The deterioration of handwriting

Perhaps this is a problem which effects only me, but recently I have noticed that my handwriting is, to put it bluntly, almost illegible. I blame this problem on myself, of course, and on my reliance on computers.
A couple of months ago, I vowed to retrieve my pens, buy some paper, and put these writing tools to more frequent use. I have indeed begun to write with a pen more often, only to find that my handwriting has become quite appalling. I am wondering if other people have experienced this problem, or have perhaps given up on writing with pen and paper altogether.
(For those of you who do not know, a pen is a writing implement filled with ink; it was quite the popular writing tool during the last century.)

Berkeley Public Library

Here is a shot of Berkeley Public Library's main branch on Kitteridge Street in Berkeley, California. There is even a small used-book store inside where I was able to buy two books I've been wanting to add to my collection; I snagged these for fifty cents each. Among the books I checked out were two novels by Sharan Newman, a lesser-known but very good mystery writer.


The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan

I have just read The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan. It is a novel about inner strength, perseverance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, shame, truth, fear, and new beginnings. It is a beautifully written book.

The return of Scripter...

Hello, I have been busy moving across the country for the past several weeks, and now I am getting back to my writing. I have actually moved to the San Francisco area (the fulfillment of a dream for some time), and have started another blog to chronicle my adventures here. It is called SF Bay Expressions, and contains photos of various things - landscapes, happenings, cultural events, etc. - which I am encountering as I explore the area.

During my journey, I tried not to, but inevitably could not help but ocassionally think of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, as I was moving across the country to California. The last time I read this book, I was in high school, and though that was long ago, there are certain images and notions burned into my brain because of this novel. Throughout my school years, I had to read quite a few of Steinbeck's books. It started with The Red Pony, which I despised because of the misleading title. The next was The Pearl, then Of Mice and Men, and finally The Grapes of Wrath. Whenever my plans go awry, I think of Steinbeck and the bitter twist with which his stories ended.

During my journey, I re-read Marley and Me by John Grogan. This is a very upbeat story. The first time I read it, it really lifted my spirits and put me in a very good mood (not because of the ending of course). If you have ever owned a dog that was less than perfect, you really must read this book. I love Grogan's writing as well; it is so descriptive and engaging.

I have also recently started reading The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan. It is fast becoming my second favorite Tan book, with The Joy Luck Club being my favorite. What have you been reading recently?