Valentine's Day

Larry and Jo Ann were an ordinary couple. They lived in an ordinary house on an ordinary street. Like other ordinary couples, they struggled to make ends meet and to do the right things for their children.
They were ordinary in yet another way – they had their squabbles. Much of their conversation concerned what was wrong in their marriage and who was to blame.
Until one day, when a most extraordinary event took place.
“You know, Jo Ann, I’ve got a magic chest of drawers. Every time I open them, they’re full of socks and underwear,” Larry said. “I want to thank you for filling them all these years.”
Jo Ann stared at her husband over the top of her glasses. “What do you want, Larry?”
“Nothing. I just want you to know I appreciate those magic drawers.”
This wasn’t the first time Larry had done something odd, so Jo Ann pushed the incident out of her mind until a few days later.
“Jo Ann, thank you for recording so many correct check numbers in the ledger this month. You put down the right number 15 out of 16 times. That’s a record.”
Disbelieving what she had heard, Jo Ann looked up from her mending: “Larry, you’re always complaining about my recording the wrong check numbers. Why stop now?”
“No reason. I just wanted you to know I appreciate the effort you’re making.”
Jo Ann shook her head and went back to her mending. “What’s gotten into him?” she mumbled to herself.
Nevertheless, the next day when Jo Ann wrote a check at the grocery store, she glanced at her check numbers to confirm that she had put down the right check number. “Why do I suddenly care about those dumb check numbers? She asked herself.
She tried to disregard the incident, but Larry’s strange behavior intensified.
“Jo Ann, that was a great dinner,” he said one evening. “I appreciate all your effort. Why, in the past 15 years I’ll bet you’ve fixed over 14,00 meals for me and the kids.”
Then “Gee, Jo Ann, the house looks spiffy. You’ve really worked hard to get it looking so good.” And even “Thanks, Jo Ann, for just being you. I really enjoy your company.”
Jo Ann was growing worried.  “Where’s the sarcasm, the criticism? she wondered.
Her fears that something peculiar was happening to her husband were confirmed by 16 year-old Shelly, who complained, “Dad’s gone bonkers, Mom. He just told me I looked nice. With all this makeup and these sloppy clothes, he still said it. That’s not Dad, Mom. What’s wrong with him?”
Whatever was wrong, Larry didn’t get over it. Day in and day out he continued focusing on the positive. Over the weeks, Jo Ann grew more used to her mate’s unusual behavior, and occasionally even gave him a grudging “Thank you.” She prided herself on taking it all in stride, until one day something so peculiar happened, she became completely discombobulated:
“I want you to take a break,” Larry said. “I am going to do the dishes. So please take your hands off that frying pan and leave the kitchen.”
(Long, long pause.) “Thank you, Larry. Thank you very much!”
Jo Ann’s step was now a little lighter, her self-confidence higher, and once in a while she hummed. She didn’t seem to have as many blue moods much anymore. “I rather like Larry’s new behavior,” she thought.
That would be the end of the story except one day another most extraordinary event took place. This time it was Jo Ann who spoke.
“Larry,” she said, “I want to thank you for going to work and providing for us all these years. I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much I appreciate it.”
Larry has never revealed the reason for his drastic change of behavior no matter how hard Jo Ann has pushed for an answer, and so it will likely remain one of life’s mysteries. But it’s one I’m thankful to live with.
You see, I am Jo Ann.

                                                                                                                                                                    by Jo Ann Larsen 
                                                                            Desert News (February 10, 1985)
                                                                                                                                        




Cheers to this ordinary, everyday love! 
The one that takes extraordinary work, compassion, vulnerability and appreciation. 

~ vanilla marshmallow by Butter
~ melted chocolate recipe here
~ almond cake by The Invisible Chef



Sharing with Home Sweet Home/ Be Inspired/ Pink Saturday



A Story for Valentine's Day... and Any Other Day

Larry and Jo Ann were an ordinary couple. They lived in an ordinary house on an ordinary street. Like other ordinary couples, they struggled to make ends meet and to do the right things for their children.
They were ordinary in yet another way – they had their squabbles. Much of their conversation concerned what was wrong in their marriage and who was to blame.
Until one day, when a most extraordinary event took place.
“You know, Jo Ann, I’ve got a magic chest of drawers. Every time I open them, they’re full of socks and underwear,” Larry said. “I want to thank you for filling them all these years.”
Jo Ann stared at her husband over the top of her glasses. “What do you want, Larry?”
“Nothing. I just want you to know I appreciate those magic drawers.”
This wasn’t the first time Larry had done something odd, so Jo Ann pushed the incident out of her mind until a few days later.
“Jo Ann, thank you for recording so many correct check numbers in the ledger this month. You put down the right number 15 out of 16 times. That’s a record.”
Disbelieving what she had heard, Jo Ann looked up from her mending: “Larry, you’re always complaining about my recording the wrong check numbers. Why stop now?”
“No reason. I just wanted you to know I appreciate the effort you’re making.”
Jo Ann shook her head and went back to her mending. “What’s gotten into him?” she mumbled to herself.
Nevertheless, the next day when Jo Ann wrote a check at the grocery store, she glanced at her check numbers to confirm that she had put down the right check number. “Why do I suddenly care about those dumb check numbers? She asked herself.
She tried to disregard the incident, but Larry’s strange behavior intensified.
“Jo Ann, that was a great dinner,” he said one evening. “I appreciate all your effort. Why, in the past 15 years I’ll bet you’ve fixed over 14,00 meals for me and the kids.”
Then “Gee, Jo Ann, the house looks spiffy. You’ve really worked hard to get it looking so good.” And even “Thanks, Jo Ann, for just being you. I really enjoy your company.”
Jo Ann was growing worried.  “Where’s the sarcasm, the criticism? she wondered.
Her fears that something peculiar was happening to her husband were confirmed by 16 year-old Shelly, who complained, “Dad’s gone bonkers, Mom. He just told me I looked nice. With all this makeup and these sloppy clothes, he still said it. That’s not Dad, Mom. What’s wrong with him?”
Whatever was wrong, Larry didn’t get over it. Day in and day out he continued focusing on the positive. Over the weeks, Jo Ann grew more used to her mate’s unusual behavior, and occasionally even gave him a grudging “Thank you.” She prided herself on taking it all in stride, until one day something so peculiar happened, she became completely discombobulated:
“I want you to take a break,” Larry said. “I am going to do the dishes. So please take your hands off that frying pan and leave the kitchen.”
(Long, long pause.) “Thank you, Larry. Thank you very much!”
Jo Ann’s step was now a little lighter, her self-confidence higher, and once in a while she hummed. She didn’t seem to have as many blue moods much anymore. “I rather like Larry’s new behavior,” she thought.
That would be the end of the story except one day another most extraordinary event took place. This time it was Jo Ann who spoke.
“Larry,” she said, “I want to thank you for going to work and providing for us all these years. I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much I appreciate it.”
Larry has never revealed the reason for his drastic change of behavior no matter how hard Jo Ann has pushed for an answer, and so it will likely remain one of life’s mysteries. But it’s one I’m thankful to live with.
You see, I am Jo Ann.

                                                                                                                                                                    by Jo Ann Larsen 
                                                                            Desert News (February 10, 1985)
                                                                                                                                        




Cheers to this ordinary, everyday love! 
The one that takes extraordinary work, compassion, vulnerability and appreciation. 

~ vanilla marshmallow by Butter
~ melted chocolate recipe here
~ almond cake by The Invisible Chef



Sharing with Home Sweet Home/ Be Inspired/ Pink Saturday



Read more »






To all of you 
who believe that love will save the world and romance should last a lifetime; 
who admit they enjoy romantic movies with happy endings;
who tell yourself not to cry when he is ready to admit to her the most meaningful words after an exhausting run through the airport terminal; 
who have "Gone With the Wind" and "Pride and Prejudice" as the best romantic reads in their list of favorite books of all time;
whose hearts melt when on the first date he cooks for her on a candle light, Miles Davis on the record player;
who would travel to Verona, Italy only to experience the romance of appearing on Juliet's balcony and then to touch her right breast of her bronze statue hoping love will stay with them forever (it works so far :)
who invest time in reading poetry because there is no better romantic rhythm and art form of a language; 
who can overcome all odds and adversity in the name of love;
who don't need a long explanatory speech of affection simply because ..."he/she had you at hello";
who have a smile on their faces and warmth pours through their bodies when seeing an elderly couple holding hands while walking in the park; she would randomly fix his hat;
who when are sad need the voice of a powerful singer to change their world on a moment's notice
"I love you in a place where there's no space or time
 I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
 And when my life is over remember when we were together
 We were alone and I was singing this song for you..."
who would always choose love over fear and hostility;
who learn how to love without boundaries, without conditions, thoughts, fears, expectations, discussions and games;
who embrace with an open heart that the answer to everything is love, love that reveals with every act of kindness, generosity, touching, sharing, compassion, loyalty and trust who they really are,

I wish you a Happy St. Valentine's Day!
Thank you for all your love.


You are LOVED!










"Meaning and purpose come not from accomplishing great things in the world, but simply from loving those who are right in front of you, doing all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place where you are. It's not the doing that makes it special, it is the loving."
                                                                                                                                                                                                      ~ Katrina Kenison









            With love,

              SYLVIA




Be My Valentine / Decor to Adore


A Valentine for You






To all of you 
who believe that love will save the world and romance should last a lifetime; 
who admit they enjoy romantic movies with happy endings;
who tell yourself not to cry when he is ready to admit to her the most meaningful words after an exhausting run through the airport terminal; 
who have "Gone With the Wind" and "Pride and Prejudice" as the best romantic reads in their list of favorite books of all time;
whose hearts melt when on the first date he cooks for her on a candle light, Miles Davis on the record player;
who would travel to Verona, Italy only to experience the romance of appearing on Juliet's balcony and then to touch her right breast of her bronze statue hoping love will stay with them forever (it works so far :)
who invest time in reading poetry because there is no better romantic rhythm and art form of a language; 
who can overcome all odds and adversity in the name of love;
who don't need a long explanatory speech of affection simply because ..."he/she had you at hello";
who have a smile on their faces and warmth pours through their bodies when seeing an elderly couple holding hands while walking in the park; she would randomly fix his hat;
who when are sad need the voice of a powerful singer to change their world on a moment's notice
"I love you in a place where there's no space or time
 I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
 And when my life is over remember when we were together
 We were alone and I was singing this song for you..."
who would always choose love over fear and hostility;
who learn how to love without boundaries, without conditions, thoughts, fears, expectations, discussions and games;
who embrace with an open heart that the answer to everything is love, love that reveals with every act of kindness, generosity, touching, sharing, compassion, loyalty and trust who they really are,

I wish you a Happy St. Valentine's Day!
Thank you for all your love.


You are LOVED!










"Meaning and purpose come not from accomplishing great things in the world, but simply from loving those who are right in front of you, doing all you can with what you have, in the time you have, in the place where you are. It's not the doing that makes it special, it is the loving."
                                                                                                                                                                                                      ~ Katrina Kenison









            With love,

              SYLVIA




Be My Valentine / Decor to Adore


Read more »



I agree – Valentine's Day has become a highly commercialized "Hallmark" holiday. It is hard to feel genuinely romantic with all the pressure of spending money on gifts, flowers, reservations of fancy dinners, parties, outfits, trips, messages, phone calls... Another blessed day for the retailers.

But instead of falling into the usual anti-Valentine's complaints, why not use this day as an opportunity?
Personally, commercial aspect of the holiday doesn't bother me – what does concern me is the spiritual impoverishment of the human soul. 
Why? Because in the words of wise professor Morri, you don't have to buy into this culture. Instead, "work at creating and building your own little subculture. You can't let anyone – or any society – determine how you think, what you value... Invest in people, in the human family. Build a little community of those you love and who love you."

In my world, I refuse to let anyone diminish the spirit of what Valentine's Day means to me. It has never been a grand affair in my family, yet it has never been ignored. Regardless of the biblical or secular interpretations, to me, Valentine's Day is a celebration of Love and Romance – a day to express fondness and appreciation to the special people in your life, to honour self-love, the love for life, the divine love. After all, love, attraction, and romance are as old as the world itself. 

I know, it is sad to count on being romantic and showing love on only one day out of the year, but I am not a perfect human being. Life moves fast, and I often get caught up in its demands. Perhaps that's why I embrace this day so fully. It serves as a conscious reminder to nurture the relationships that matter most to me. As a partner, friend, mother, daughter, and individual, I use Valentine's Day to set the tone for how I treat loved ones and others every day.

In fact, showing love and appreciation doesn't take much – certainly not a lot of money. Simple things can go a long way:

- listen to what others love and dream about;

- surprise them with something special, just for them;

- be inventive in your words; the same phrases lose impact with repetition;

- let go of ego – be humble, open, and vulnerable;

- cook for others, share a meal; there is something so honest and generous about preparing food for someone you love;

- take time to send or make cards, especially for Valentin's Day; I miss those evenings spent making Valentines for my son's elementary school classes;

- notice the little thing – like if your wife's car needs gas; surprise her while she is in yoga class by filling the tank and bringing the car back before she even notices. (Who does that? Well, my husband!)

- bake your son's favorite cookies in the shape of a mini heart, fill a jar with them and give it as a gift; for a vintage touch, cover the jar's lid with old paper  (find a recipe here);

- share a morning coffee with a loved one, or an afternoon tea with a friend; add a romantic touch with a mini heart perching on the edge of the cup;

- sing a song, dance a tango– even if you can't;

- love yourself; we are born with love and when we learn to love ourselves as an integral and equal part of the whole universe, we become capable to offer love to others; the more love we give, the more it grows within us, and the more we receive in return.

And on Valentine's Day? It's even easier.

   







And, no matter how we feel about Valentine's Day, who doesn't love indulging in some good chocolate?
I know I do!

And if you think all sounds cliche, I won't agree – after all "important things are inevitably cliche."







 " Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." 
- Danny, age 7


                                                                               
                                                                                      Hugs and kisses to you! XOXO




Happy Valentine Pink Saturday
Seasonal Sundays
Savvy Southern Style
Stone Gable





mini hearts - maxi LOVE



I agree – Valentine's Day has become a highly commercialized "Hallmark" holiday. It is hard to feel genuinely romantic with all the pressure of spending money on gifts, flowers, reservations of fancy dinners, parties, outfits, trips, messages, phone calls... Another blessed day for the retailers.

But instead of falling into the usual anti-Valentine's complaints, why not use this day as an opportunity?
Personally, commercial aspect of the holiday doesn't bother me – what does concern me is the spiritual impoverishment of the human soul. 
Why? Because in the words of wise professor Morri, you don't have to buy into this culture. Instead, "work at creating and building your own little subculture. You can't let anyone – or any society – determine how you think, what you value... Invest in people, in the human family. Build a little community of those you love and who love you."

In my world, I refuse to let anyone diminish the spirit of what Valentine's Day means to me. It has never been a grand affair in my family, yet it has never been ignored. Regardless of the biblical or secular interpretations, to me, Valentine's Day is a celebration of Love and Romance – a day to express fondness and appreciation to the special people in your life, to honour self-love, the love for life, the divine love. After all, love, attraction, and romance are as old as the world itself. 

I know, it is sad to count on being romantic and showing love on only one day out of the year, but I am not a perfect human being. Life moves fast, and I often get caught up in its demands. Perhaps that's why I embrace this day so fully. It serves as a conscious reminder to nurture the relationships that matter most to me. As a partner, friend, mother, daughter, and individual, I use Valentine's Day to set the tone for how I treat loved ones and others every day.

In fact, showing love and appreciation doesn't take much – certainly not a lot of money. Simple things can go a long way:

- listen to what others love and dream about;

- surprise them with something special, just for them;

- be inventive in your words; the same phrases lose impact with repetition;

- let go of ego – be humble, open, and vulnerable;

- cook for others, share a meal; there is something so honest and generous about preparing food for someone you love;

- take time to send or make cards, especially for Valentin's Day; I miss those evenings spent making Valentines for my son's elementary school classes;

- notice the little thing – like if your wife's car needs gas; surprise her while she is in yoga class by filling the tank and bringing the car back before she even notices. (Who does that? Well, my husband!)

- bake your son's favorite cookies in the shape of a mini heart, fill a jar with them and give it as a gift; for a vintage touch, cover the jar's lid with old paper  (find a recipe here);

- share a morning coffee with a loved one, or an afternoon tea with a friend; add a romantic touch with a mini heart perching on the edge of the cup;

- sing a song, dance a tango– even if you can't;

- love yourself; we are born with love and when we learn to love ourselves as an integral and equal part of the whole universe, we become capable to offer love to others; the more love we give, the more it grows within us, and the more we receive in return.

And on Valentine's Day? It's even easier.

   







And, no matter how we feel about Valentine's Day, who doesn't love indulging in some good chocolate?
I know I do!

And if you think all sounds cliche, I won't agree – after all "important things are inevitably cliche."







 " Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." 
- Danny, age 7


                                                                               
                                                                                      Hugs and kisses to you! XOXO




Happy Valentine Pink Saturday
Seasonal Sundays
Savvy Southern Style
Stone Gable





Read more »






To me, one of the greatest ways to celebrate the month of love is hosting a decadently sweet afternoon tea party for your friends. And Valentine's Day deserves a special touch – vintage. Not many things can beat the charm of a coloured old-fashioned tea table, mismatching teacups and saucers, old silver spoons and linen napkins. My friends and I did indulge our romantic side by taking delight in herbal and Earl Gray tea, laughing over red velvet cupcakes, heart-shaped tea sandwiches, cheese butter triangles, watermelon, strawberries, and chocolate pretzels. To create a real Valentine's Day atmosphere I dug out an old reproduction of a famous Antonio Canova's Venus & Adonis and made it a focal point of my buffet.




Searching and finding special items is as much fun as setting up the event. Even though my collection of vintage items is not a small one, I wanted something intriguing, and it didn't take me long to find the perfect Royal Doulton "My Valentine" collectors plates. In the spirit of the Victorian era, the back of each plate reads a poem and is decorated with pink roses. I didn't forget to look in my box with old photos and postcards and used those charming vintage Valentine's Day cards to decorate the table. With just a little effort, I created some simple personal touches. I used old bottles for the pink lemonade and wrapped them in vintage printed hearts. To make it even more inviting, I made heart tags and tied them to the linen napkins. Each cupcake was accented with a vintage-inspired paper-and-ribbon topper. 

   

Pieces on my table do not match one another as I am convinced it all adds up to the quirky vintage appeal. But I agree, one has to use the "good" china from behind the cabinet because pretty is what we need for the celebration of love. Beautiful flowers are a must and you never can go wrong with a bunch of roses to brighten up the table. I used vintage jars and milk jugs for the flower display. The lovely surprise to my friends was the row of sugar heart-stamped lumps – a popular choice for weddings, they made a great romantic statement on my table as well.



     








Being a detail person, I have always enjoyed every piece of planning a party form collecting ideas and getting inspired to making creative decisions. However, having friends and family over to be entertained by it is the most joyous piece of all.  Now, I am even more happy with the unique opportunity to share my enjoyment with you, dear readers, all around the world. Although some people think that food is the main aspect of an event, setting a well-thought table and an atmosphere infused with your own personal style made everything more inviting and welcoming for your guests. Celebrating love is simply showing love. In the end, what really matters is bringing people together to laugh, play, share and create lasting memories. 
What made our tea party really fun was reading the messages of love at the back of the vintage postcards. 
"I've fallen in love many times... always with you" was written on one of them. How sweet is that!
"Happy is the Heart that Holds Love." How true is that!

  My Valentine 
" May time flow sweetly as a song,
   May bliss at morn awake you!
     May you and yours, the bright day long,
  Be glad as joy can make you!
      And round your heart may blessings throng
  That never shall forsake you! "
                               ( written on the plate )

HAPPY VALENTINES!






P. S. I'm not really happy with the quality of these images. I took the shots in a hurry and there wasn't enough light. ( Just for the record :)


I am sharing with Sherry~Home Sweet Home 
              Susan~Tablescape Thursday
              Debra~Vintage Inspiration Friday
              Honey~Potpourri Friday  
              Beverly~Valentine's Pink Saturday
                            Seasonal Sundays  
              Sandi~ Valentines Day Tea Time
              Terri~ Tea Cup Tuesday 
              Trisha`Tea Party Tuesday 
                   Vintage Thingie Thursday 






Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea






To me, one of the greatest ways to celebrate the month of love is hosting a decadently sweet afternoon tea party for your friends. And Valentine's Day deserves a special touch – vintage. Not many things can beat the charm of a coloured old-fashioned tea table, mismatching teacups and saucers, old silver spoons and linen napkins. My friends and I did indulge our romantic side by taking delight in herbal and Earl Gray tea, laughing over red velvet cupcakes, heart-shaped tea sandwiches, cheese butter triangles, watermelon, strawberries, and chocolate pretzels. To create a real Valentine's Day atmosphere I dug out an old reproduction of a famous Antonio Canova's Venus & Adonis and made it a focal point of my buffet.




Searching and finding special items is as much fun as setting up the event. Even though my collection of vintage items is not a small one, I wanted something intriguing, and it didn't take me long to find the perfect Royal Doulton "My Valentine" collectors plates. In the spirit of the Victorian era, the back of each plate reads a poem and is decorated with pink roses. I didn't forget to look in my box with old photos and postcards and used those charming vintage Valentine's Day cards to decorate the table. With just a little effort, I created some simple personal touches. I used old bottles for the pink lemonade and wrapped them in vintage printed hearts. To make it even more inviting, I made heart tags and tied them to the linen napkins. Each cupcake was accented with a vintage-inspired paper-and-ribbon topper. 

   

Pieces on my table do not match one another as I am convinced it all adds up to the quirky vintage appeal. But I agree, one has to use the "good" china from behind the cabinet because pretty is what we need for the celebration of love. Beautiful flowers are a must and you never can go wrong with a bunch of roses to brighten up the table. I used vintage jars and milk jugs for the flower display. The lovely surprise to my friends was the row of sugar heart-stamped lumps – a popular choice for weddings, they made a great romantic statement on my table as well.



     








Being a detail person, I have always enjoyed every piece of planning a party form collecting ideas and getting inspired to making creative decisions. However, having friends and family over to be entertained by it is the most joyous piece of all.  Now, I am even more happy with the unique opportunity to share my enjoyment with you, dear readers, all around the world. Although some people think that food is the main aspect of an event, setting a well-thought table and an atmosphere infused with your own personal style made everything more inviting and welcoming for your guests. Celebrating love is simply showing love. In the end, what really matters is bringing people together to laugh, play, share and create lasting memories. 
What made our tea party really fun was reading the messages of love at the back of the vintage postcards. 
"I've fallen in love many times... always with you" was written on one of them. How sweet is that!
"Happy is the Heart that Holds Love." How true is that!

  My Valentine 
" May time flow sweetly as a song,
   May bliss at morn awake you!
     May you and yours, the bright day long,
  Be glad as joy can make you!
      And round your heart may blessings throng
  That never shall forsake you! "
                               ( written on the plate )

HAPPY VALENTINES!






P. S. I'm not really happy with the quality of these images. I took the shots in a hurry and there wasn't enough light. ( Just for the record :)


I am sharing with Sherry~Home Sweet Home 
              Susan~Tablescape Thursday
              Debra~Vintage Inspiration Friday
              Honey~Potpourri Friday  
              Beverly~Valentine's Pink Saturday
                            Seasonal Sundays  
              Sandi~ Valentines Day Tea Time
              Terri~ Tea Cup Tuesday 
              Trisha`Tea Party Tuesday 
                   Vintage Thingie Thursday 






Read more »



As Valentine's day is just around the corner, I am willing to celebrate every love as the new Starbucks Love cup calls out. Here at my little world, Valentine's Day isn't seen only as a day that couples celebrate their love for each other, but rather a great day to celebrate love in general; our love for everything in life.
Love is truly everywhere  and " like the sun, it' comes out of the clouds and warms our souls."
Valentines' day reminds me of my unconditional love to my family and friends,
but I also love:
people
nature
literacy
chocolate
romantic movies
loving gestures
teaching
crafting
volunteering
vintages
planet Earth
books
traveling
Arts
snow
sun
music
Paris 
the smell of lavender
scarves
...
...

I can go on, and on, and on with days on this list
because if you just think about it,  
it is so easy to love.
How not to feel the love when my husband brings flowers home simply because he knows how much I love that;
when my son bought from a classmate, who is trying to help his family, a power balance band to surprise me;
when I produce almost a "real conversation" with my seven month adorable nephew discussing in dolphin whistles, "neh"s, and "owh"s his sweet potato mash or his new toy;
when even though we live on different continents, we talk with my sister literary every next day for almost an hour;
when the book I am reading now is titled " Slow Love", the most sustaining sort of love that comes of an unhurried and focused attention to the simple things, available to all of us;
when all of my neighbors decided to plant a tree in our community with a plaque in honor of a neighbor who pasted away after a prolonged illness;  
when I found the perfect vintage Valentine's Day plates for my vintage tea party at my favorite Antique show (stay tuned for my next post);
when I received the most lovely parcel with great Valentine's Cards which I purchased from the enchanting Anita's Etsy shop;
when the graceful Suzanne from Privet & Holly notified me that I am one of the winners of her clever creation Card Keyper;
when I found the most charming pack of 24 assorted chocolate squares made with love in Belgium;
when a friend of mine finishes our phone calls with "Volim te" in Serbian even tough I don't speak the language; 
when I was driving back home Leon Russel's voice filled the air : 
I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
....
Really, how not to feel the love?
At the end of the day 
Love is everywhere and the heart can find it no matter how unlikely the place seems.
I open my mind, arms and heart while doing things I love, 
and 
there it is : Love is everywhere...
I hold on to it and cherish every feeling of it !
 



 
 







Dear Friends,
feel the love around you. 
Put a whole lot of love into whatever you are doing, making, cooking, giving, sharing... 
Spread loveliness here and there in your home.
Celebrate every love this month 
and 
this Valentine's Day!







I love to read your lovely comments.
Thank you !




I am sharing with Amy ~ Virtual Coffee
   Sarah ~ Good Life Weds

Feeling the Love



As Valentine's day is just around the corner, I am willing to celebrate every love as the new Starbucks Love cup calls out. Here at my little world, Valentine's Day isn't seen only as a day that couples celebrate their love for each other, but rather a great day to celebrate love in general; our love for everything in life.
Love is truly everywhere  and " like the sun, it' comes out of the clouds and warms our souls."
Valentines' day reminds me of my unconditional love to my family and friends,
but I also love:
people
nature
literacy
chocolate
romantic movies
loving gestures
teaching
crafting
volunteering
vintages
planet Earth
books
traveling
Arts
snow
sun
music
Paris 
the smell of lavender
scarves
...
...

I can go on, and on, and on with days on this list
because if you just think about it,  
it is so easy to love.
How not to feel the love when my husband brings flowers home simply because he knows how much I love that;
when my son bought from a classmate, who is trying to help his family, a power balance band to surprise me;
when I produce almost a "real conversation" with my seven month adorable nephew discussing in dolphin whistles, "neh"s, and "owh"s his sweet potato mash or his new toy;
when even though we live on different continents, we talk with my sister literary every next day for almost an hour;
when the book I am reading now is titled " Slow Love", the most sustaining sort of love that comes of an unhurried and focused attention to the simple things, available to all of us;
when all of my neighbors decided to plant a tree in our community with a plaque in honor of a neighbor who pasted away after a prolonged illness;  
when I found the perfect vintage Valentine's Day plates for my vintage tea party at my favorite Antique show (stay tuned for my next post);
when I received the most lovely parcel with great Valentine's Cards which I purchased from the enchanting Anita's Etsy shop;
when the graceful Suzanne from Privet & Holly notified me that I am one of the winners of her clever creation Card Keyper;
when I found the most charming pack of 24 assorted chocolate squares made with love in Belgium;
when a friend of mine finishes our phone calls with "Volim te" in Serbian even tough I don't speak the language; 
when I was driving back home Leon Russel's voice filled the air : 
I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
....
Really, how not to feel the love?
At the end of the day 
Love is everywhere and the heart can find it no matter how unlikely the place seems.
I open my mind, arms and heart while doing things I love, 
and 
there it is : Love is everywhere...
I hold on to it and cherish every feeling of it !
 



 
 







Dear Friends,
feel the love around you. 
Put a whole lot of love into whatever you are doing, making, cooking, giving, sharing... 
Spread loveliness here and there in your home.
Celebrate every love this month 
and 
this Valentine's Day!







I love to read your lovely comments.
Thank you !




I am sharing with Amy ~ Virtual Coffee
   Sarah ~ Good Life Weds
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