Dear reader, I know: I'm supposed to be moving. I'm supposed to be wrapping crystal goblets in feathery sheets of tissue and they are not supposed to shatter. I'm supposed to be closing boxes and summing up their contents in one measly word, a limit which has thus far confounded me. I'm supposed to be waiting for a plumber to come diagnose a mysterious sound emanating from within the walls of our home (it's a ghost...why would anyone believe otherwise?). I'm supposed to be lighting candles, listening to Bach, stop-starting projects all over the house, and secretly sampling the Valentine's chocolate.
Wait--that last task has been definitively accomplished, but don't check it off the list yet.
Don't ever check it off the list.
It's just...scheduling a move during the season of love?!!
Voyons donc, il est vraiment malheureux!
Don't worry, though. I have plans. Not big plans, perhaps, but plans.
You know what I think would be very old-school lovely? To fold a piece of paper in half, cut out a half-heart shape, unfold it, write something sweet, and leave it for someone special.
Such as: I like you 10/10. Or: You're dreamy. Or: You deserve a puppy. Or: You run like the wind. Or: You're swell. Or: I like you better than freshly baked bread.
Or the ultimate: If I would've known you in high school, I would've asked you to prom.
Write it in pencil, no less, and if you make a spelling mistake, just scribble it out.
Another idea: Tollipop valentines. Every year I mean to create new ones, but you are still welcome to print as many of these as you'd like (just click on the link).
I don't know exactly where I'll be on Valentine's Day. But I do know I'll be looking for love. I'll be watching and waiting and believing in it...all day and every day, but especially on this day.
I'll be smiling at everyone I see. I'll be hugging everyone I can. I'll be saying Happy Valentine's Day like a broken record, only I'll mean it. I'll be handing out lollipops and chocolate hearts.
I hope I see lots of puppies and babies on that day, because you are allowed to make a ton of fuss over them.
I'd love to know what you are doing, dear reader. I'd love to know your simple, random Valentine's Day plans. Not so much the rose petals strewn across the threshold and candle lit dinners stuff, but more the sweet and less obvious gestures you intend to make.
Put love out there.
No matter what else is going on in your life, no matter how good, bad, chaotic, how disappointing or fulfilling--send something lovely out into the universe on that day of all days.
And possibly the next day, too.