Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

I like Valentine's Day a lot. The colors are perfect for the last holiday of winter: cherry red and strawberry pink and bright vanilla white. They're the opposite of the colors that ushered winter in--the fall palette of butterscotch and pumpkin and caramel (okay, I am teeny bit hungry).

This holiday celebrates love, and I like that. It's important. The more that we struggle against people who just can't get along--whether it's war or bullying or a simple argument--the more we need the solid glow of love to keep us on an even keel.

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day? Remember the four kinds of love: Eros, Philia, Storge, and Agape. It's not necessary (though nice, very very nice) to have a snuggle-bunny on February 14th and celebrate Eros. You could call a parent or a sibling or your children, and revel in Storge love. Tell your friends how much they enrich your life in honor of Philia. Perhaps you'll celebrate Agape love, and donate to the Red Cross so that those in Haiti might know a better tomorrow.

It's not a bad idea, you know.

The Beatles said it so well: The love you take is equal to the love you make.

3 comments:

Ladyslipper said...

Even though I think Valentine's Day is really a hyped up holiday and don't get sucked into the commercialism, I will submit to one of my best friends my love for her and glad I have her as a friend. Hugs and kisses, Janet!

Kacie said...

This is a lovely post, Janet! I spent Valentine's Day cuddling and playing with my two furry friends instead of L-the-G this year, but he still made sure I knew just how much I was loved and appreciated.

Our philosophy is that expressing our love and appreciation for one another shouldn't require a holiday or be limited to one day a year. A surprise bouquet of flowers to brighten up a dreary Thursday can mean so much more.

The same is true for friends like you: I love you, and I'm so thankful to have you in my life! ((hugs))

Janet Spaeth said...

Ah, Patty and Kacie, my friends!

I do like Valentine's Day because, well, Kacie, not every couple is as cuddlicious as you and L-the-G. So for the REST of the world, it's important to remind us to value love.

And, you know, if you just HAPPEN to get candy out of the deal, so much the better.

I didn't but it's okay. Someday, right? SOME....DAY!