Sticky Notes: Rich Mullins

"I think, writing-wise, I am probably more of a quilter than a weaver because I just get a little scrap here and a little scrap there and sew them together."  — Rich Mullins

Brontë Sisters Power Dolls

Cross-writing

During the 18th & 19th centuries, in an effort to conserve the expense of paper and postage, cross-writing was often used. Although it seems rather cryptic, writing this fashion was a great way to economize. Perhaps we could learn a lesson from our ancestors in this regard.

How it works:  After a page of writing had been completed, often when both sides had been filled, the write turned the page 90 degrees and continued writing, adding a second layer of text.   To decipher the letter, one simply must read in the direction of the text. The reader's eye tends to naturally tune out the perpendicular lines and can follow what was written.





Although cross-writing was used, it wasn't always advised, especially later in the century.

"When you get to the end of a notesheet, and find you have more to say, take another piece of paper—a whole sheet, or a scrap, as the case may demand: but whatever you do, don’t cross! Remember the old proverb 'Cross-writing makes cross reading.' 'The old proverb?' you say, inquiringly. 'How old?' Well, not so very ancient, I must confess. In fact, I’m afraid I invented it while writing this paragraph! Still, you know, 'old' is a comparative term. I think you would be quite justified in addressing a chicken, just of of the shell, as 'Old boy!' when compared with another chicken, that was only half-out!"
~ Lewis Carroll on How to Write a Letter (Rule #9), 1894

Sticky Note: A Writer of Real Taste

A writer of real taste will take great pains, in the perfection of his style, to make the reader believe that he took none at all. The writing which appears to be most easy, will be generally found to be least imitable. The most elegant verses are the most easily retained, they fasten themselves on the memory, without its making any effort to preserve them, and we are apt to imagine that what is remembered with ease was written without difficulty.

- Hannah More,  1834

972F78D3-F873-69EA-90A0-22973092C00E

1.02.28