The Letter “F”

People assume correctly, that by cutting down on their paper usage, they are making huge strides towards saving the environment. If we need to send someone a message, we just flip on the computer and send an email. On birthdays and other celebratory events, there are websites, where you can send out electronic cards. Why waste money on a stamp and you’re doing your bit to save the trees in the meantime? It’s a win-win situation on all fronts.

I have found myself going down the same path and way of thinking. So much so, that when I actually had to write something down on a piece of paper, I struggled. My handwriting was atrocious. My partner, Mark had a similar experience when he had to put pen to paper. He had trouble remembering how to form the letter “f”!

When I was younger and still living in the U.K. I had a college friend who moved to Germany. We would write to each other every week and I looked forward to her letters. Even when I first moved to the U.S., family and friend correspondence by paper was a primary source of communication.

Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that saving trees by cutting down on paper usage is a necessity. But with the advent of computers, I fear that we are losing the art of cursive or script writing. I always remember when I was little, how much more I loved getting presents as opposed to a gift card or money. There is just something about tearing open that wrapping paper and being genuinely surprised by the gift concealed within. Even though I love getting emails from my friends, that occasional card still brings a smile to my face and makes me aware of the effort expended in its journey.

So this year, my plans are to send out recycled paper cards for Christmas and a few letters written on recycled paper – just as a “what’s up” to the past. Hopefully I’ll have no trouble forming the letter “f”!