One of the most important and valuable things I ever learned in school was the ability to write in traditional cursive handwriting, taught by an absolute master of the art, Mr Daly from Winmalee Public School in the Blue Mountains.
I look at the scrawls that pass for writing these days and shudder as to where we are headed.
Every time (and I mean EVERY) my family buys a birthday card or needs to write a note to a teacher etc, it is invariably my writing that goes on it, which to me, is a compliment not only to me, but to Mr Daly who taught me over 30 years ago.
A handwritten card or letter in cursive script it often treasured above a printed one and relatives have often commented how beautiful it is to receive such a lovely written card with some interesting and well presented wishes, rather than just "Dear you, Happy Birthday, from Us"
All of this may sound a bit self centred and self important but I honestly am proud of the skills I have in spelling and writing and value them. Being able to express yourself clearly and intelligently is a valuable asset to have, sadly one which is rapidly declining and soon may disappear altogether....
A perfect example of the ever widening gap between generations was highlighted to me at work recently when I was talking to a colleague who is 24 years old (my junior of 15 years). I told her that the information she had requested of a customer was probably moot now because she already figured out the answer. She looked at me blankly and asked "moot? what the heck is moot?". It took over 15 minutes to try and explain it to her.
And I don't event think it's possible to explain irony to my wife, I have tried and tried and failed a number of times, she just doesn't get it. Ironic isn't it?
Cheers
Chris