Thanks for this. I was just working on my post for Friday in which I talk a bit about my own Valentine's grinchiness. But I also posted a note yesterday about a tradition here in Portland, Maine that makes the day special every year. Since 1979, the Valentine's Day Bandit has crept out under cover of night and plastered downtown Portland with red hearts and giant heart banners, even out in the harbor on Fort Gorges. His name was Kevin Fahrman and he died last spring. His family started a foundation in his name (www.beakevin.com) and posted a replica of his heart for us all to print and carry on the tradition. And a new group of volunteers has pulled together to organize the effort every year. I'm not wild about the Hallmark side of the holiday. But the Valentine's Day Bandit is the kind of celebration I can get behind. It's all very hush-hush, but I may or may not have printed out a few hearts myself and run around after dark last night to post them. I was delighted today to see I was not the only one. https://www.pressherald.com/?p=7266639&uuid=a9da8a8f-e14f-4428-9af5-ad4246cf8f58&lid=8919
I find there is a romantic element to almost EVERY ONE of my platonic friendships. I love telling my friends I love them, sending them little cards and presents, voicenote lovenotes. Heather Havrilesky talked today in Ask Polly about falling in love over and over again with people, things, in all sorts of platonic ways.
I also love valentines day but only because I love EVERY holiday.
The TV show Parks & Rec introduced me to Galentine’s Day, so yesterday I sent to all my gals the requisite funny screenshots of Leslie Knope getting fired up about Galentine’s Day. :) Today we’d normally have a romantic dinner for six, but one is away at college, one will be with his girlfriend, and it’s Ash Wednesday and we’re (Religious Left types) Catholic, so it will be just snacks for us (not the littlest one, though.) Basically I view it as “love your people” day. But I should add: years ago, in college and grad school, one of my guy friends threw an anti-Valentines party every year— anyone who was unattached could go. We all wore black, brought food to share, enjoyed the See’s Candy his dad always gave for V Day, and watched “Dangerous Liaisons” because it was so brutal about love and ends badly. A couple of years I had to miss it because I had a boyfriend, and I remember wishing I was just at the party. But the fellow who used to throw the anti-Valentines party hasn’t in a while because we’ve now been married 25 years. :)
I enjoy making Valentine's Day gift bags for my young adult kids (one is home and one in college) filled with random treats, Dollar Tree finds and gift-y items from Target. I also send a box to my niece (gift giving is my love language, I guess).
My husband usually gets me flowers. Sometimes we go out, this year we are staying in. I'm not quite a Grinch, but I do dislike a fuss made over me. A light celebration is good.
My husband and I like to celebrate February 15th, when all the candy goes on sale. Those pink and red M&Ms taste just as good after the holiday. This year, he and my son surprised me with a Mexican Coke and I learned there is nothing sweeter than a three year old running towards you saying "Mom! Mom! Happy Valentine's! Mom!" and not breaking the glass bottle. Hooray for love!
Thanks for this. I was just working on my post for Friday in which I talk a bit about my own Valentine's grinchiness. But I also posted a note yesterday about a tradition here in Portland, Maine that makes the day special every year. Since 1979, the Valentine's Day Bandit has crept out under cover of night and plastered downtown Portland with red hearts and giant heart banners, even out in the harbor on Fort Gorges. His name was Kevin Fahrman and he died last spring. His family started a foundation in his name (www.beakevin.com) and posted a replica of his heart for us all to print and carry on the tradition. And a new group of volunteers has pulled together to organize the effort every year. I'm not wild about the Hallmark side of the holiday. But the Valentine's Day Bandit is the kind of celebration I can get behind. It's all very hush-hush, but I may or may not have printed out a few hearts myself and run around after dark last night to post them. I was delighted today to see I was not the only one. https://www.pressherald.com/?p=7266639&uuid=a9da8a8f-e14f-4428-9af5-ad4246cf8f58&lid=8919
I find there is a romantic element to almost EVERY ONE of my platonic friendships. I love telling my friends I love them, sending them little cards and presents, voicenote lovenotes. Heather Havrilesky talked today in Ask Polly about falling in love over and over again with people, things, in all sorts of platonic ways.
I also love valentines day but only because I love EVERY holiday.
Happy Valentine's day, friend!! xxxx
The TV show Parks & Rec introduced me to Galentine’s Day, so yesterday I sent to all my gals the requisite funny screenshots of Leslie Knope getting fired up about Galentine’s Day. :) Today we’d normally have a romantic dinner for six, but one is away at college, one will be with his girlfriend, and it’s Ash Wednesday and we’re (Religious Left types) Catholic, so it will be just snacks for us (not the littlest one, though.) Basically I view it as “love your people” day. But I should add: years ago, in college and grad school, one of my guy friends threw an anti-Valentines party every year— anyone who was unattached could go. We all wore black, brought food to share, enjoyed the See’s Candy his dad always gave for V Day, and watched “Dangerous Liaisons” because it was so brutal about love and ends badly. A couple of years I had to miss it because I had a boyfriend, and I remember wishing I was just at the party. But the fellow who used to throw the anti-Valentines party hasn’t in a while because we’ve now been married 25 years. :)
I enjoy making Valentine's Day gift bags for my young adult kids (one is home and one in college) filled with random treats, Dollar Tree finds and gift-y items from Target. I also send a box to my niece (gift giving is my love language, I guess).
My husband usually gets me flowers. Sometimes we go out, this year we are staying in. I'm not quite a Grinch, but I do dislike a fuss made over me. A light celebration is good.
This was sweet and thought provoking. Thank you!
My husband and I like to celebrate February 15th, when all the candy goes on sale. Those pink and red M&Ms taste just as good after the holiday. This year, he and my son surprised me with a Mexican Coke and I learned there is nothing sweeter than a three year old running towards you saying "Mom! Mom! Happy Valentine's! Mom!" and not breaking the glass bottle. Hooray for love!