Let's Make Valentine's Day Last All Year 'Round, by Linda Hope Lee
First, congratulations to all the winners of our recent Heartwarming giveaway. I hope you enjoy your prizes and have many happy hours reading our books.
Second, I hope all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, spent with that special someone.
Which brings me to the subject of this blog.
A couple weeks ago, I'm at lunch with several of my friends and we're discussing out Valentine's Day plans--dinners out, gifts, and cards and such--when Gloria says, "Valentine's Day is such a good reminder of how important it is to show our love and appreciation for the special people in our lives, don't you think?"
We all nod, and I say, "That reminds me, I've been making a list of ways to do just that at other times of the year." At their knowing looks, I add, "Okay, I admit it's also research for my romance novels, but help me out here. Any ideas?" I pull out my notebook and pen.
"I like to make cards,"Celia says, "for occasions that are special only to me and John. Like the time I sent him a card celebrating the day we met. And another time, one for the day he proposed. He never knows when to expect one and so they're always a surprise."
"We take turns planning a mystery trip," Iris says. "The person whose turn it is gives the other a list of what to pack that might help to guess the destination. One of Alex's trips was to a seaside resort that has become one of our favorite getaways."
I look at Gloria. "What about you and Monty?"
Gloria smiles. "This might not sound like much, but I think it's important to say 'Thank you. I try to say it often and for even little things, such as his helping me clean up the kitchen when it's my turn or coming to my rescue when I'm carrying in a big bag of groceries. I want him to know how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness."
"I love it," I say, adding that to my list.
When we've finally exhausted all our ideas, Celia says, "Wow, I think we have enough to keep us busy 'til next Valentine's Day rolls around." We all nod in agreement.
How about you? Do you have something I can add to my list?
First, congratulations to all the winners of our recent Heartwarming giveaway. I hope you enjoy your prizes and have many happy hours reading our books.
Second, I hope all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day, spent with that special someone.
Which brings me to the subject of this blog.
A couple weeks ago, I'm at lunch with several of my friends and we're discussing out Valentine's Day plans--dinners out, gifts, and cards and such--when Gloria says, "Valentine's Day is such a good reminder of how important it is to show our love and appreciation for the special people in our lives, don't you think?"
We all nod, and I say, "That reminds me, I've been making a list of ways to do just that at other times of the year." At their knowing looks, I add, "Okay, I admit it's also research for my romance novels, but help me out here. Any ideas?" I pull out my notebook and pen.
"I like to make cards,"Celia says, "for occasions that are special only to me and John. Like the time I sent him a card celebrating the day we met. And another time, one for the day he proposed. He never knows when to expect one and so they're always a surprise."
"We take turns planning a mystery trip," Iris says. "The person whose turn it is gives the other a list of what to pack that might help to guess the destination. One of Alex's trips was to a seaside resort that has become one of our favorite getaways."
I look at Gloria. "What about you and Monty?"
Gloria smiles. "This might not sound like much, but I think it's important to say 'Thank you. I try to say it often and for even little things, such as his helping me clean up the kitchen when it's my turn or coming to my rescue when I'm carrying in a big bag of groceries. I want him to know how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness."
"I love it," I say, adding that to my list.
When we've finally exhausted all our ideas, Celia says, "Wow, I think we have enough to keep us busy 'til next Valentine's Day rolls around." We all nod in agreement.
How about you? Do you have something I can add to my list?
I go with "Thank you." Everyone likes to be appreciated.
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DeleteI agree, Marion. And so easy to do, once you get in the habit. Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteLinda, these are all wonderful ideas! One of my favorite things my husband does for me is to randomly leave a note on the mirror in our bathroom during the night so that when I get up in the morning I see it first thing. It's such a wonderful way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteYour husband sounds like a real sweetheart, Carol. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWOW! I'm going to borrow some of these. lol. I like to cook my honey special meals. He, on the other hand, leaves presents in odd places. Like the time he put a cute bracelet in my luggage when I was away for several days.
ReplyDeletePatricia, sounds as though you and your husband have a really special relationship. I especially like the secret gifts. Great ideas! Thanks.
DeleteRon's favorite thing in the whole world is a big breakfast that includes hash browns. Because I consider cooking hash brown kind of a pain, I do it only on Sundays - unless I see that's down for whatever reason, then I'll do it whenever it's needed. My favorite thing is a good cup of tea. When I'm down, Ron will make it for me and deliver it in the basket of his walker. You can't speak LOVE any more clearly than that. I do think Thank yous are important, too.
ReplyDeleteMuriel, what a wonderful relationship you two have. Yes, there are so many way to ay "I love you," aren't there? Thanks for sharing.
DeleteLinda, these are all such great ideas for making everyday life special to the people we love. Since Denny died I look at Valentine's Day as yet another holiday to buy cards for my kids and grandchildren. But they get me extra special cards to help me over the hump. Denny often took his lunch to work and I liked to tuck "I love you" notes in the bottom of the sack. He did so many little things to free me up to write that every day was special.
ReplyDeleteRoz, what a supportive and caring family you have! And I love the idea of the notes. Will add it to my list. Your husband sounds like a very special man. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteMy husband likes to leave new wallpaper on the computer for me to discover. I woke up on Valentine's Day to a picture of us in a big heart. On cold winter days I wake up to tropical islands and on hot summer days I wake up to winter mountain scenes.
ReplyDeleteI love this! You have a really creative and thoughtful guy, Kaelee. Thanks for sharing.
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