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Sarah Walker is an Archivist
at the State Historical Society. She graduated from UND with a degree in English, History and Classical Studies, and is also the Senior Editor for the NDYP newsletter.
Contact Sarah
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Hearts Aplenty, and a Contest
I love Valentine’s Day.
Honestly, I’m not sure if that’s really something people confess to, anymore. I think these days that celebrating it as “Black Sunday,” or Black whatever-day-of-the-week-it-falls-on, is more acceptable. I know there will be a section of people wearing all black on the day of red. That some people who are in relationships will say or pretend that this day means nothing to them. It's true that it can get overly cheesy, as well. Giant teddy bears and fuzzy kittens and big red velvet hearts are all portents of the season to come. And roses! Don’t forget roses.
Many people the country over will revile this day, but I just can’t bear to. Because I can’t hate a day full of hearts. Because I love to wear red and pink (not together!). Because it makes me think of Nat King Cole’s song “L-O-V-E,” which I greatly enjoy. Because it makes me think of the song “My Funny Valentine,” which I’ll be singing for the rest of the month. Mostly, though, because I know, ahem, the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. And no, it’s not chocolate, though that’s quite close.
It’s love!
I know what you’re thinking. “Duh!” … But did you ever think about the sort of love that Valentine’s Day can inspire? Aside from the romantic variety, that is.
Some cultures, like the Greeks, had different words for different type of love. Holy love. Love for a significant other. Love for a brother or sister. Love for a guest! We group all these types under the L-word. What about love for our homes? For our communities? For our co-workers and friends and family and networks? And love for our state?
Not only do I love Valentine’s Day, I also love North Dakota! And, as recipients of the NDYP newsletter, I assume you do, too.
So, I challenge you to tell us why you love your state, your community, your work. What about it is unique? What about it is different? And how does that affect you?
Consider this a contest. We’ll publish the top answers in the newsletter! Your answer can be in any form—written, photographed, some other creative venue that I cannot begin to imagine right now. (I really hope we get at least one haiku. I love haikus!). There may or may not be a prize for the top answers. There will definitely be bragging rights, though. Just get it to us by March 14!
When you talk about Valentine’s Day and how much you hate it, think just for a minute about what you do love. Because that’s what V-Day is all about, right? All kinds of love.
All you need is love, after all.
Yeah, yeah, I know – pure cheese.
Read Sarah's Past Columns here
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