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Heartwings Love Notes 1022 - An Always Valentine  kidding myself

Heartwings says: "Every day or any day can be a Valentine's Day."

One year on Valentine's Day my father gave me a heart shaped compact with a mirror inside, anonymously. However, he refused to admit it was him, which was in keeping with the tradition of the anonymity with which valentines were supposed to be endowed. In the early grades of my school, my teacher would bring out a box decorated with crepe paper bands crafted into ruffles. It had a slot in the top and the small, simple valentines for classmates were dropped into it. Someone was appointed postman and delivered them to the class members. Some of the more popular students got many, some only a few. There would be treats in the form of cookies or cupcakes

As an adult, at one time I used to make all my valentines. In those days I had hearts and stickers, together with lacy paper doilies all in a folder labeled Valentine Makings to craft them with. I wish I still had the time to do that. These days my computer and its missives have coopted my energy. I miss the fun it was to send friends and relatives a handmade card. They were simple: a folded sheet of typing paper, some glue and my saved-up stickers and other pretty items too. A box of envelopes from a stationery store and I was set to go. Today Jacquie Lawson on the web does the honors and I don't have to use a stamp.

The origin of Valentines' Day has various elements. There was a pagan festival celebrated around that time, dedicated to the worship of Februata's "feverish" love called Lupercalia. Christian clergy, it has been said, coopted the day because it was popular, and instead named it after one of several saints by the name of Valentinius. I found a site that denied this, calling it a myth because there was no record they could find in their extensive research.

The first making of valentines is attributed to a card maker in Worcester, MA, at least in the US. However, England has its version of the story, and it's all there on the internet for anyone who cares to look it up. My husband, who is my always Valentine, has some lovely antique postal cards featuring valentine messages. Some of those cards are quite valuable now. The messages are all very sentimental and sweet. There was also a type of card that was humorous and a bit sarcastic that was fashionable.

My handmade valentines may be a thing of the past yet the day is not. For me it is a reminder that love can be expressed to a loved one all the year around. Valentine's Day comes only once a year, yet it can be celebrated in the heart each and every day. Although it is a lovely thought to dedicate one day to romantic love, it does not need to end there. True romantic love is more than hearts and flowers. It is something that can be celebrated at any time with the gift of a small treat, a loving message or a quick kiss as my beloved and I go about our days.

May you find enjoyment with your romantic partner.

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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