Thursday, September 7, 2017

paper junkie

My dad's company was originally called The New England Paper Supply Company. Despite the name, I don't think any paper was ever supplied to anyone. 

Both the name and purpose of my dad's company were later changed. He went from being in the junk business (as it was called then) to the more appropriately described recycling business. My mom's license plate, RCYCLE, still reflects the industry my dad grew up in.

As a child, we would love when my dad brought home comic books (Archie being the most coveted) and magazines (as an aspiring actress, my favorites were Photoplay and Modern Screen). But he also brought home lots of paper, and once an old wooden school desk. 

Soon after, our finished basement became our little classroom. My sisters and I, along with our friends, would play school. Looking back, I don't remember the details of this activity, but I remember doing a lot of it. 

I write all this because I'm guessing my love and appreciation of paper began back then, even though no one else in my family seems to share this love. For me,  writing on good paper feels better. Even if it's scrap paper, or keeping track of endless lists of things to do. The paper I write on matters.

Even my printer paper isn't the typical 20 or 24 pound. I use 28-pound-bright-white and for a little more money, it makes a big difference. Well, to me it does.

To justify the added cost, I always print on both sides. And even though I rarely print anything that leaves my house, on the rare occasions when I do (for a BAFTA meeting, say), inevitably someone will comment on how nice the paper is.

Four years ago, I got some nicely-packaged (and personalized) paper as a gift at a bridal shower, and loved it. 80- pound, bright white. Recently I was about to run out, so I looked on the bottom of the lucite holder it came with, and found the name: Graphics Embossed.

All this to say, that if you like good paper, and don't want to spend a lot, this makes a great little gift, and, it's perfect for those endless to-do lists. 



I think my dad would be happy knowing that a little bit of the business he built and loved rubbed off on me.

No comments:

Post a Comment