Modern technology.....it's great isn't it? Where would we be without the computer, for example. Tasks that took hours and sometimes days have been simplified by computers; however, in some ways computer use has made us lazy.
We're all used to sending and receiving email; but
How are you? has become
How r u?,
because has become
cuz and
before has become
b4. I always prided myself on my spelling, but after many years of computer use, I find myself using the dictionary more and more. However, I don't use the dictionary "book", I simply use the one in my computer. It's much more convenient. Convenience is a marvelous thing, but my belief is that with the increased use of email, the wonderful art of letter writing has fallen by the wayside.
How long has it been since you wrote a personal letter to a friend or family member? Can't remember? Don't feel badly. Not too many people write letters any more.
I *do* remember being taught in elementary school (way back then we called it grammar school) the correct way to compose and write a letter. In those days we were taught Penmanship as a subject. We learned what was called the Palmer Method of Penmanship and received a quarterly grade for that subject on our report card. Writing letters was part of English class. Composition and punctuation were taught, and our best handwriting was a must. Double negatives and contractions were not allowed.
I was reminded about this recently when I saw some lovely stationery on sale in a local bookstore. At first I thought it would be a waste of money because I never write letters. But I started thinking how nice it is to receive something unexpectedly in the mail.....snail mail that is......so I bought it and I intend to use it. I will make it a point to write a nice, chatty letter to someone at least once a month. Perhaps it will be to my Mom or maybe a friend, but someone's day will be brightened by an unexpected piece of mail. It will be on my prettiest stationery and in my best handwriting. That's something the computer can't do.
