Remember Valentine’s Day when you were in elementary school? We would race around the room giggling as we delivered cards to each others’ desks. I’m part of the Garbage Pail Kids era. The valentines from the boys were gross, but my little heart would pitter-patter when I’d open that little envelope from my crush–even though he’d given cards to everyone. (BTW, I also cherished my Matt Ratt GBK trading card *sigh* because my crush’s name was Matt, but I really should have taken that card as a sign.)
Thanks to the biggest, baddest GPK site for this memory.
Every year I also get a Valentine simply signed with a ‘?’ – a secret Valentine. As I got older, I figured out which relative was sending this card, but I still eagerly await its arrival every year.
What’s sad is that I think we outgrow giving valentines. Pictures, messages, and even cards are now sent electronically. While I love hearing from friends and family via email, I miss having something to touch (the programmer is not down with smudges on the monitor), being able to trace a signature, catch a hint of perfume, or sticking a card or note on my fridge so I can see it every morning. Electronic notes and images evaporate with the click of the mouse. A paper card from a friend stays on my desk all year.
This year, I didn’t have time to send Christmas cards and it totally bummed me out–sometimes this is the only ‘physical’ contact I have with friends who live around the world. But why not send Valentine’s Day cards? Something unexpected that will make them smile and let them know I was thinking about them!
Will you channel your inner kid with me? Actually, if you have kids, this might be a great way to spend some time with them. You can sign your valentines while they sign theirs. Crunched for cash during the current economic fiasco? Forget the grown-up cards and get your own pack of SpongeBob SquarePants or Spiderman cards. Hand them out to neighbors, co-workers, and send them to the friends we never have time to call. Betcha that silly little pink and red square will make your co-workers laugh (and bring back goofy memories) and reconnect you with neighbors and friends. Best of all, you’ll be spreading a little love. We all need more love.
Psst…if you email me your address, I’ll send you a Valentine, too! (a (dot) amasova (at) gmail (dot) com)
I agree, all you need it love, though often it can be hard to remember that, well said
What a great idea! I may not manage a big list, but
I will at least remember to give my valentine a valentine this year!
A fantastic idea! You are so clever!
@simplybe I’m all about the love, and try to remember not to take it for granted.
@crabby The programmer usually gets two valentines–one silly (b/c I’m more of a goofball than a poetic romantic) and one sweet where I try to write a heartfelt message
@Mark I’m just incredibly in love with pink and hearts and the programmer thinks it is cute to feed my addiction
we started making valentines last night for my Toddlers ‘class’
they are a giant mess sticky sloppy and filled with candy, err, love.
@MizFit According to the programmer, the ones with candy were the BEST. Guess you can still charm a guy through his stomach even when he’s 5, Lol.
Hope the week is going fantastic!