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Q U E S T
P E T R A ' S
WHY PETRA WROTE HER FAMILY STORIES USING A FOUNTAIN PEN
When I think of fountain pens, images of grammar school, parochial uniforms, and Irish nuns come to mind. Though years long-gone, I look back fondly—so much so that I've not only recently purchased such a pen, but am now taking calligraphy lessons. A friend told me, "You like old things." Guess I do.
While searching for a pen (even a typical Sheaffer is not available at Staples), I came across some encouraging and inspirational words.
In a world that moves fast, handwriting is an act of presence.
It says: “I thought of you. Slowly, carefully.”
A handwritten note is time, attention, and memory.
And now more than ever, it makes a difference.
~ il Papiro Firenze
In addition to these beautiful sentiments, handwriting has physical benefits! To quote cognitive psychologist and learning researcher, Paul Kirschner:
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"Handwriting is a form of neurocognitive training. You're not only practicing a motor skill, you're shaping the brain networks that integrate vision, movement, and language which is closely tied to learning and memory. That's especially important in the early years, when those circuits are still developing."
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I can't help but think the same is true in elder years.
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When you write by hand, your brain activates more regions tied to movement. That engagement helps to retain information better than typing.
Petra did not know these facts (nor had ever heard of a laptop back in 1963) but wrote with a fountain pen to appreciate the cursive style it produced. She chose beautiful Florentine notebooks to keep her precious stories safely bound in Old World beauty.
