How Do I Love?

Let Me Count the Ways

Saturday is Valentine’s Day, and many consider the day to be just one more crass, commercialized extravaganza. Others picture chocolates and flowers and it all seems just fine. And for some, just the chocolate idea makes it all good.

I usually think this “holiday” is sweet, and my dear husband buys me cut flowers every Valentine’s Day, although I have told him for 36 years that I never pick flowers, because I much prefer them living. Much like I prefer my animal fur, by the way. (Just try wearing a 50 pound Siberian Husky as a coat, and you will see how there is a serious flaw in that whole “fur coat” idea). My paintbrushes are synthetic. My shoes and handbag are fabric. Yeah - no dead flowers this year, please. But lots and lots of love would be good..

THIS year - oh this year!! If there has ever been a drastic need for a day devoted to “LOVE”, it is now. And all people with intact souls can feel that is true.

I have mentioned before that I have a card company. It could probably be a big one, but I print everything myself, and I truly can’t keep up with just ONE gallery here in Santa Fe. My “Valentine” cards are always popular. But this year!?! Sales are up by 300% and I don’t even have the final figures yet.

What does this tell us? The same thing the Buddhist March for Peace has told us.

What the World Needs Now Is Love, Sweet Love!

That’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.

Thanks for those immortal lyrics, Hal Davis, and thanks for the music, Burt Bacharach. Back in 1965, but things were pretty hairy then, too, regarding civil rights, and they were about to get worse.

Remember when you and your Mom bought whole bags of Valentines for you to pass out to EVERYONE in your class at school - so no one would get fewer of them and feel unloved? Sort of the early version of the Facebook and Instagram “Likes” contest.

Plenty of people will be feeling unloved and unappreciated this Valentines Day.

Here Is What We Can Do . . .

I want to ask everyone with love in your hearts to shut off your screens right now, and go in your studio, or onto your iPad and make hearts of all kinds and all colors. Make lots of them - like an old fashioned Valentine package would have. Add uplifting words to them like “You Are Loved” or “Glad you are on this Earth” or “I Hope Your Day Is Filled With Peace” or “I Am Sending You Love” - Pass It On.” or “Here’s a Hug - Please Give One to Someone Else”.

Put all of these valentines in little envelopes, seal them, and write “For You” on the outside.

Then go out and spread the love.

Leave your valentines everywhere that people might find and open them. On the shelves in the grocery store, inside a vase in Home Goods, on park benches, pinned to trees with a push pin, stuck to the outside of mailboxes, in elevators dropped on the floor, in public rest rooms on the counter (not the floor!), on your restaurant table with the tip, under windshield wipers here and there. You get the idea.

If you happen to know any particularly nasty or mean people, leave one where they will find it. Perhaps it will dislodge a bit of their crust?!

I promise you that you will make a difference by doing this - a little love left here and there, and maybe everywhere. It might take root and spread.

But one result I can guarantee. This will be your best Valentines Day ever - because you will be feeling love for other people,.and you will have sent that love out into the world.

Here Is How Easy It Is To Paint a Beatiful Heart . . .

Go forth and create some love this weekend.

See you next time.