You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘Valentine’s Day’ tag.
Self-Portrait from OWIP.org
Today’s the big day! With St. Valentine’s Day upon us, we each have an excuse to express affection and declare love. You have a little extra leeway to be lovey-dovey, so go ahead! Show appreciation for the people, places, and things in your neighborhood out on the sidewalk, in the comments section below, or wherever you have the chance.
Through the Lovin’ the ‘hood project, many of my neighbors have already begun to celebrate the expressive heart of valentine’s day. Today marks the final chapter in our celebration and, with it comes a heap of gratitude and a few particularly important valentines.
First, a valentine for Our World in Pictures, or OWIP, for short. Jeff and Christina Gora, co-creators of this artistic initiative, have been working with young photographers in the neighborhood for almost 4 years. Through their non-profit, they lead photography workshops, provide mentors, and take students out to photograph their home environments. When I mentioned the Lovin’ the ‘hood project to them, they not only welcomed the idea, they joined in the fun! OWIP helps young people observe and capture images of their spaces from a different perspective and the portraits they helped students create through this project are purely wonderful.
No. 33
Valentine By OWIP, Photo By OWIP.org
A valentine also goes to the kids and grown-ups at the Kids’ Cafe of East Seventh Street Community Center. Without their enthusiasm and appreciation of art, we never could have gotten so many neighbors to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new way.
No. 34
Valentine By Sarah, Photo By OWIP.org
Valentine By Sarah, Photo By OWIP.org
Last, but not least, we have a very special valentine for the neighborhood. Made with the help of some friends, this video was featured on Live Love in the World, a blog written by author Margot Starbuck, to inspire others to love creatively on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy and share this link with those you love to spread the story of Lovin’ the ‘hood. Happy Valentine’s Day from our neighborhood to yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 31
Valentine For Sherry By Rona
No. 32
Valentine By Steve & Pedro
Being a good neighbor often involves work. We work to create positive change in our communities, to encourage stability and build connections. The results are often hard to see, if not invisible. However, there is one type of labor that creates a visible and edible change—the work of growing gardens and producing harvests. When those who tend gardens are willing to share the wealth and bring others alongside them in the work, the impact on the neighborhood is exponential! Today’s valentines honor neighbors who are growing good things.
At the burgeoning Fourth Street Farm around the corner from my house, blackberry bushes, pear trees, raised beds, and a brilliantly blue chicken coop stand as striking emblems of this neighborhood’s ability to grow. This lush oasis will provide neighbors with a model of the possibilities of urban agriculture. In the meantime, the farm, operated by Sherry, Geoff, and Isaac, is already producing eggs and plenty of excitement. Rona, our neighbor dedicated to celebrating good food in the Bluegrass, has even had the chance to cook up some recipes for the eggs on her blog, Savoring Kentucky. Her valentine stands as a testimony to the quality of the goods!
A few blocks away on Rand Avenue, Pedro, Steve, Luella, and Elizabeth are installing an edible landscape, collecting eggs from their new chickens, and preparing to put their rabbits to the work of reproducing. These two couples are sharing their harvests and inspiring others to do the same as they follow the model of an agricultural co-op. Pedro and Steve are a dynamic duo–growing, raising, building, eating, and researching together. Their valentine is a reminder of the friendships that grow from shared life and work.
In addition to growing gardens, we are working to grow change in our neighborhood through a community art project called Lovin’ the ‘hood. We believe declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity can bring fresh conversation and appreciation to communities. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 27
Valentine By Teontae, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 28
"I Love Being With My Daddy" By Jeremaine & Leah, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 29
"I Love All the Nice People", Photo By OWIP.org
No. 30
"I Love the People in the Neighborhood" By Lakeya, Photo By OWIP.org
Within the context of a neighborhood there coexist many forms of relationship. There are the intimate bonds of family between parents and children, siblings, husbands and wives and there are relationships between friends and neighbors. We all share the common experience of living in the same environment, yet there are certain factors that define each type of connection. Loved ones we encounter in the privacy of home, where we let our hair down and curl up in our pajamas. Neighbors we see along sidewalks, in front yards, on porches, and at the coffee shop. There is still a certain intimacy inherent in seeing folks in their home-away-from-home, but it is easy to maintain an acquaintance-type relationship with those you only drift past.
In urban dwellings, it’s hard not to overlap with others. It’s a part of life to overhear private conversations, or catch people when there guard is down, but community is formed when we get to know others with intentionality. Each of us lives within the balance of our public and private selves and we determine who we allow into our lives. We can cherish the unique relationships formed within a family, but life is truly lived when we dare to include the “other”, the outsider, and the new person in our lives.
Valentines can express appreciation for those closest to our hearts–like moms and dads–or they can reach out and show appreciation for the community in all its diverse brilliance. Through a project called Lovin’ the ‘hood, the people of my neighborhood are supporting a new approach to the celebration of Valentine’s Day. We believe declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity can bring fresh conversation and appreciation to communities. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 25
"I Love Exercise & Family Life" By Decideria
No. 26
Valentine By Luella & Elizabeth
There is a crowd that gathers at William Wells Brown Community Center each week to get fit and have fun doing Zumba. As they dance together, they encourage one another, laugh, and sweat. I joined them a few weeks ago and found I was surrounded by lots of friends, some of whom had never met one another. We exchanged introductions in English and Spanish, and I discovered that, for each of them, this weekly gathering was by far their favorite thing in the neighborhood.
These three women, connected by their shared adventures in exercise, have created both an English and Spanish expression of appreciation. Their work is part of a project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood and, through these images, neighbors are supporting a new approach to the celebration of Valentine’s Day. We believe declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity can bring fresh conversation and appreciation to communities. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 24
Valentine By Kurt & Kremena
"I Love Intersections" By Kremena & Kurt
A city is a strange and wondrous thing. It can function as a microcosm of Earth with various ecosystems, cycles, and lifeforms existing within its bounds, while also bearing resemblance to an organism that lives, breathes, and excretes waste. In a spectacular exploration of the city’s complexity, entitled Cities, Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich of Radiolab went in search of the “details that make urban life unique.” In one hour, they use science and the sounds of the street to discuss and study the rhythm, nature, and personality of places. The question they pose is, “How do cities work? Is there some deep organic logic that holds all these people together?” Throughout their adventures, they ask more questions than they find answers. Nevertheless, they dramatically capture the fascinating diversity to be found in urban settings and make a strong case for taking the time to “ask what makes cities tick.”
Today’s valentine illustrates the beauty and complexity of the city as “planet.” Its creators, Kurt & Kremena, wanted to create an image “to include more of the neighborhood, a greater intersection.” One can marvel at the kaleidescope as a whole or zoom in on it and begin to see details that were at first hidden. This work is part of a project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood. Through creative expression, these neighbors are supporting a new approach to the celebration of Valentine’s Day. We believe declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity can bring fresh conversation and appreciation to communities. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 20
Valentine By Nathanael, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 21
Valentine By Jakel, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 22
"I Love to Ride My Bike" By Hoss, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 23
Photo By OWIP.org
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” —Plato
My experiences in the neighborhood bear out this quote. Over the last few years, I have spent a lot of time on playgrounds, playing board games, up to my elbows in playdough, and acting in plays. Playing with someone, whether it be a child or an adult, gives tremendous insight into a person’s character. Somehow, swinging on monkey bars or learning to play a new game allows individuals to let their guard down. The young friends presenting their valentines today have a simple appreciation for the intricacies of play that adults often overlook.
As part of a project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood, these neighbors have also embraced creative expression. Through a community photo project, we are supporting a new approach to the celebration of Valentine’s Day by declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours and, in the words of one Sesame Street anthem, may you find a way to “come and play today”!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 19
Valentine By Meg, Natalie, & Jenae
Put your dancin’ shoes on, we’re going to a swingin’ hot spot! These dancing neighbors have found the best place in the ‘hood to boogie. Al’s Bar, located on the corner of Limestone and Sixth, has been a part of this neighborhood for years on end. In their own words, “Al’s is dedicated to the proposition that great food, fun with friends and a rainbow of musical and cultural events have always been, and should always be, fixtures of the North Limestone neighborhood. So, stop by to see what the excitement is about, have a beer and local burger, listen to some great music and, if the mood strikes, kick up your heels a little bit.”
As part of a project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood, these neighbors have combined good times with creative expression. Through this work, we are supporting a new approach to the celebration of Valentine’s Day by declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 16
Valentine By Jamayah, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 17
"I Love Jaheim", Photo By OWIP.org
No. 18
"I Love Jaheim, Jesus, & Grandkids", Photo By OWIP.org
If you could take your pick, would you declare your love for someone with elaborate bathroom stall graffiti or a simple valentine? Would you rather pose as a secret admirer or shower your best friends with valentines full of knock-knock jokes? We are one week away from St. Valentine’s Day, so it’s time to start scheming and planning. Jamayah delivered a special valentine to her friend and neighbor, Ms. Marie, while Jaheim, a young photographer and first grader, has been collecting valentines from around the block. These neighbors are a part of a little project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood. In the countdown to Valentine’s Day, we are supporting a new approach to the celebration of the heart by declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 13
Photo By OWIP.org
No. 14
Valentine By Alejandra
No. 15
Photo By OWIP.org
Our neighborhood can get loud. What kinda loud are we talkin’ ’bout? Firetruck-blarin’, people-shoutin’, motorcycle-buzzin’, cat-callin’, horn-honkin’ L-O-U-D. Moments of quiet stillness are few and far between. Thus, it makes complete sense that there are valentines for those seconds of rapturous peace and quiet. They are so rare, yet so spectacular when they arise. These neighbors are a part of a little project in our neighborhood called Lovin’ the ‘hood. In the countdown to Valentine’s Day, we are supporting a new approach to the celebration of the heart by declaring our love for the people, places, and things in our vicinity. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
No. 11
"I Love Cats and Dogs" By Corey, Photo By OWIP.org
No. 12
"I Love Dogs to Play With" By Antwan, Photo By OWIP.org
We have a lot to celebrate in our neighborhood this Valentine’s Day, and today we are showing some love for the creatures great and small among us. Canine and feline friends serve as faithful companions, playmates, and watchful guardians. Pets also help create connections among folks as they wag their tails and provide fodder for friendly conversation. These valentines for furry friends are part of an experiment in neighborhood appreciation called Lovin’ the ‘hood. From now until Valentine’s Day, celebrate with us as neighbors share love for people, places, and things in their vicinity. May the love of our neighborhood bring a little love to you and yours!
Miss the start of the series? Check out the archive to enjoy the valentines you didn’t catch!
The Neighborly Way 