“The whole classroom smells like chocolate, and you get to see how much neater your printing is than everyone else’s.”

Whimsical. A bit conceited.

Choosing the just-right valentine for each student in the elementary grades was a pleasant early-morning ritual.

Though it was, and is, fun to make valentines from scratch (bring on the doilies, glue, crayons and red and pink construction paper), an equally captivating process begins with is a shiny new box of mass-produced valentines.

I enjoyed fingering fresh cards even as I eschewed the bitter taste of glue. I liked sharpening a pencil. And the “who’s who” of class luminaries had to be feted with just the right card.

Evaluating my abundant treasure trove, I designated the zaniest, asymmetrical cartoon images with nothing sentimental whatsoever in words for the boys.

The pretty and pastel, detailed and lacy ones -- with schmaltzy sayings -- went to the girls.

Translation: Don’t hint, under any circumstances, that you care for any of the boys. A dismissive detachment is the way to go.

For the girls, make sure you reflect elegant taste to elicit the response: “Wow, Maria has extraordinary taste.”

Heartfelt history: For the history of the heart shape, you need look no further than an online article by Megan D. Robinson at https://www.artandobject.com/news/history-heart-shape . It was published Feb. 14, 2024.

She poses the provocative question: “How did this ubiquitous symbol ... come to be?” And she explores the highlights.

As the big day approaches, you will want all the facts to share with your kin and your friends.

There is little to startle us in modern times about Valentine’s Day, but its tragic origins cannot be denied.

One martyrdom -- that of a priest performing unauthorized marriages among soldiers during the Roman Empire, followed by his execution -- both occurring on Feb. 14.

“The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries, when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the ' lovebirds ' of early spring.”

Love is in the air: And, let’s face it -- next to Cupid on a valentine, a pair of lovebirds is a winner.

On one of my morning walks with Happy I heard two of the earliest Hillcrest lovebirds. The songs are beautiful to hear -- sweet and lingering.

It was after the bitter freeze of just a few days before.

Maybe my love of animals steered my purchase of a box of valentines at our trusty Walgreens in Richmond Heights. Dog, cat, dog, cat … I cannot wait to open it!

Dine with your valentine: The Rustic Grill at Stonewater, 1 Club Drive in Highland Heights, is serving up three-course dinners from 5 p.m. to closing on both Friday and Saturday (Feb. 14 and 15).

Cost is $59 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Dine in or carry out: Your choice.

“One of the best ways to connect with someone is through food,” she said. “We’ve worked very hard to make sure everything on our tasting menu is perfect.”

”Jan. 30 was opening night for two fantastic shows.“

“Remnants” is the inaugural exhibition for artist and master printmaker Karen D. Beckwith. It is a retrospective of her work, including 10 pieces from the Archives collection, plus more recent work, on display through March 22.

Beckwith’s hallmark is looking deeply at everyday objects and offering a unique take in her art.

Also at the Archives, one can ponder the world of prints. “Continuing Conversations: Woodblock to Inkjet” is an exhibition of works by regional printmakers, including Print Club of Cleveland members.

It also runs through March 22.

Curated by Baldwin Wallace University’s Paul Jacklitch, professor of art, and Darlene G. Michitsch, associate professor of art history, in conjunction with AAWR Executive Director Mindy Tousley, the show includes regional printmakers utilizing foundational media (relief, intaglio, planar) and expanding on them in an innovative fashion.

Techniques are varied, including hand-coloring, stenciling and found objects to laser-cut, digital and more.

Additional information can be read on the AAWR website , artistsarchives.org.

Sorry I missed it: A “show and tell” session was held, sponsored by the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Historical Society.

Participants brought an artifact or document relevant to South Euclid or Lyndhurst and spoke about it.

Step up! According to AI, “A valentine is a person who receives attention or a greeting on Valentine’s Day.” Will you be mine? Send updates, events, awards and accomplishments to [email protected] .

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