Happy February!

. . . Love is in the air . . .

(not to mention, lots and lots of snow!)

(and ice!)

I've never been big on Valentine's Day as an adult.

As a child though, I couldn't wait to run to school 

for the annual Valentine's Day party. I can still taste those

heart-shaped lollipops inscribed with words like "Sweetheart"

and "Love" that faded on your tongue with each voracious lick.

And how I looked forward to coming home with my decorated 

baggie stuffed with Valentines, and meeting my best friend down 

the block to share our cards and trade our chocolates and sweets.

Yes... looking back, I really loved that day.

It wasn't until I reached high school and gushed over "unrequited

loves" and heartbreaks that "ruined my life" that the magic of this 

day, once so vital in my childhood, curdled into nothing but resentment.

It lingered in that style till but a few weeks ago (it took me that long, I know...)

when I found an old journal of mine from second grade. Reading through

it, memories from those years swirled throughout my head, memories

that were all but forgotten-- and would have stayed that way--

if this journal hadn't touched my hands again.

 And one of the major things that struck me while reading was how 

excited I was for Valentine's Day.  From the middle of January until the 

very day, I repetitiously mentioned my excitement for this holiday:

"Jan. 25, 1996

Today I am going to have a Valentine's Club. It is fun to do Valentine's

things. It is fun to wait for Valentine's Day. You can play fun games for 

Valentine's Day. I am happy it is almost Valentine's Day. It is fun to wait."

and on Valentine's Day:

"Feb. 14, 1996

Today is Valentine's Day! I am so happy. We are going to get cards from our class. 

I can't wait for the Valentine's party, that is when you get the cards. I am so 

happy it is Valentine's Day. I got a toy from my mom today. It is so much fun!"

It was then that it struck me...

I had forgotten what Valentine's Day really was about.

It isn't pointless, or depressing, or "invented by the candy companies,"

it's a day to celebrate your loved ones, and feel celebrated yourself.

I had a better understanding of that when I was 

seven than I did up until I was twenty-two!

So what am I trying to get at here?

Enjoy this holiday! 

Even if you don't have a significant other (me neither!)

This day is about love, and all kinds of it!

Love for your family, love for your pets... 

love!

With that said, I leave you with a beautiful tribute

to Valentine's Day by our very own Tasha Tudor:

♥

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These illustrations are from

A Time to Keep:

The Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays

(click to purchase! ♥)