This holiday was fraught with peril back during school days; we first made shoeboxes covered with Valentine paper, with a slot in the top for the anonymous cards. Would one get the cheap dime store Valentine (they came in a packet, so there were plenty) from one’s schoolmates? Or would everyone know that one was a pariah?
For the current crop of schoolchildren, it’s much easier. One can purchase a ready-made Valentine box. One’s card can bear your own name, but it can’t have the recipient’s name. And of course everyone gets a card. It’s an interesting watering down of this ancient custom.
As I am long past school age, I now send out electronic greetings to my friends. One does not often associate romance with Godzilla, but, I am a fan of the Kaiju, and so I set up little photo ops with my favorite for many holidays.
This year I was feeling ambitious, so I set up this little scene.
I did a couple of different poses, but I’m pretty sure that I chose the Tokyo one to send.
Here’s this year’s choice; hearts didn’t seem to fit, Godzilla needed a more urban look and I decided on this pose (the traditional candy heart is a must). And then while driving around this afternoon, I decided that this also needed a Godzilla haiku. (Godzilla haikus are a thing).
I call this true love
when I destroy the city
that I hold so dear
So this is how I celebrate this holiday in my own way. Happy Valentine’s Day (without the box).
Only you would put Godzilla and Valentine’s Day together.
Thank you for the entertaining photos.
Really—you can buy a ready-made Valentine box! And cards printed with your name so you don’t have to write it over-and-over again. Watering down the custom, indeed.
I remember decorating a shoe box. And the fun of making Valentines.