Love isn't Forever when talking about postage stamps
The Valentine's Day of my youth started the days that preceded Feb. 14.
We would bring a paper bag to school and spend the day transforming the dull brown paper bags into beautiful red and white mailbags. The bags were hung from the chalk rail and classmates put their valentines into the bags. It was always fun to take the bags home at the end of the day and spend the night looking over the many valentines.
Valentines still hold a special meaning. Perhaps as an adult, I appreciate them more because I know how busy everyone is. If someone takes the time to send one, that is very special. Those who make the trip to the post office to complete the valentine with a love stamp show extra love. Did I say love stamp?
Where is the love? Stamp, that is. It seems to be missing in action this year, a great disappointment to those who use the popular stamp on this special day of love.
The love stamp was first created in 1973. Since the post office found great success with their Christmas stamp a decade earlier, it seemed like a winning venture,
They were correct. People quickly took to the stamp that celebrates love. The first stamp was designed by pop artist, Robert Indiana. The graphic design sold out quickly. New brides found it to be the perfect stamp for their invitations and love letters also became emblazoned with the stamps.
Since the first love stamp we have seen a number of different graphics ranging from cupids to hearts, puppies to love birds. Images of the popular candy hearts appeared as well as a chocolate kiss adorned with a valentine. There is a new stamp scheduled for 2008. Hopefully, it will make it in time for June brides.
There are alternatives available over the Internet. Independent sites have created love stamps since the inception of PC postage in 2004. By allowing Internet companies the opportunity to create stamps, the post office opened up a new market of self-made stamps. Perhaps your valentine will have the personalized touch with a photo of your sweetheart.
If all else fails, there's always the "Forever" stamp. This stamp is my personal favorite. Created after the post office honored the first eight letters of the alphabet by naming stamps after letters A through H, the "Forever" stamp is also known as the nondenomination stamp. This stamp came on to the market in 2007 when first class stamps were 39 cents. Supposedly, the stamp is good forever.
If I am sending a really important letter, I put two of the stamps on it rather than have it returned. Of course, there is also that extra effort to make sure that the recipient of your missive doesn't get stung with a postage-due announcement inked on the outside of the envelope.
With six price hikes in the past 10 years, who knows if the post office knows how long forever is? Hopefully, forever is long enough to get that valentine to you today filled with love and promises of forever, both inside and outside the envelope. Happy Valentine's Day.