... Vampires vs. Valentines...

This morning I woke to a Facebook feed filled with Valentine's Day posts... Some were quite angry, individuals who clearly hate the holiday; and, some were loving, individuals who were embracing the day. Today isn’t only Valentine’s Day but it is also National Frederick Douglass Day; National Library Lovers Day; National Cream-filled Chocolates Day; Pet Theft Awareness Day; and, International Quirkyalone Day described as “a do-it-yourself celebration of romance, friendship, and independent spirit. It’s a celebration of all kinds of love: romantic, platonic, familial, and yes, self-love. International Quirkyalone Day is not anti-Valentine’s Day. It’s NOT a pity party for single people. It’s an alternative–a feel-good alternative to the marketing barrage of Valentine’s Day and an antidote to the silicone version of love presented in shows such as Hooking Up and The Bachelor.” I kind of like the idea of this day because even if one is coupled like I am, it is a reminder “to value yourself and develop your individuality even when in a couple.”

And, of course today is the 4^th Annual (and my first) Vampire’s Day Soiree. Described as, “no longer a day to dread, when it's all about the love of the undead!” Hmm, I guess I’m in the minority who don’t dread February 14^th.  And to those who say it’s easy not to hate the day because “you’re so lucky that you found your guy” I don’t try to hide that I’ve been divorced TWICE and it was a long road to get here. Plus, when we met, I was perfectly happily planning my Happily-Ever-After with MYSELF! There was a slight grieving period (and he knows it) when we started dating because I had big plans for ME being ME… and in many ways, these plans have come to fruition but with a fella by my side… one who is in the other room (gasp! It’s Valentine’s Day) watching some superhero movie while I am in the office typing this post. 

To be honest, I’m usually sick with some sort of sinus infection which is not sexy or even remotely attractive but is a reality in this climate for me. I actually think of love and vampires every day... and my fella loves that I love vampires. He even gives me dorky vampire books including a few Valentine's Days ago he gifted a Vampire Haiku book. 

Vampire Haiku

My fella and I don’t have over-the-top celebrations. He often brings me planted flowers because he understands that this time of year is hard for me—not much garden time and dreary weather. Last night, I discovered that I could order a heart-shaped pizza and completely dorked out and ordered a vegetarian (undead!... well, I suppose vegetables were alive so never mind) one. For the record, heart-shaped pizzas are difficult to cut and handle. But then I spent time with my fella sharing pictures from the Uncanny Party (aside: more dorky fun! And unfortunately while I can share pictures of me, I need to cut out colleagues and our students so in the end, I can’t share much).     

Cobwebs had me in the creative spirit yesterday while I was attempting to make Origami Vampire Fangs after her link dumps post. Yep, there is a reason that I’m not including my own picture. An aside: one day I will learn that origami is not a skill that I possess. Until that time I will continually become excited and attempt these little projects. But I teach a vampire course and in my introduction to literature course, we’re finishing Dracula so lately I’ve been feeling a little like a cliché. I mean, I do have OTHER interests!

Vampire Me

But today for Vampire’s Day Soiree I’m going to try to do a few fun I-Heart-Vampires activities while loving the fella I’ve chosen.