Monday, March 31, 2014

IS CURSIVE WRITING A THING OF THE PAST?



The absence of cursive writing being taught and used in schools is disheartening to me, so I wanted to share my thoughts and ask you for yours. I realized after reading responses on a Facebook status that many hadn't thought or asked about it, while others were as saddened as I am.  Children are asking their parents to read cursive writing  to them. If this doesn't move you, I don't know what will.

Some schools teach cursive in the first year or two of school, but the children and young people are not using it because of computers.  If you have young children in school, what have your experiences been?

I am learning copperplate
calligraphy now and have realized that some may never be able to read what I write. Many of this generation will not be able to read the Constitution!


This reminded me of a paper I wrote in college about literacy.  In my presentation, I held up a poster written in a foreign language, explaining to the class that those who could not read felt exactly as my classmates felt when they saw this writing.  This is what our children and grandchildren will feel when attempting to read the writing of past generations.

Lets take it a step further.  How are postal workers and others responsible for the delivery of mail and packages going to be able to read mail? It real, really, really bothers me.

I also have personal reasons for my concern over this.  I believe that a handwritten note means a lot to  many of us.  Are handwritten thank-you-notes and letters headed for a slow death?  We can't let this happen.

If you follow my blog you know that I love beautiful stationery, pens, wax, seals, and of course, cursive writing. I learned to write cursive in first grade, and papers written soon after were written with a fountain pen with blue ink. I can't imagine that this generation is not embracing the art of writing.


What are your thoughts on this?


For those of you interested and would like to help your children or grandchildren learn to write cursive, I believe you will find this LINK helpful.  You would be teaching your children a valuable skill.

 For blog posts on stationery and writing, follow the link here and here.

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Sunday, March 30, 2014

GREAT NEW FINDS

I have two great new finds! 
Hope all of you are having a great Sunday!

 CREE LIGHT BULBS

 

I have used these Cree light bulbs for several weeks now and LOVE them. Some say that LED light is bright and harsh, but Cree has created the first LED light bulb that  looks just like a normal light bulb, and has a soft, warm light just like a normal light bulb. The bulbs use 82-84% less energy too, which is important to the biologist in me! In addition, Cree bulbs last 25 times longer and have a 10 year warranty! They are alsoshatter-resistant glass, and lights like a traditional Edison-style bulb.Cree’s bulbs are dimmable and contain NO mercury like CFL bulbs. 

 You can find the bulbs at Home Depot HERE.

CASCADE PLATINUM PODS

Oh my gosh!  I washed some old glass pieces with these pods, and they look new.  It took three runs through the dishwasher, but they look so much better and more clear.  This will not remove scratches, but over time washing, especially in the dishwasher, adds a film.  

 I have always used Cascade, usually the Complete, but the Platinum is unbelievable! 
<>~~<>

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Friday, March 28, 2014

EASTER'S ON THE WAY!

Well, it is not long before the Easter bunny shows up, so I thought I would share a few of my pins with all things sweet and hippity-hop!  
ENJOY!




























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Thursday, March 27, 2014

PEDRO S. DE MOVELLAN: COMPLETE WORKS, 1990 - 2012 ~ BOOK REVIEW

Pedro S. de Movellán
Complete Works : 1990-2012
By Maxwell Davidson 1V and Charles C. Davidson
 Schiffer Publishing Ltd., $50.00
Reviewed by Teresa Hatfield
Author, Splendid Sass


As my readers are aware, I love art.  So much so that a studied fine arts in a masters program.
My favorite class was sculpture, and I learned a lot, creating quite a few pieces that I am proud of.

So... when Schiffer Publishing asked if I would review this book, I responded with a big YES, and I am happy that I did.  This book is filled with beautiful pieces created by Pedro S. de Movellán.  There are 160 pages of his work, from small pieces to large installments. Such talent and imagination went into each piece, and I happily recommend adding this book to your art library.

Below are just a few of the pieces showcased in the book.






ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Pedro S. de Movellán is considered one of the world’s most well known kinetic sculptors alive today; this is a complete survey of his works from 1990 to 2012. The son of an abstract painter and an architect, de Movellán perfectly balances both of their influences in his own work. Each piece is unique, precisely constructed to be refined and detailed, yet unpredictable in its motion. From the rich mahogany, maple inlays, and leaf-shaped fans of Swiss Movement to the artist’s first outdoor sculpture, the eight-foot-tall Lily in polished aluminum and gold leaf to the most recent carbon fiber works weighing mere ounces, included here is every sculpture de Movellán has made throughout his career. The book also features text on de Movellán’s various styles and techniques and offers insights on his use of size, shape, material, color, and range of motion. Also included are detailed conceptual sketches and schematics for selected works as well as ephemera marking milestones in his career. For the collector, curator, and fan of kinetic sculpture and contemporary art, this volume serves as a must-have first part to de Movellán’s catalogue raisonné.

You can purchase the book here:
ENJOY!

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