Well somehow, I got the February 14 post. So, happy Valentine’s Day! This is always one of my favorite days, partly because of the chocolate <g>. But also because it’s a great time to express our love, and that’s not just to our significant others. I always shower my family and friends with Happy V-Day sentiments. Share the love, as they say. And I’d like to share a few quotes from the prophet Edgar Cayce (I’ve been studying his readings since I was quite young):
“ . . . in love all life is given, in love all things move.” (Edgar Cayce Reading 345-1)
“To live love is to be love . . . . For love is law, law is love.” (Edgar Cayce Reading 900-331)
“For God is Love.” (Edgar Cayce Reading 633-4)
To me, Valentine’s Day is a great reminder for us to love one another, and to express that love to family and friends. Of course, we may have to “prime the pump” by reading a few good romances first <g>
But Valentine’s Day is also a romance day, a time to share with our boyfriend, spouse, significant other. I’m a firm believer that romance isn’t just sex, but so many other things—a glance, a smile, holding hands, a loving action. My husband is a great guy, and he’s done many wonderful things for me over the years. One thing that stands out in my mind was the year that my book Shielder was nominated for a Golden Heart (my very first RWA nomination!). I hung up the phone from talking with the coordinator, and immediately called her back to be sure it wasn’t a joke from one of my writing friends (I really thought it was). But no, it was true! I was so excited, I was on cloud nine.
Of course my husband was the first one I thought to tell. I ran through the house looking for him and finally found him outside. I don’t even know if I was coherent as I rattled off the news. His face lit up and he looked so happy and proud for me. Then he said, “You know, I’ve got some money put aside. I want you to have it, so you can buy a spectacular dress for the awards ceremony.” You have to realize we had two young children, and money was very tight for us. James was starting a side antique business (that’s his non-romantic passion) and had been eyeing a special piece of glass. I’m sure the money was intended for that. But he wanted me to have it. Even went with me to buy “the dress”. Okay, so it wasn’t chocolate and flowers, and it wasn’t on Valentine’s Day, but it was “True Love”.
So, what are some of your special memories with your loved one? Please share. I hope today and all of 2007 is filled with love and chocolate and good books!
~ Catherine
I have two very strong Valentines Day memories. The first was when I was 16. My father had died the December before, and I started worrying about my mom, “Now there’s nobody to give her a valentine.” So I went out and got a really nice one for her, and I know she was touched. And that was the start of a family tradition where we go out of our way to remember Valentines Day. In fact, my daughter sends out a Valentines Day family letter–like the Christmas letters a lot of people send.
The other memory is from when I was first married. And quite different. I wanted to give my husband a special valentine. So I made myself a sexy red and white costume and got a raunchy record–and waited for him to come home from work. Then I did a striptease for him! That turned out to be a very fun Valentines Day.
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — February 14, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Oh, Catherine! Your story about your husband brought tears to my eyes. I’m such a sucker for romantic tales, and I guess what got to me about yours was that sense of sacrifice on your husband’s part. The O. Henry story “The Gift of the Magi” has always been one of my faves. I guess now that I think about it…that’s what makes a truly great romantic tale for me, one where sacrifice is involved. They always say relationships are about compromise, but that’s just another way of saying sacrifice. What no one ever told me, however, (and I figured out on my own, now that I’m very happily married - after having been through many bad relationships and a divorce) is that…when your with the right person, you aren’t really happy unless he is too - and, if it’s the right man, then he should feel the same. That’s when compromise is easy. And the sacrifice is what makes you happy because you’re making the one you love happy. Anyway, that describes the Valentine for and from my husband. I know I finally have someone to share a life with that cares about my happiness as much as I care about his.
Luv and Happy Heart Day!
Cleo Coyle
Comment by Cleo — February 14, 2007 @ 7:08 pm