At Love on the Run, you type a note, which goes in a tiny bottle, which goes in a beautiful plantable bag made of paper with wildflower seeds in it, and on February 14, a “valenteer” delivers it anywhere in Lincoln.
Cupid calling: a happy recipient on February 14.
When I ask James if he can share any romantic stories with us, he responds, “Some of the best stories from Love on the Run aren’t the traditional tales of love notes being written from lover to lover, but rather from people in other relationships, with other types of love to share — such as children punching out notes of affection for their parents, grandparents or even their school teachers. Sisters write to brothers; nieces and nephews to aunts and uncles.”
“One of my favorite memories is of a little boy whose dad brought him in to type a love note to his mom. He sat at the ancient typewriter, pecking one letter at a time, regularly stopping to ask his dad how to spell the next word. After much concentrated determination, he finally had a complete letter, one that will probably become his mother’s treasured keepsake for years to come.”
“A very different story is that of a soldier serving in Iraq. Since he was unable to come and personally send his sentiments to his love, he devised an elaborate plan involving a friend, who came in to type the soldier’s note for his love without her knowing. We can all only imagine her reaction to receiving it!”
Elementary school teacher Sandy May loves Love on the Run.
James also shares with us the text of some love notes. No, he did not “read” the typewriter ribbons to reconstruct them: Many of the typists type drafts, which ultimately get recycled. Here are bits from what James refers to as “the best scrapped notes,” minus the names of sender and recipient.
“I’m so glad that you’ve come into my life. Your beautiful mind and spirit lifts me out of myself to somewhere indescribable.”
“Happy birthday to my valentine. I love you tons brother. I hope your real birthday is amazing too. I hope you love the doughnuts, I know you will have a splendid day with your beautiful wife and kids, you mean the world to us all so, happy valentine’s day and….”
A wife who had typed a love note for her husband presented homemade cookies to the valenteer who delivered her husband’s valentine.
“Dearest, I want to wish you a truly happy valentine’s day. It has been 3 years since I first fell in love with you, and I need to tell you that it has been worth every minute. I really do think you are the most beautiful woman, and I hope I can be graced with your presence for the rest of my life….”
Rx for love: A valenteer delivers directly to a nursing station.
“Days may be cloudy or sunny / We’re in or we’re out of the money / But I’m with you always / I’m with you rain or shine / Thank you for being a wonderful friend, husband and father.”
“To my beautiful wife, I love the way you take my hand. And [s]how me the other side of the world. everyday. Like it’s the first.”
“just to let you know you are always being loved”
“you are my one true love / My one and only / The be all end all / My heart and soul The one that I want / The cheese to my macaroni”
“Querido, On this gray Valentine’s Day you are still far away. But thinking of you makes me smile, and that seems good. Thanks for doing so much learning, growing and playing with.”
“I love you more than Snickerdoodle cookies, chocolate and a bottle of red wine on a cold winter night.”
“My darling, my lover, my dreamboat. I can’t live without you so please never make me.”
The Book of Love is made of many signatures (sets of folded sheets) that will be sewn together before the binding is applied.
Porridge Papers commissioned a Book of Love from Kevin Oliver of Signature Bindery. Christopher James’ idea was to use the book as a perpetual guest register: Anyone sending a note could sign and date the book, and maybe even include the recipient’s name. Well, guests had a different idea.
The Book of Love is 20 x 15 x 2.5 in., bound in white leather.
Most visitors decided to thank Porridge Papers for Love on the Run. The book is about one-third full and will have a position of honor at this year’s event … and probably even the year after!
Photos: Studio Orange and The Leekers
ahh, warm fuzzies! thanks alyson for the wonderful write up.
This is truly heartwarming! I would like to see it spread across the country. I pledged support on Kickstarter and wish you all the best.
ALWAYS love reading what you write Alyson. You hit the target on this one once again.