Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!

I would like to wish everyone and their loved ones a very Happy Valentine's Day.

For those celebrating Valentine's Day with that special somebody, these are the symbols found on Valentines.

Cupid - Cupid was one of the gods of mythology. In Latin, the word Cupid means "desire." Cupid is typically represented as a chubby, naked, winged boy or youth with a mischievous smile. He possessed a bow with a quiver of arrows by which he transfixed the hearts of youths and maidens. Cherubs are descendants of Cupid. They are depicted as lovable little winged creatures without arrows and quivers. Cherubs were typically not mischievous like Cupid.

Ribbons, Laces and Frills - Ribbons and frills have been associated with romance since the days of knighthood when a knight rode into battle with a ribbon or scarf given him by his lady fair. The dictionary states that the word "Lace" comes from a Latin word meaning to "snare" or "noose".

The Rose - The rose which is undoubtedly the most popular flower in the world, speaks of love and has been the choice of lovers in every century. If you rearrange the letters of the word rose you get Eros, the God of Love.

Hands - A lady's hands was a favorite decoration that depicted "femininity." Its beauty was enhanced by adding a frilly cuff and a jeweled ring on the third finger. Clasped hands represent those of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and were symbols of the friendship between their countries of Germany and England.

Romantic or not?
If you are a romantic person/lover you probably have the following traits or characteristics - You are perceptive of your significant other's needs and take the time to show it. It may be a simple peck on the check, a well-timed "I Love You" or a helping hand - all signs that you are reading the "needs" of those you care about.

Being a romantic person does not based on nationality, how you dressed or how many packages you carried. Instead, it appeared to be the joy of just spending time together! This joy was conveyed with "a loving glance," hand holding, laughter, giggling and a lot of smiling!

Here are the tips or ideas for Valentine’s Day.

For Your Sweetheart
• Breakfast in bed.
• Make your sweetheart's favorite meal or take your sweetheart out for a special dinner.
• Send your valentine (male or female) flowers at work. If you are on a tight budget, give just one single hand-delivered flower. Remember, it's the thought not the quantity.
• Do something unexpected! Drive across town to take your Valentine out for lunch.
• Send a gift basket of indulgent items.
• Embroider "I Love You" on his pillowcase. You could also use a water resistant marker.
• Poetry is traditional for Valentine's Day. Make up your own or buy a book of love poems that you can read together.
• Dedicate a favorite song to your Valentine on a radio show that he or she will be listening to.
• Write "I Love You" in lipstick or shaving cream on the mirror. You could also tape a heart with the words "I Love You" if you prefer an easier clean up.
• If your sweetheart is going to be away from you on Valentine's Day, get several Valentine's Day cards and put them in different places in his or her luggage. You could sequence them with "Open Me on February 14th" or "Open Me on February 15th" to create some suspense. Don't limit this idea to just Valentine's Day!

Family Members
Everyone loves a gift on Valentine's Days: Parents, children, friends and relatives. It doesn't have to be expensive, just show you care!

• Hide a valentine in a lunch box, briefcase or purse. Imagine the smile on their face when they find it during the day.
• Carry a pocketful of chocolate kisses. Pass them out as you let the recipient know that you appreciate them.
• Go to the American Red Cross and give blood or make a donation in honor of those you love.
• Sign the back of your driver's license to become an organ donor.
• Make your kids valentine-shaped cinnamon toast for breakfast or heart-shaped cookies for a special treat.

General Ideas
• Wear something red.
• Take a special treat into the office to share with your co-workers.
• Show the people you work with that you really rely on just how important they are by buying a small token gift: a mylar balloon that says "You're Special," a coffee cup filled with candy, a single flower, or take them out to lunch!
• Make your own love stamp to personalize your valentines. Carve a heart on a rubber eraser and stamp it with a red ink pad.
• Seal all your messages with initials or drawings that the recipient must figure out the meaning. For example: A.F.F. (A friend forever) or S.W.A.K. (sealed with a kiss.) The guessing game could go on for days.
• Visit someone in a retirement home, nursing home or hospital.

Happy Valentine's Day !