Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentine's Day... For the Birds


I Gave a Hundred Valentines
A Hundred did I say?
I gave a thousand Valentines
One cold and wintry day.
I didn't put my name on them,
Or any other words
Because my Valentines were seeds 
For February birds!   
Author Unknown

For many years I was a preschool teacher. IMHO, it is the BEST job in the world! Really... teaching 4 year olds! The enthusiasm, the curiosity, the boundless energy, the loving spirit, all make up the fun, fantastic 4 year old child! Were they always angels? Of course not, they were children, but the good far out weighed the naughty. "My children" have grown up to be teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, firefighters, police factory workers, farmers, mamas, daddies... the list goes on.

The little poem was an activity that I always did with the children before Valentine's Day. The day is about loving and sharing that love... not just candy and cards. For some reason, I remembered the poem and decided to gather a few pinecones, peanut butter, and bird seed. Sent a few of those Valentines to my fine, feathered friends and the results were so worth the effort! 




















Of course, it wouldn't be Valentine's Day with hearts and flowers. 






Hope you are having a wonderful day... filled with people you love! 
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by at

16 comments:

  1. Fundy BlueFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    Happy Valentine's Day, Susan! What sweet birds! When I was a kid we always made a Christmas tree for the birds with seeds and suet and cranberries. I loved my third graders the way you loved your pre-kindies! Children of all ages are the best! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:57 PM

      Thanks for the visit! Teaching is a great career! Good weekend to you and yours.

      Delete
  2. greenthumbFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:52 PM

    For 18years I was a preschool teacher, I agree with you it is the best job, they brought so much love into my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 14, 2014 at 4:59 PM

      Totally agree! I loved being a part of their early education. Thanks for stopping by..pleasant weekend wishes!

      Delete
  3. cedarmerefarmFebruary 14, 2014 at 5:52 PM

    What a nice idea to spread the love on Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
  4. PondsideFebruary 14, 2014 at 8:10 PM

    I just loved this, Susan! I will be copying it so that next year I can share it with my grandchildren. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JenFebruary 14, 2014 at 9:30 PM

    This post brought back happy memories. I used to make those pine cone feeders when I was a kid, and when I was a day camp counselor for preschoolers it was a favorite project. (And I totally agree with you about preschoolers.) Such fun to see yours, and with a bird! You've inspired me to make some. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 14, 2014 at 10:02 PM

      Jen...I was so excited when the little bird came to the dogwood. I sat very quietly and patiently...what a reward. You'd have thought I won the lottery! Have fun with yours!

      Delete
  6. Rubye JackFebruary 14, 2014 at 9:43 PM

    God bless the teachers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 14, 2014 at 10:04 PM

      I think the same when I substitute at my former school. The teachers appear to be so stressed...too many unrealistic expectations for children...and teachers!

      Delete
  7. Gilly TeeFebruary 15, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    What a great idea, we always have bird feeders out but I love the idea of the pine cones. You really are my hero, I could not have been a teacher to save my life.
    Gillx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 18, 2014 at 1:22 PM

      Thanks, Gill...my work was truly a labor of love! The little pine ones are really pretty in the trees, too.

      Delete
  8. BrittaFebruary 15, 2014 at 7:25 AM

    Dear Susan,
    I believe you instantly that you had the best job in the world! I love children - and especially when they are so 'new', seeing everything with fresh eyes, vibrant and full of energy - they are so sweet (not always, but nobody expects that).
    To use peanut butter for feeding birds is new to me - though I can imagine that birds like it. Here on my balcony the sparrows make a big big joyful mess - they are, among birds, I think the 14 year old schoolchildren :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan ~ Southern FascinationsFebruary 18, 2014 at 1:26 PM

      Britta...I love your phrase about the children being "new".., a special way to think of the early years! I agree about the sparrows... Maybe add blue jays and mockingbirds to that list! :-)

      Delete

Your visit is appreciated and thank you for taking the time to comment, too!

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)