Hodge Podge Day: Valentine's Fun

There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more
profound. ~Diana Cortes

Today we have some lovely tidbits sent in by our readers. Long time subscriber Liz sent me this fun and easy Valentine's craft.

Paper Plate Valentines

a red paper plate (paint it red on the white side if it's
not red on both sides)
a red foil heart sticker
a white paper doily
a quarter piece of red construction paper
a heart shaped hole puncher
assorted sized, colored foam hearts (they come in a
canister at the craft store)
glue, such as Aileen's tacky glue in the gold bottle.
Elmer's as a second choice. Glue sticks won't do.

What to do: Stick the foil heart on the back of the plate in the center.
Take the tiniest foam hearts and glue them randomly around the foil heart. Punch heart shaped holes around the flat edge of the plate, randomly, with plenty of space between holes. Glue doily in the bottom of the front side of the plate. Cut a heart shape out of the construction paper and glue on top of the doily in the center. Write a message on the big construction paper heart, such as Happy Valentine's Day or To Mom, Love Me.

Write messages on a few of the foam hearts (like the candy hearts) and glue them around the flat edge of the plate in the front. We ended up using 12 hearts...4 of the larger size, & 8 of the next size down, set like clock numbers (the 4 larger hearts at 12, 3, 6 & 9) Glue the foam hearts on the edges of the plates, leaving a hole exposed for hanging when the glue dries. Hang it up
with a ribbon or string.

It sounds pretty involved, but really it's not. I expect to get a class of 18 first graders to do it in about 45 minutes, so 2 people should be able to do it in about 15! ~Liz

I love antique children's books and antique books of poems. This is a poem that I found in one, author unknown. ~Laura C.

WHAT LITTLE THINGS WILL DO

A crumb will feed a little bird
A thought prevent an angry word,
A seed bring forth full many a flower,
A drop of rain foretell a shower!

A little cloud the sun will hide.
A dwarf may prove a giant's guide.
A narrow plank a safe bridge form,
A smile some cheerless spirit warm!

A step begins the journey long.
A weak head oft outwits the strong.
A gull defies the angry sea.
A word will set a captive free!

A hornet goads the mighty beast,
A cry of "fire" breaks up a feast.
A glass shows wonders in the skies,
A little child confounds the wise!

A straw the wild wind's course reveals,
A kind act oft an old grudge heals,
A beacon light saves many a life,
A slight will often kindle strife!

A puff of smoke betrays the flame,
A pen-stroke e'en will blight a name,
A little hand may alms bestow,
A message small bring joy or woe!

The widow's mite a great gift proved,
A mother's prayer has heaven moved;
"Then let us not," the poet sings,
"Despite the gospel of small things."

Reader Kathy J. sent in this lovely quote:

Time Is:
Too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love,
Time is Eternity.
~Henry Van Dyke

On OFL we have recipes for Valentine's Day beverages!
http://oldfashionedliving.com/holidays/valentines4.html