Kids Philadelphia - October 19, 2009

Textual Healing

Lord Whimsy's Tips for Writing Love Notes

Ever since you had kids, love notes (and your sex life) have gone to the dogs.

So we caught up with Lord Whimsy, horticultural committee member of Bartram’s Garden and bon vivant, for some advice.

Font of Knowledge
Handwritten notes are fabulous in this e-mail-centric world, but don’t fret if you’ve got a serious case of chicken scratch; typed text can convey a range of emotions, too. Go with Georgia for a sweet, light tone; a lacy script lends a romantic touch.

This Bud’s for You
Sprinkling a few petals into the envelope makes for a total sensory experience. Take it to another level by brushing up on Victorian flower symbolism. Red roses boldly say trousers off, while forget-me-nots chastely express eternal love.

Location, Location, Location
Hiding a missive under the pillow is one way to woo, but creativity gets extra points. If you’ve got a java junkie on your hands, have the local barista slip the letter to your sweetie during his morning coffee run. Or tie it with a bit of ribbon to Fido’s collar.

That’ll ensure some heavy petting.

For more dandified tips, go to lordwhimsy.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Plankton Art Co.

HUSH
Whispers Along the Wissahickon
What: Enjoy an evening with dinner, a night hike, and a hayride. Then get toasty alongside the campfire.
Why: Fall back.
When: Fri., 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 Northwestern Ave. (215-247-0417). Tickets online at fow.org.

PERUSE
Autumn Craft Fair
What: Watch traditional craftspeople in action; then stock up on their wares while kids paint pumpkins, fill up on cider and cookies, and hear Betsy tell a story.
Why: Spin a yarn.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St. (215-686-1252).

SEE
Space Chimps
What: View a silly movie about monkeys on a mission and make a cape for Halloween with help from The Handwork Studio.
Why: Go ape.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr (610-527-9898).

  Romantic, Tips