When asked, "What does Valentine's Day mean to you?" what is your first response? Is it "A day where lovers express their feelings for each other", as was my first reaction? Not knowing the origin of this long practiced holiday I did some research and found that it originated from the ancient Roman Feast of Lupercalis. Apparently this feast was celebrated on the 15th of February, honoring the Roman Deity, Lupercus. Over time the celebration became associated with St. Valentine of the third century, two Roman Martyrs by the same name, who became regarded as the Patron Saints of Lovers. Pretty dry stuff but it goes to show that even back then there was an appreciation and need to set aside a special day so lovers could exchange tokens and gifts. Love is ageless but back then it was probably even more important and a social necessity as the harsh and often cruel living conditions placed a greater demand on close ties and bonds. Now, it is an occasion to celebrate that one special person in your life. True it has become commercialized but that shouldn't take away from the importance of it. It's not about spending a lot of money on cards or candies or even a night out on the town, but about letting your special someone know what they mean to you.
That got me thinking, yes its nice to express your love for another, but shouldn't we do that every day? Maybe that's why romance has become less practiced and so cherished and yet not a day goes by when the feelings aren't felt or expressed in one way or another. A simple smile that brings warmth to anothers' heart, a look that is more than what it is, a gentle touch that causes tingles to develop. All treasures in and of themselves yet often overlooked for their true significance. It's often easy to ignore the obvious or just not be receptive at the right times and yet the gift of giving and receiving love is an ongoing and developing thing.
Celebrating Valentines Day is but one day out of 365 but it shouldn't stop there. The spirit of expressing love, understanding and caring should be practiced each and every day. It doesn't take much, just a few minutes daily to look at your loved one and feel not only the joy of that persons presence in your life but also reflecting on what life would be like without them. Look not just with your eyes but with your heart and see the goodness of them, that which drew you to them in the first place. Be it their smile, the twinkle in their eyes, the way they look back at you or simply how they make you feel by knowing that they love you in return. You may be surprised to find that they in turn may do the same and even without saying a word, communicate just how special and wonderful you are to them. I can not imagine a world without love, expressing that love to another and being loved in return and treasuring the beauty of it. Celebrate everyday as if it were Valentines Day by showing your loved one just how special they are by taking the few minutes it takes to smile with your eyes, to feel the comfort of your hand and the warmth of your heart. Surely the small effort it takes would be repaid ten fold by how good both of you would feel and how much more joyous life could be. .
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You may visit Castle's Keep,home of the loving soul that authored the message above, and enjoy more of his writings there.
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The Meaning of True Love
It is sharing and caring,
giving and forgiving,
loving and being loved,
walking hand in hand,
talking heart to heart,
seeing through each others eyes.
laughing together,
weeping together,
praying together,
always trusting and believing
thanking God for each other,
for love that is shared
is a beautiful thing,
it enriches the soul
and makes the heart sing.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~
There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer;
no disease that enough love will not heal;
no door that enough love will not open;
no gulf that enough love will not bridge;
no wall that enough love will not throw down;
no sin that enough love will not redeem.
Click on the rose above for a poem that will surely stir your heart
Your romantic interest may be far away ~ or just around the corner. Surprise him or her with a romantic greeting, a fantasy, a virtual kiss, hug or flowers. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone you care about how very special they are.
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use this guide to determine what different flowers represent!
Romantic thoughts, prose and love stories
may give you some
creative ideas of your own!
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For those of you looking for the traditional gift for your honey,
you may be able to do your shopping online.
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Custom make your own romantic CD for your Valentine!
If your love is a chocoholic, see this listing of
ultimate chocolate links.
If you're ever going to love me, love me now,
while I can know all the
sweet & tender feelings which from real affection flow.
Love me now,
while I am living;
please do not wait till I am gone.
And chisel it in
marble...warm love words on ice-cold stone.
If you have dear, sweet
thoughts about me, why not whisper them to me?
Don't you know it would
make me happy & as glad as glad could be?
If you wait till I am
sleeping, never to waken here again,
There will be walls of earth
between us & I couldn't hear you then.
So, Dear, if you love me any, if
it's but a little bit,
Let me know it now while living;
I can treasure
it.
Exploring Oz
Munchie
Samantha's Heart
counter provided by Boing Dragon
~ HTML Coding ~ Layout prepared, and links compiled by ~
~ Snugs ~
Visit my humble abode, Snuggems' Cove
please take a moment to tell me about your favorite romantic moment or memory in the guestbook! Was it your first bouquet? A single rose laid upon your pillow? Or was it that candlelit bubble bath where you bathed each other? Pause a moment to reflect and share your ideas with us!
Pat's Web Graphics
