Happy Valentine’s Day-and Poetry Friday
Valentine’s Day has been one of my favorite holidays for a long time. It mostly wasn’t a romantic holiday, though–although I have had a few. But mostly it’s a time I shared with children–my own and the one’s in my classes. I can’t tell you how many felt hearts I’ve stuffed with lavender and sent home or how many lace doilies I’ve made into Valentine’s cards. The table in my Parent-Child classroom had glitter permanently embedded from Valentine-making fun.
And I liked to tell the puppet story of the Queen of Hearts–I’ve already packed all my puppets, so I can’t share that with you–but here’s an illustration I did of that nursery rhyme.
This year—
I had a quiet day on Valentine’s Day. My day was spent working on 2 projects (one indexing and one editing) and packing. I felt a little melancholy, but mostly nostalgic. But I’ve been feeling that way a lot as I sort through all of my stuff. I thought about a Valentine’s Day back when I was in 2d grade. We lived in Chicago then–just for a year. And my mom threw a Valentine’s day party for the girls in my class. The part I remember is that we made hats out of paper plates and streamers and other decorations.
A song for V- Day
Here’s a favorite song that I used to sing as part of my circle for Valentine’s Day:
And a romantic poem, just because:
LOVE’S PHILOSOPHY
The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?—
(read the rest here:
by Shelley
How do you celebrate Valentine’s day?
I hope you had a day–and that every day–filled with love. What was your favorite Valentine’s Day.
And here are some thoughts about kindness, in case you need some of that, too.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
I’ll be visiting my parents next week, so may not be sharing anything. But I’ll be back!
xoxo
I enjoyed hearing about your Valentine’s Day memories. I also started associating it with love more generally because of my kids and classroom valentines.
The Shelley poem is swoon-worthy. His rep isn’t so great, though– I saw a “Snog, Marry, Avoid” this week about romantic poets, and Byron got Snog, Keats got Marry, and Shelley got Avoid…
Thanks, Tabatha. It’s such a gift to get to celebrate with children. I don’t know much about Shelley’s reputation–but I’ll check it out.
Awwwwwww, sweets for the sweet. I am mostly nostalgic on Valentine’s Day too. Wonderful memories of crafting fun! Perfect lovey-dovey poem for the day as well.
Thanks, Linda. I still love crafting with my daughters when they’re around. Glad you liked the poem–I just found it recently and it’s a new favorite.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Susan! Enjoyed this post — especially the Shelley poem (new to me) and your Queen of Hearts drawing (tarts always get my attention).
Thanks! Tarts always get my attention, too! Especially if they’re filled with strawberries.
Happy Belated Valentine’s Day! It was delightful to view your valentines and read the Shelley poem. Enjoy your time tie with family.
Thanks, Carol. I missed my daughters this Valentine’s day. But I’m glad they’re off doing what they need to do.
What sweet Valentine’s Day memories. I usually get my children some candy. Hubby and I aren’t big into a special day, but we surprise each other with thoughtful gifts and gestures all throughout the year.
Surprises all year round sounds wonderful!