Today: I want to write the world a valentine.
[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]February 14th marks a day to be as openly mushy (or, if you’re so inclined, as miserable) as you like. Personally, I wish that childhood tradition of handwriting a valentine to everyone in the class (regardless of how annoying, tall, loud, or smelly one might be) carried over into adulthood. Wouldn’t it be lovely to acknowledge the whole red line car, or Starbucks line, or cubicle row with a box of conversation hearts? Or a cardboard fold-over Sesame Street card, affixed with a tiny red heart sticker?
When I was younger, and my grandfather was still alive, my grandmother would sign all of our birthday cards like this: “Love, xGrandma and Grandpao” Just like a hug and a kiss, the two of them belonged together. In some ways, it was as if my birthday card was also a valentine, from one grandparent to another. I often think about that sweet signature when I sign my own name on birthday or Christmas cards. I think about them a lot when I think about love.
Whether it’s a note to your better half, a phone call to a parent, an extra game of fetch with your furry pal, or a flower for a friend, valentines need not be limited to just one day. After all, what bad could come from sending a little bit of extra love out into the world?
I hope you all have a very happy Valentine’s Day.
Also On Tap for Today:
- The ‘best ever brownie’ pictured above? That’s all Halley.
- I bet Bobby Valentine loves 2/14
- These valentines are making me hungry
Did you write valentines to classmates as a kid?
Comments (3)
fitinthemidwest
February 13, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Totally did the valentine exchange with classmates and always wished that the boy I liked would give me one. I can’t remember if he ever did, but it doesn’t matter now since I have a new crush, my husband. Have a good Valentine’s Day tomorrow!
Heather
February 14, 2012 at 8:50 am
i love that sweet story about your grandmother signing your cards with x’s and o’s! Thanks for sharing. Totally put a smile on my face.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, my partner in Nick-lovin’ crime. [that’s my new name for you. you know, since both our men share the same name. I know, I know – I am UBER clever!]
funandfearlessinbeantown
February 14, 2012 at 9:48 am
I loved writing valentines as a kid. I woke up this morning to find a few Strawberry Shortcake and puppy ones hidden in our house by B. It started off my day on the right note. Happy Valentine’s Day!