What's in a short note? An awful lot!

A visitors' book is a little old school, perhaps you could say a relic of elderly relatives who wanted every person who crossed the threshold to be noted and leave comments... even if it was just for a cuppa.

On the other hand there is something committed and permanent about writing something down.  The act of putting pen to paper is a considered and deliberate act.  The fact that you generally don't want to have your words full of crossing-out and corrections, requires you to give thought to what you're writing, or about to write. There's no ability to randomly mind dump and correct later.

Even the form your letters and words take on, is unique to you, a signature of your actions.  Your thoughts in written form 'look' like you. With or without  signature - your script is 'so you', that you can tell at a glance that it was your hand at play in forming the words on a page.

All the more potent then, when a young writer puts pen to paper.  It's obvious from the script that they are still forming their own distinct style, the words also.  But the joy of it is they haven't given way to the tyranny of feigned suggestion or practiced politeness.  The act of writing requires a level of motivation that excludes the banal and insincere, for anyone - but especially those for whom the desire for correctness [and neatness] leaves no room for the witty jibe or poorly disguised slight.

So if it is a relic of a bygone era - that's fine - so be it.  It's one of the first things we look for after guests have been... "What did they say?"  "Did they enjoy themselves?" even Stevie will call mid-clean to say "...they left you a nice note in the Visitors Book.".

So what a nice surprise when our younger guests decide they'd like to add something in writing - whether to what their parents have written... or even on their own page, to add a little gravitas to their record. 

So it was a pleasure to read what Eloise, aged 7, wrote:

"I loved the backyard and the welcoming house with the warm heaters and the well made beds.  I especially liked the frost in the morning on the backyard.

THANKS FOR LETTING US STAY!"

I was a double pleasure to see it in her own hand.

You're very welcome Eloise, we're thrilled you enjoyed your stay and loved having you as our guest.  We'd love to have you stay again, anytime your Mum and Dad can bring you.

"Au revoir, Eloise"

PS. We'll do our best to rustle up another frost for when you come back