Leafdays

I am really into holidays. Christmas is my favourite of course, but Easter, Hallowe’en, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, even poor, nearly forgotten Guy Fawkes night cause a heady rush of excitement that sees me decorating the house, crafting into the early hours of the morning and cooking holiday food for an army (even though the only takers are my husband and my children).

All the holidays except one, that is—Valentine’s Day. I am not sure why, but I have never really liked it very much.I don’t really see much point in it, I suppose, And since red is one of the colours I like the least and the heart is one of my least favourite shapes, it doesn’t really excite me from a visual perspective either. But my mantra this year is to look for fresh challenges, so I thought I’d join not one, but two Valentine’s Day blog parties—the one hosted by Collage Diva and the one hosted by  Flatwoods Folk Art. Since they both require partygoers to post Valentine’s Day inspired art, imagery or writing, that’s one heck of a lot of hearts, red blotches and romance for me to contend with.

Which is why Valentine’s Day is my self-imposed challenge for the week. I am going to see just how much decadent romance I can fit into the next seven days. Mine is going to be a very feminine take on Valentine’s Day—lots of prettier than pretty lace, ribbons and roses. But since I can’t stand vivid red, it will all be in shades of pale red—better known to the world as pink. 

Here’s my first attempt—a digital collage with a picture of my paternal grandparents, Carlo and Nina, looking very much in love. I am not completely happy with it, but can’t quite point the finger on what’s not working for me, so I am posting it as is. 

Digital collage: my grandparents in 1937