Love Letters

February 8th, 2010 | Author: Shannon

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ” 1 Corinthians 13:4

As one Albany SUNY student said, “love is something that people want to celebrate because when you’ve got it, it’s a wonderful thing and everyone does have someone to love in some capacity, so it’s also a holiday for everyone.”

According to Hallmark 188 million valentines cards are given world wide; which means the cards are manufactured, shipped, distributed, purchased, sent or give. A whole lot of energy and fuel goes into this love holiday.

I challenge readers to hand make valentines cards, chocolates and buy real plants or seeds for their loved ones this year. Find lovely verses, like the age old favorite, “roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, and so are you.” Hand write your love.

I challenge readers even further to let your love shine throughout the year with love letters. Make simple hearts out of construction paper and send them to friends and family, teachers, bosses, ministers, priests, librarians, all the people who serve our lives. I am going to send a love letter to my husband once a week this year. Reminding him of all the reasons why I chose to spend my life with him.

Homemade is special

In third grade, I have my teacher a handmade Valentines Day card, I made if from purple construction paper and glued dried flowers on it. When I graduated from eight grade, he gave it back to me as a memento from elementary school. Handmade cards mean so much to the giver and receiver.

Three years ago, instead of giving everyone in my family chocolates, I made a meal and invited all to share it with me. I decorated the table with chocolates, a beautiful table cloth and our best china, we spent the evening together. I did purchase little cards for each person, but I had a newborn baby and only had time for either cooking.

Three ways spend that special night

1) Have a potluck. Instead of heading to the restaurant, invite friends over for a candle light dinner; plan for a house large enough to accommodate kids with a movie and special dinner while the parents (adults) have a special night of conversation and cocktails. The romance can happen at home!

2) Go for a walk. Watching the sunset, snuggled under a blanket at the beach or on a mountain top or in a field of long grass is more romantic then any restaurant. Bring a picnic basket of your favorite finger foods, leave discussion of bills, and school, kids, or cars problems at home, and spend the evening basking in the last rays of the sun and the warmth of your honey’s arms.

3) Partner Yoga Find a class or get a DVD and roll out the yoga mats in the living room (maybe by candle light). Learn a new way of relating to your loved one by moving together through yoga poses to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and bring you closer. (Other stuff can come later- that’s out of my comfort zone folks- I am talking YOGA here.)

What other simple fun (inexpensive) ways do you share your LOVE on Valentines Day?

This post was originally a contribution to 5 minutes for Going Green. Check out what the great writers over there have to say!

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