Hearts and Memories

The other night, Sam and I were discussing what we might want to do for Valentine's Day.  Of course, there could be surprises, but this year I think that might take the form of small presents and cards.  It will definitely not be a trip or anything expensive.  We both have our sights set on a much bigger vacation in September!  Don't think we are even going out to a restaurant.  Just planning an intimate day to ourselves with some special choices for a dinner we will prepare together.

Our talk got me thinking of other Valentine Days.  Sam and I have

been together for a long time now.  We have been valentines since we were 15 years old.  High school sweethearts and lots of memories.  I remember a high school dance and a corsage for my dress.  Dancing close.  One Valentine's Day Sam gave me his class ring to wear on a gold chain around my neck.  We were "going steady," and that was high romance for sure.


Going farther back, I was all about creating a masterpiece valentine mailbox with an old shoe box and reading over and over each and every card I received.  I recall choosing my own valentines was a huge decision.  Favored cowboys or Disney characters.  When I escaped Catholic school and started 4th grade at public school, there was a real Valentine's Day party!  Cookies and cupcakes and punch.  And I loved when my dad would sing me 
                                  "My Funny Valentine."

 Jump forward to "First comes love, then comes marriage.  Then comes Ella with the baby carriage."  I remember helping my boys with their valentines before they could even print.  Baking cookies for parties and being "Room Mom" some years.  I didn't work when

the guys were small, and we were used to being broke for many

years.  There was one Valentine's Day when I really wanted to take the boys for lunch at White Castle.  I actually had $1.72 left until Sam got paid.  The little one and I picked up big brother from kindergarten and went "out on the town."  They each had a burger and split the fries and soda.  I had a cup of coffee.



There was one year when I won us a fancy dinner at a posh

restaurant from writing a risque Valentine poem for a radio contest.  It was a rock station and the morning DJs were bawdy to say the least.  I do not remember the poem much at all except that it had to do with a paternity lawsuit.  They thought it was hilarious.  The dinner was worth more than the fabric for my wedding gown.



Once the kids were both in school all day, Sam and I used to arrange what we called "executive lunches."  If we could both sneak away from work for a whole hour, we would rush home for some crazy fast love-making before tearing off to return to work.  We called it an "executive lunch" because Sam had a suit on , and I loved how he looked with it on and with it off.
  

One Valentine's Day I was sure to beat him home so I could arrange a surprise.  I had cut out 100 red paper hearts and arranged them in a path from the front door to the bedroom.  Carefully drew little red hearts on the insides of my legs and sat up on the bed splayed out in red panties and waiting for my valentine.  Sounds pretty cheesy now, but  being poor can inspire one to be creative.


When I was teaching, Valentine's Day was always called "Friendship Day."  My parties were renowned.  They started at 9:00 am and lasted until 3:30 pm.  We had math lessons with boxes of little candy hearts.  Reading included stories of friendship and silly poems.  Love letters to moms and dads and grandparents.  Besides exchanging valentines, we watched Milo and Otis, my favorite friendship movie.  You may be appalled, but there were tons of snacks and sweets.  I never minded the kids amped up on sugar once in a while. It was fun in small doses.

I think of life now in terms of "Before ttwd" and "After ttwd."  Valentine's Day in the bedroom is a lot more exciting with ttwd than before.  The spanking happens all over the house - only limited by Sam's imagination.  Last Valentine's Day, he got us a leather razor strap.  That one can be fun or not, again depending on Sam's mood.  Our

toy drawer is full of choices, and I really have no idea where we put Sam's sweaters.  Just never looked back.  There is also a dynamite red and black corset along with black stockings in that drawer.  While I no longer care about flowers or jewelry, a thoughtful card is still very nice.  I am a huge Shakespeare fan, and pretty words are always appreciated.

               "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.
                   And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind."

                          from A Midsummer's Night Dream
                                       Act 1, Scene 1

Although I am not a Shakespeare expert, I do believe those lines written in iambic pentameter could be interpreted as,

                               "It's fun to do it blindfolded, too."

                        Here is wishing each one of my readers 
                          their own happy little "Ever After" 
                                     for this day of love.