Month: July 2018

Graphoanalysis

The Felon’s Claw

I became interested in handwriting analysis in the late 1980s and took a correspondence course offered by the International Graphoanalysis Society.  I still look at handwriting in cards and letters and notice signatures but don’t mention my hobby because it might discourage people from sending cards and letters.

The felon’s claw is of particular interest because someone examined numerous handwriting samples of prisoners and noticed a prevalence of the formation of letters such as y and g that ended the stroke with a claw-like ending.  Those who write with this formation may not be criminals but have a need to feel guilty.  It is possible that in their childhood, they were punished for doing something wrong and now unconsciously feel guilty.

Search for “felons claw handwriting” and you’ll find many images.

Abandonment

California Girls State

My teachers at Manual Arts High School voted me to represent the school at California Girls State.  It was exciting for me and great fun as well as educational.    I remember experiencing the dorm life at Davis University and touring the State Capitol.  We had a wonderful advisor who told us that everyone wants to run for president but if we wanted our group to be represented, we should pick other positions as well.  I ran for State Superindent of Schools and won!

My mother had asked my uncle to drive me to the Greyhound bus station in Culver City and I remember him saying he wouldn’t be able to pick me up to go home but it didn’t really register with me.  When we returned from our trip, everyone got off the bus to waiting arms and big hugs from mothers, fathers, and families.  I remember all the happy voices and although I didn’t see this one reunion, a mother’s voice said,  “Welcome home, we missed you.”  Her voice was strong and loving and I was bewildered because there was no one waiting for me.  I had to act quickly to approach a girl I knew to go to a relatively nearby school, Jordan High School.  I asked her if she could ask her parents to give me a ride home.  Fortunately, they agreed without asking me any questions.

Many years later when I had retired from teaching, I worked as a volunteer docent at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.  I learned about the hardships suffered by the Japanese Americans during and after WWII.  My parents were always at odds with each other and separated during the time I was in high school.  I realized that it took courage for my mother to ask her brother-in-law to give me a ride and a tremendous sacrifice to give up a week’s pay so she could stay with my little brother and I could go on a trip to Sacramento.

To this day, I am occasionally visited by voice that says, “Welcome home, we missed you.”

The Rosie Project

Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman

I recently read The Rosie Project, a Sun City book club recommendation, and I loved it!  It is Graeme Simsion’s debut novel and a breakout success.  Movie rights for the script have been optioned by Sony Pictures.  Publishing rights have been sold to publishers in over 40 countries for $1.8m.

It is the story of Don Tillman, a genetics professor with undiagnosed Aspserger’s syndrome searching for a wife.  He creates a 16-page doublesided questionnaire to narrow his search.   Roseie Jarman enters his life asking for help searching for her biological father.  Although she lacks any of the attributes he is looking for in a wife, Tillman is enticed into helping her and many hilarious adventures ensue throughout the novel.

The frenzied bidding for publication rights is evidence that Simsion has touched many lives with his novel.  It is more than a romantic comedy and the overwhelming accolades have amazed even Simsion.  The Rosie Project facilitates conversations about Asperger’s and autism and also gives hope for those who are socially awkward, reluctant to participate in conversations, and often miss social cues.  The book engenders kindness and compassion in all of us.