from Mary Jo
Happy Valentine's to all!
Like Jo, I'm not a huge fan of the obsessively commercialized holiday that raises expectations and creates disappointment. (I had a friend who thought of Valentine's as validation for her whole life, and was crushed if her current boyfriend didn't live up to her sky-high expectations. Not healthy!)
But the original tale in one of its forms has an imprisoned bishop sending his flock little messages saying "I love you" scratched on heart-shaped lilac leaves. There are many, many variations on the legend of St. Valentine's, so I like to interpret the day as one where we appreciate all those we love. In honor of that, here's a link to a Dear Abby column that ran two days ago showing the lovely way an engaged couple celebrated Valentine's day: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20070212
And today's Dear Abby column has another story of a special kindness: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/ So whether you're single or coupled, thinking of romantic love or more full-spectrum love, may all you Wenchlings you give and receive some special happiness today--
Mary Jo