2014 Saturday — Valentine Luncheon

Today was the Valentine Luncheon at church. Of course, I read some of Ted Kooser's Valentine poetry. He is absolutely my favorite Valentine poet. So I read several of his poems.

We had so much fun. Before I read "A Perfect Heart" I handed-out red construction paper and everyone had brought scissors with them, so I instructed them to cut out a heart. Then I read:

"A Perfect Heart"

To make a perfect heart you take a sheet
of red construction paper of the type
that’s rough as a cat’s tongue, fold it once,
and crease it really hard, so it feels
as if your thumb might light up like a match,

then choose your scissors from the box. I like
those safety scissors with the sticky blades
and the rubber grips that pinch a little skin
as you snip along. They make you careful,
just as you should be, cutting out a heart

for someone you love. Don’t worry that your curve
won’t make a valentine; it will. Rely
on chewing on your lip and symmetry
to guide your hand along with special art.
And there it is at last: a heart, a heart!


The cutting of construction paper was just a hoot. We had one table of women that were just a riot as they cut and created. Several tables of ladies got very quiet and serious as they snipped with scissors. We had a blast and had lots of laughter.

The meal was delicious. Readings also included scripture, a story, and we finished with singing what I like to call the "this I know song" as Rebecca led us. Everyone sang. We had a very good time.

Happy Day after Valentine's Day.
Good night from Southern California,
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol