RenoVous

  Also, awesome notepad, right? I recently came across an article about the National Archives needing people who can read cursive. More than 200 years worth of U.S. documents need transcribing and/or classifying, and the vast majority are from the Revolutionary War era. That is some antique penmanship. Can you read and write cursive?  Do you like your handwriting?

 I just did actually! I got these horrific Valentines for my best friends. The artist is  One Man Riet The point of the day is not only to keep in touch, but to return to the personalization of penmanship.  My friends and I have a group chat we text each other day to day, but it's just not the same as a postcard, or some random stationary I find of Outhouses in Nevada, or an actual Valentine they can stick on their fridge. Plus I still get excited about mail that isn't mass produced or asking me for money. So send someone a letter just because it's guaranteed to make their day. xoxo

  This day was established to encourage creativity and to find inspiration all around us. Writing and focusing our attention on our environment can help reduce stress, promoting wellbeing and happiness. Take a moment, relax, let your mind wander... The room is dark this morning Gray clouds outside, no sun shines But I can hear the birds chirping still the dogs are barking as people walk by And I am stuck inside. Working from home, my desk in my room My pups are my company And the internet my conversation So I step outside for a break feel the air upon my face. The day also recommends reading poetry, sharing a favorite poem with someone. Well I've done that before! She Walks in Beauty Days of the Year

Thomas Paine was born on this day in 1737, and so he is honored with Freethinkers Day. His Common Sense  was released anonymously in the beginning of the American Revolution and was an immediate sensation, as it advocated independence while people were just protesting taxation. He served as a volunteer aide to General Nathaniel Greene during the war, and wrote his Crisis  papers.  Number 1 begins with the famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls." This helped to encourage soldiers to reenlist. In 1777, Paine was appointed secretary to the Committee for Foreign Affairs.  He accused a member of the Continental Congress of profiting from French aid and quoted secret documents in his argument.  However, in doing so, he violated his position and had to resign. He was then appointed clerk of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania where he used $500 from his own salary to start a relief fund for soldiers. Although his writings w...