On Typewriters

The typewriter, while a more roundabout way of typing these days, is a wonderful contraption that has served many a typist well since its invention. With its delightfully click-clacking keys and a satisfactory ding upon reaching the end of the line to let one know that the margin has been reached, the typewriter presents its user with an array of happy noises to let them know of the progress they are making. Of course, sore fingers may also present one with a fair idea of how long one has been working, but it must be admitted that sore fingers as a gauge are not nearly as entertaining or fun. However, the pleased feeling one has upon completion of the letter, form, or whatever they have been they have been typing is, more often than not, well worth the work.

Frequently accompanying a typewriter are several important accessories. These are things such as the ribbon, a typewriter eraser, and quite possibly correction film. The first being a necessity if one should actually want something to be put on the paper, as opposed to turning out a blank page, and the later two items for removing what one does not want on the paper, but may have accidentally put there. Not uncommonly one will find themselves in search of at least one of these items in the course of their typing and quite possibly have to empty a drawer to get at them.
   
In addition, aside from all the ordinary people who have used typewriters, just think of all those lovely authors who did too, such as Joan Aiken (who never wrote on the computer), George Orwell (who used a Remington), Daphne du Maurier (who used an Oliver made in the USA) and, lest we forget, Ray Bradbury (who wrote Fahrenheit 451 on a typewriter and a coin operated one at that!). Lewis Carroll even used one, which sold for a good amount at auction earlier this year! Also, in the event that one is wondering, there is a national typewriter day; it is on June 23^rd. ♥

On Sealing-Wax

Sealing-wax is a delightful item which has been used for hundreds of years and was frequently used during the Middle Ages.

The all important quest to use the sealing-wax begins with the need for several basic things: a seal, something to melt the wax, something to seal or to place a seal on, and, most importantly, the sealing-wax itself. Once these items have been obtained, most likely after a brief search through drawers and cupboards, the sealing-wax bearer may begin the process of sealing. First is the determination of where the wax needs to be placed, something easily decided upon in most cases. Following this is the hazardous step of melting the wax with some sort of flame and may involve burnt fingers and shrieking if not done properly. The melted wax is then to be dripped in the area where the seal should go and the seal, carefully checked to insure it will not be upside-down, is then to be pressed into the very tiny puddle of dripped the wax. Upon removal you will have an impression of the seal, whatever it may be, and the recipient will now be able to know who the letter is from, as well as if some snoop (who, very clearly, is not minding their own beeswax) has been tampering with the letter if they find the seal broken upon reception. However, if you have a particularly crafty messenger or a messenger in league with a particularly crafty person with knowledge of opening letters without them appearing opened, then your seal is for not.

While not as regular a practice as in the past, using sealing-wax can be a lovely way to send off your letter and, of course, if for nothing else, it gives a walrus something to talk to oysters about. ♥