Valentine's in New York

1) from the man that works at/owns the street stand on 116th street.  Just as I was thinking about his departure from his perch to check on his gum and candy bar inventory, wondering if he does so every hour, or if perhaps he was leaving his little hut to grab a snack, he turned around and gave me a candy heart lollipop. 

2) from the two guys talking loud enough for me to hear at the Bryant Park subway station.  "Turn around, c'mon Carnegie, man she must feel good today, turn around!"  Guess I couldn't really hear them....

3) from one of my students, home made soap from her and her mother, beautifully wrapped

4) from another student, a Rice Krispies Treat that says, From Shamaya, who apparently gave it to his brother, who gave it to him, but he said he wanted me to have it.  

5) from another student, short bread cookies from Whole Foods market

6) from another student, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a rose, and a Valentine's Day mini-heart balloon.

And on the subway, quite a few people carrying flowers, stuffed animals, Victoria's Secret bags, looking forward an evening ahead.  It's sweet to see New York be happy in the middle of February.  Never thought of this day as being much more than Hallmark, but I'll take it.