The Look of Love....

Happy February!!

One month closer to Spring!

Lots of Happy things to look forward to this month..

I know many people have a Love/Hate relationship with Valentines Day... but I have always thought it to be a wonderful day.  -- Even when I was single.

Most people view it as a LOVERS holiday.. but I just view it as a day to show LOVE.

And we all can show love to someone.

All of us.

My kids were busy last night happily creating Valentine cards for cousins, friends and school mates, and I felt happiness -- thinking of those days when I was a child and Valentines day at school was so much fun and exciting.

I am grateful for the Valentine Man -- that was created by my Great Grandparents.

This happy tradition lives on.

I am grateful to be surrounded by many family and friends that I love.

I am grateful to have a Lover.

This year.. I have tried to be better at Serving.. and loving.. I hope to be better at "loving my neighbor. "  Showing love and kindness... and stepping out of my comfort zone.

When my Family lived in Russia -- they celebrated a day called "Woman's Day."

Men would buy flowers and give them to random Women.

My Mother received a bunch of Roses... and my brother Chris asked my Mom if they could have one and give it to other women.

Chris was so excited to pass this rose out.. and would always ask my Mom:

" Should I give it to her? " to many women that passed by.

  My Mom told him.. "you will know when you should give it out."

Chris looked and watched.. and searched.  He was 12 years old.. and so full of love.. like he always has been -- and is now.  It had to be "right."

As my Family got on the Metro... they watched an old Woman ( a bobushka ) enter the train with all of her belongings.. and she had a stench so powerful.. Russian people were moving away from her seat. ( which says how bad it was )

Chris knew she was the one.. and approached this old Homeless looking Woman and presented her with the Rose.. and a "Happy Woman's Day."

The old Woman had a very large smile ( and I am sure a few tears ) at his kind gesture.

My Mother said many of the Russian people were shocked at my brothers example.

His example -- I am sure had an impact on many.

I was clear across the world.. and even hearing the story --it had a profound effect on me.

♥♥♥

May we all show some kind of "extra" love this month.

Look for someone who maybe doesn't get "loved" as much as they should.

Remember the Widows that you live by.

Look for that person that could use a smile.

This is a HAPPY month!  

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we lived with loving hearts everyday??? 

My friend Kimmie was a Tender Mercy to me last week.

I had a stressful week.. and the weekend wasn't going to bring any relief.

Chad was leaving to scout camp Friday and almost all of Saturday.. and I CHERISH my weekends -- and can be selfish when it comes to my time with Chad. 

 To top it off... it was the 27th.  7 months since Dad's death.  Sad day. 

My children were all headed to different parties.. and I was hanging out at home -- alone with Mary having a little pity party.. thinking of my family leaving for the night.. and nothing to do but sit and stew in my self pity... when I heard a knock at the door.

There sat a happy - surprise package.

A gift of Love.

My friend Kimmie had sent this out of the blue.. and the timing.. was incredible.

The darling Vintage looking cards.. the treats.. so very personalized to my likings... and so lovely.. but my VERY favorite.. was the sweet card inside. 

" My sweetest friend Ann Marie... a hopeless Romantic who enjoys LOVE, passion, Valentine's Day, Romance, and anything Victorian and PINK!!!  "

The kindest words were written to me.. and my well was filled with her kindness.

I felt loved .. and joy.. and my night ended up happy because my heart was full after this one act of true love and kindness.

It feels good to know that people love you -- for all of your quirky and unique ways.

Kimmie was a great example -- and now I need to send out a few cards of Love!

Love MANY this month!

I'm off to pay it forward.

♥♥♥♥

Today I am Grateful for:

A visit from Heather and Ayla this morning.

Friends who truly know me and love me in spite of ALL of my many imperfections.

People that have taken my classes and are bringing order to their homes.. and telling me about it. 

Good Examples

Love, Love, Love.