There's something I love about February. It can be a pretty dreary month, but it's also the time when forced bulbs are beginning to make an appearance in the stores and thoughts of spring are on everyone's minds. There's
Groundhog Day (despite the winter storminess, today he did not see his shadow; spring is near!). And then there's Valentine's Day. I know that not everyone likes Valentine's Day. It's a bit cliche and bogged down by tackiness. But Valentine's Day always makes me think of the shoeboxes we decorated in grade school for the Valentines that we were all required to give each other. It makes me think of visits we did with my class one year to shut-ins, bringing cookies and pots of daffodils to brighten some older peoples' days. It makes me think of handmade cards crafted from doilies and construction paper and glitter. It makes me think of cupcakes and freshly baked cookies. It makes me remember the sweatshirt my mom embellished for me, appliqueing hearts across the front so I'd have something festive to wear to school. I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for a time during the bleakness of winter when we share a little more love. (And have an excuse to bake some cupcakes).
So, in the spirit of the holiday, to share some love and thanks and just for fun, I decided to offer my very first giveaway on my blog this month! To one lucky winner I will be giving this pink, corduroy, heart-shaped pin cushion embellished with vintage pearl buttons (it also makes a nice place to keep your brooches or even store your push pins if you're not a sewer).
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by February 14th sharing a favorite Valentine's day memory or the thing that annoys you most about this holiday or what you most like or dislike about February. Then on February 15th I'll be choosing one winner in a fun and random way. Thank you to all who participated!
Plus, as a bonus, until the end of the month
I will be giving away a free gift with every purchase in my Etsy shop. The gifts will be a surprise, but I have a variety of fun odds and ends like more pincushions, some sweet bracelets and a few other secret bits sitting around just waiting.
I like any excuse to celebrate. Sure Valentines, like many holidays, can be tacky, commercial & hold negatives. BUT only if we let it, because really like everything it is the way we approach it. I think it is wonderful to show someone you love them and celebrate the positive side of love. Plus I am a complete sucker for romance. I think positives can be found in most celebrations and I'm all for doing anything that makes another person feel good.
ReplyDeleteKat :-)
My favorite valentine's memory? Definitely making valentines with my daughter when she was little and seeing her pleasure as she gave them to her grandparents and friends. All those heart shaped doilies, red construction paper and glitter that stayed around for days...great fun!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win your giveaway, Anne. Your button heart is beautiful!
What a sweet little heart :). Good luck with your shop!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in middle school, there was some kind of tradition of putting tiny red heart stickers on each other's uniform shirt's collar. Those who got lots of stickers meant that he or she was quite popular :-)
ReplyDeleteQuite a cute memory!
How cute! I think my best memories are from grade school like you mentioned, when we had the class parties. I always love seeing all the different Valantine's you would get.
ReplyDeleteMy valentine memories are waiting for the post man to arrive and not receiving a card!!! I live in the UK Anne so I am not expecting to go in the giveaway. I just wanted to comment!!! I have mentioned you and your Mum on my blog so you may be getting some new visitors at the farm!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely pin cushion! And how sweet of you to have a giveaway. I'm one of those people who likes Valentine's day. And what do I like about February? I love the promise of Spring time.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to pop in and say thanks to those who have shared your memories and I wanted to mention that it doesn't matter what country you live in for my giveaway. One of the things that has been so much fun about the blog world is "meeting" all sorts of interesting people from all over the world!
ReplyDeleteIt may not be my favorite memory about Valentines Day, but it is one of the sweetest.
ReplyDeleteWhen Phillip (Anne's younger brother by 2 years) was in 7th grade, he had a crush on an 8th grade girl. The very small parochial grade school they attended was just across the street from Audrey's, a most lovely floral/gift shop. As school was dismissed, Phil walked through the driving snow to Audreys and purchased a single long stemmed rose for his sweetheart. I know this because I was sitting in my car in the school parking lot waiting to take him home, observing his trek to and then from the shop, rose in hand.
And for all of you who find your way to MyGiantStrawberry, I must say the sweet things Anne has going on her studio desk are beautiful. Once again, this lucky mother gets to observe the most pleasant activities of her offspring. Happy Valentines Day and good luck to each of you.
heehee! Sharon,what a beautiful memory to have :)
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm, I've never really been one or valentines day but I DO remember when I received a card from the brother of my best friend who I had a crush on as BIG as the Eiffel tower! I must have been about 13 and was floating on cloud 9 all morning,quite unable to believe that he would even be remotely interested..(he was a good 6 or 7 years older!!) Eventually my best friend confessed she'd bribed him with £5 and a bag of his favourite sweets to sign the card she'd bought!!! heehee!! I was SOOOO gutted!!ohhh, how funny I'd forgotten all about that!! :)xx
ps...LOVE your little heart..soooo pretty
I Think I found a winner Anne!! I can't tell you who I think should but.....
ReplyDeletehmm better not! lol. Just wanted to let you know that I decided for you ;)
Valentines day was generally a sad day for me. Before I married my now Husband and I was single I hated the day. HATE is a strong word!! LOL
But now I am determined to make it special and enjoyable, I hope I can be the one to flip the cloud that rains on some people on that day of homade cards! It is hard to decide to make it a good day, but it starts and ends with a decision!
Thanks, everyone! And, Jenny, your story reminds me of a Valentine's humiliation of my own. For YEARS I had a tremendous crush on a boy in my class. A friend of mine was going shopping and I asked her to get a present for me to give to him. She did and even wrapped it (it was a poster of a Lamborghini). Well, he unwrapped it and instead of loving it (and me) he started going on about how I couldn't buy his love. My friend hadn't removed the price tag!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, like lots of holidays (probably even more so than many), Valentine's day can just serve as a reminder to those people who are alone, or feeling alone. I remember wearing black on Valentine's day during high school in protest. And one of my favorite pictures of my best friend from college is of her on Valentine's day, giving the finger with both hands as her statement about the day.
Hugs to you all and I hope to see more memories and thoughts shared here.
DH and I had only been in Chicago a few years. I guess we did not realize what a big deal Valentine's day had become. We innocently decided to go out for dinner on 2/14 not even aware that every other couple in the tri-state area would be doing so as well. We were naively surprised to find long lines and no seating at every place we tried. We wisely, if not romantically, decided to go home and have supper in. Our celebrations have been personal and low-key pretty much ever since. I love the hand drawn valentines he gives me, invariably featuring our cat.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pin cushion..I think what I love most about February is that it is that much closer to Spring time..I love how the sun is out more, I start bringing out my spring decorations and it puts a little more spring in my step..Have a great Valentines Day.
ReplyDeletesherry
Thanks to all of you who participated in my giveaway!!
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