The snow was falling at a steady rate and I knew the lawn and trees would soon be white. I racked my brain trying to think of a new way to be creatively romantic.

For as much as I tried, nothing clever would come to mind. I peered out the window into our backyard and marveled at how snow blanketed everything in its path. Then I noticed a perfect rectangle of bare ground underneath the backyard bench.

The brilliant idea came to me. The romantic idea didn’t have to do with the snow, but the absence of snow. I decided that while it was already too late for this snowfall, I could prepare my romantic ammunition for the next.

The simplest way to execute this plan is to take three large pieces of posterboard or cardboard. With a utility blade or x-acto knife, cut out “I,” “♥,” and “U.” Of course you can create as elaborate a message as you have the time, material and patience. Place the pieces out on the lawn before you are expecting a snowfall or a heavy frost. Hopefully it can be done in the dark of night and then removed early in the morning before your sweetheart awakes. Be sure to cover over your trail to the scene of the crime. When your loved one wakes up, she will see the message in its entire splendor.