Forget the perfume. Ditch the roses. For Valentine’s Day this year, all you need is a pen and a pretty piece of paper.
Your love letter doesn’t have to be penned to a romantic partner. Write what’s in your heart to your child, mother or father, best friend or simply someone special in your life.
If you need a little nudge, I’ve written 5 pointers below. Go ahead…write a letter this year! Your loved one will always cherish it. Four times per year, Jonathan and I pen letters to each other (birthdays, our anniversary, Mother’s/Father’s Day and Christmas.) I love that our girls will inherit boxes of letters from their parents. As our oldest says now when she sees us kiss (with gentle disgust): “Smoochie! Smoochie!”
Valentine’s Love Letter Tip #1: Tell Them Why You Are Writing
This is a secret tip to writing a good love letter. Open your note telling your loved one why you wanted to write this letter.
Dear Honey, I wanted to sit down and tell you a few things that are in my heart.
Valentine’s Love Letter Tip #2: Reference Your Current State of Affairs
Life is crazy right now. With the three girls, it seems like we’re always making a peanut butter sandwich or scraping one off the ceiling.
Valentine’s Love Letter Tip #3: Tell Your Loved One You’re Crazy about Them
But even with our long days of chasing our art dreams while chasing down the girls, my heart still jumps when I see your face.
Valentine’s Love Letter Tip #4: Praise Something Awesome
Quite frankly, I’m in awe of your talent. I’m blown away by how you care for us. I am deeply, deeply thankful that you are the biggest part of my life.
Valentine’s Love Letter Tip #5: End with a Sentiment from the Heart
My home will always be with you.
I love you,
Jennifer
This week’s contest winner is Jaymie from Snacks for Max! Thanks, Jaymie, for commenting! Please also check out Jaymie’s blog for a really sweet review she wrote of Jonathan’s easy reader Love Is in the Air. Last week, we also had a great post on Rochelle Melander’s Write Now Coach blog (Jonathan guest blogged about his fave children’s books). And Secrets and Sharing Soda did a beautiful review of Love Is in the Air.
Photographs Copyright 2013 Jennifer & Jonathan Fenske
I Love Your Work, Jonathan Fenske 
I wish I had better writing skills. I have a hard time writing what I want to say. Love, Aunt Laura
I think we all have trouble with this from time to time, Aunt Laura. Sometimes, when I sit down to write, the words just don’t come out pretty. I think my first job as a newspaper reporter was the greatest cure for writer’s block. If I wanted to get paid, I had to write!
Now THAT is a rocking good Valentine’s Day love letter. I’m definitely taking your advice. I’m so excited we’re the winners! Max will get to give a great gift to his best buddy 🙂
love your post! miss you jen!
You are so sweet to read it! I miss you too.
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