Introducing Myself, with Writing Sample

February 19, 2005

Hi all . . . introducing myself for the first time, with a sample of my writing . . .

http://www.lolajl.net/images/fountainpens/writingsample3.jpg

And here's another sample, using a fine point felt pen, I think; can't remember when it was written but I think it was about 5 years ago or so:

http://www.lolajl.net/images/fountainpens/writingsample4.jpg

February 19, 2005

Both your handwriting-samples have many interesting features. Did the changes between the older and the newer sample happen by themselves, or did you consciously change things over the years? Also, what do you like (or dislike) about each of these two writing-samples of yours?

February 20, 2005

Well, my handwriting has certainly changed over the years. It's not quite the same as that from 10 years ago and certainly not the same as when I was in high school. I might have samples from back then - will have to look for these sometime. I don't think I consciously change my handwriting; it seems to evolve over the years.

You'll notice that I tend to write "I" with only the lower bar; I hate having to write both bars. This letter, however, is one that I did consciously change on my own when I tired of writing both bars. That's how you can tell it is my handwriting, as well, especially since I don't know of any other people who do this as well. What I don't like about my handwriting is that the letters never quite touch the bottom of the ruled lines. When I write on an unlined paper, my writing tends to meander downwards as I near the end and progress backward with the start of each line.

Another thing I want to do is make my grip on my pen more relaxed, so that my right hand doesn't feel strained and cramped. I used to write a lot of letters in high school through my early twenties when I was corresponding with pen pals but not since then.

Right now, I'm learning Russian and finding it easier to write in Cyrillic cursive. I'm not happy with the legibility, but that's another issue. I may put up another sample when I write out the dialog for homework.

LJL