I informally collect the larger Pepe glasses (Hardee’s Collectibles, circa 1973) to repair the emotional damage done when my beloved Pepe glass broke in the dishwasher when I was a little girl. *gasp* 

After an exhaustive search, I finally found my first one at an antique store in Kansas City several years ago. And almost every time I’ve seen one since (depending on the condition), I’ve bought it — which amounts to four (and two smaller finds seen above). Mr. Romance is just really hard to find. And not just his glasses. Valentine’s Day merchandise isn’t much better. I don’t know why. He’s like a no-brainer for a romantic holiday symbol. But retailers don’t seem to agree. Every now and then you can find a little rubber figurine or something, but that’s it. The dude should be everywhere! Who can resist a guy who  says, “We must stoke the furnace of love, must we not?”