Saturday, February 14, 2015

... 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 4th 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 14th.  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.

16 comments:

  1. Loving the 50s pulp style Dracula cover! I am surprised that ugly lamp didn' t scare him away!

    I have always been a huge vampire fan! I do share a name with the girl in Carmilla, after all!

    I enjoyed your post very much, fun to read about all the other celebrations on this day!

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    1. Ha ha about the lamp but Dracula has no fear :p

      Everyone forgets about Laura in that story! Of course you would remember!

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  2. I like Valentine's Day! I think it's a date to commemorate all kinds of love, and in that spirit, I always have a little party evening with those I love most in this world: my husband, my son, and my cat! I never buy into all the commercialism surrounding these occasions and just enjoy them in my own way. Having the Vampire's Day Soiree on Valentine's Day just makes a good thing even better! :D

    Happy Valentine's/Vampire's Day!!

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    1. I agree. The Vampire Soirée was the best. I'm discovering new blogs which is always fun.

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  3. Aww your Vampire Day sounds lovely from origami vampire fangs to heart shaped pizza's all to share with a guy who buys you dorky vampire books, what's not to love about such a day. Enjoy it all.

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    1. Jane, I just caught up reading your blog! My mother has made me quite a few little doll friends and I have several plush bats. Your dolls are amazing!

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  4. Aw, I also have a love in my life (married 16 years in March!) but he is a long haul trucker so couldn't be here this year. So I said Meh, I'm going to celebrate Vampire's Day instead! Thank you for sharing your love with us (I have the Dracula counting book for kids too!)

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    1. I confess... My Dracula counting book was for a very adult Me :) It was adorable!

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    1. It was although somehow I often end up setting up and cleaning up... Such is life. The students had fun and hopefully we recruited a few more English majors along the way.

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  6. That Vampire Haiku is great - what an awesome present! :)

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    1. All of the haikus make up an entire story which is even better!

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  7. Fabulous!

    I think my template for how I see Valentine's Day was set as a child when I read What Katy Did, and she hosts a Valentine's Day party for her siblings when she's recovering from a fall. A celebration of love, rather than romance. We generally don't bother with the actual holiday - Husband Underfoot's birthday is on the 16th Feb so we make a fuss then (tomorrow, in fact!).

    Love the gifts from your hubby, the Haiku is particularly inspired :)

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    1. Happy Birthday to your fella! Growing up I had a best friend with a birthday on the 10th and my birthday is on the 28th. There were several acquaintances who had February birthdaya so it's always a busy but short month.

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  8. I am now hungry for heart shaped pizza....wit blood red sun ripened tomatoes. I too am craving "garden -time", missing the dirt under my fingernails and mud on my boots. Hope we both get our hearts desire soon :D XXX

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  9. Quirkyalone Day is a holiday after my own heart. That's why I created Vampire's Day, to be an alternative, for people who prefer love at first bite. :) I LOVE everything in this post, especially the books and heart-shaped pizza! *drools*
    Thanks so much for attending the Soiree! Hope you had a happy Valentine's/Vampire's Day! ^♥^

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