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How’s THAT for an attention grabber!  Give me some slack, I’m a first timer here!

I think it only fitting that I start my “Blogging Experience” on Valentine’s Day.  As you get to know me, you’ll realize that as far as I’m concerned, Holidays, Traditions, and Creating Memories go hand in hand.  It’s how I make my living, and it’s how I live my life.

So first, let’s just take a quick look at this Special Holiday.  Valentine’s Day is preceded by Vaginitis and Vagrancy in Websters Online Dictionary,  so it’s understandable that it’s an important holiday for people in love…or lust!  

The History and Traditions behind the day are even more interesting!

In Denmark, men write rhyming letters to women but don’t sign their names.  Instead they use dots…one dot for each letter of their name.  If the woman guesses who sent the Valentine, the gentleman rewards her with an Easter Egg at Easter.  Sounds kind of clever, but I’m thinking if the ladies have to burn all the brain cells AND wait until Easter for their “gift”, well, let’s hope that egg says “Faberge”   on it somewhere.

In ancient Rome, Valentine’s Day is traced to the Festival of Lupercalia,  which was held to ensure protection from wolves.  After the sacrifice of two goats and a dog, young men struck women with strips of the sacrificed animal’s hides…believing this would bestow fertility on them.  In my own very casual survey of family and friends, it became apparent that most did believe the threat of wolves was highest in the second week of February, those without children yet admitted they wouldn’t mind some help in the fertility department, and an astounding 78% said they would love to try the “whippings”. Of course, 8% of the 78% won’t whip with animal hides, they would prefer to use synthetic materials.  I applaud their commitments!

Needless to say, todays’ unique holiday traditions of flowers, candy and cards might seem to be more appropriate for the 21st Century.  When was the last time you saw a wolf sauntering down the street? (I do understand that some of you live in areas where that actually may happen regularly, so aren’t you glad I’ve educated you with a way to keep you and your loved ones safe?  You can thank me later.)

In all seriousness, I think we might pay too much attention to this ONE DAY and forget that we should tell all the important people in our lives EVERY DAY what they mean to us.  We don’t need a significant other to celebrate this holiday either!  When you see the abbreviation V-Day, you should retrain yourself to think “Validation Day”.  If we HAVE to have one day each year to celebrate Love, let’s celebrate ALL of the Love in our lives…from the pet goldfish that you are amazed is still alive because you forget to feed it just about every other day, to that remarkable person who looks back at you in your mirror every morning.   Think about it… All you ladies most likely have a Stash of Chocolate hiding somewhere in the house for the other 351 days of the year anyways. (You know you do!). It’s not the end of the world if we have to go buy it ourselves on February 14th…  Get yourself the really GOOD STUFF!  You’re worth it!

 I have 3 WONDERFUL children…ages 23, 21 and 18, and a WONDERFUL husband of 28 years who understands my sense of humor and has lots of patience.  Some Valentine’s Days in the past have been the stuff that fairy tales are made of.  Others, not so much, and that’s putting it mildly!

But they are all MY Valentine’s Days and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  

When I am old and gray (I guess I should say old”er” and gray”er”), I look forward to  sitting in my rocking chair the day AFTER Valentine’s Day, surrounded by my great grandchildren.  Most likely I’ll hear stories about the romantic dinners, the candles and flowers too…but I’m sure at least one of them will feel lonely and neglected.  I can’t wait to say “You think that’s bad?  Let me tell you about MY Valentine’s day in 1984.”  I’ll be a great inspiration for future generations!

Treat yourself to something special today…even if it’s just a few moments to reflect on your life. Our experiences and memories are what define us.  Make a habit of Celebrating them ALL! 

And one quick note to my family?  I totally understand your busy lives and how difficult it must have been to get to a store in the last month to get me one small, inexpensive card…good thing I don’t mind receiving it late!

Thanks for stopping by … hope I made you smile on this Special Day … and once again,

Welcome to My Blog!