good message – about love – and the actual writing of cursive –
    oh and like the pens you use.
    i write in a daily paper journal quite regularly and use good markers – sometimes calligraphy tip and other times fine or bold.

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    1. Thank you for your wonderfully encouraging comments! I admire your commitment to writing a daily paper journal. Now that I have my fountain pen with green ink and now purple ink (thanks to my sister, who loves colour and decided that we MUST have purple ink) I am focused on being more in tune with a daily journal, using a cursive writing style. Thank you for you comments – you have inspired me! So glad that we connected.

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      1. i am glad to connect too and the purple ink sounds fun.
        and who knows what keepsake or letter artifacts will be left as a rich resource – i once heard someone say we have too much digital that can get lost and so having some tangibles is important –
        and for me and my journaling – been doing it so long that it is a habit and just part of life
        have a good day

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    1. I am delighted that you stopped by for a visit. Than your for your heartwarming comments, which are very much appreciated. Whenever I pick up this pen, there is a feeling that words have been given a greater potency. How wonderful to receive a special pen from your father. Looking forward to our ongoing dialogue.

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  32. I love the idea of this. But the reality is that it’s hard for me to slow down like that and I have arthritis in my fingers. But you make me wonder if I ought to try to add a little handwriting back into the day!

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    1. It has been a long time since I returned to cursive writing this past year. It is fun, but I am out of practice. I do a little writing every day with my fountain pens. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your comments.

      Like

  33. Love the ink color and cursive! You have beautiful handwriting. We must save cursive from being a dying art. It truly is the art of communication. 🙏

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  34. The ability of writing by hand to spark neurotransmitters and lead to deeper creativity is definitely a thing! But I rarely do it. Only if I am filling in time at a coffee shop or some such. I get impatient that my thoughts are running too fast for my transcription.
    However! I have found the same effect while walking. Just yesterday, while walking (and recording) I reworked a passage that my editor had pointed out as so weak and uncharacteristic of the rest of my writing that she suggested I drop it. I’m impatient to hear what she thinks of the rework.

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    1. I am impressed that you are able to walk and record! WOW!!! All the very best on your reworking of the passage. Typing is my go-to place, but I am relearning how to think through cursive writing although it is more difficult for me as my thoughts are quicker than my handwriting. Thank you for stopping by and for adding depth and breadth to this conversation! Very much appreciated.

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