Dear Reader:

We humans are famous for taking the simplest and most beautiful God given ” free” gifts and trying to ” sell” the idea that love can be bought. Love is the most powerful gift of everything God created and gave us. In essence there would be no life without love… or at least no life any of us would want to live. None of us can imagine or even would want to contemplate a life without love.

If we are really lucky we feel love and give love everyday of our lives… no designated day needed. It all started at the end of the fifth century… when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St Valentines Day- since then February 14 has been a day of celebration – generally more religious than romantic.

Conflicting stories about who Saint Valentine really was or did consume the internet this time of year. One legend says that St Valentine refused to convert to paganism and was executed by the Roman emperor Claudius II. Prior to his execution, he was able to miraculously heal the daughter of his jailer, who then converted to Christianity-along with her family.

But it was Chaucer who began using the term ” Valentine” in his writings as a synonym for a lover. By the mid-19th century mass produced valentine cards were in demand. Enter sales companies pushing flowers, chocolates, jewelry, stuffed animals, desserts… etc. and here we are today. Love for sale!

But as for me… just a ” I love you” is the best gift of all! And free! Besides, like the little girl below… finding new life in my garden is love personified! God’s love! Always guaranteed to bring a smile.

Yesterday, being Monday, of course, the sun was back out and the earlier chilly temperatures warmed throughout the day. I decided to take a leisurely drive around my beautiful hometown.

In the Lowcountry…for just a few precious weeks …the camellia season overlaps with the early azaleas bursting into bloom… magnificent ” Valentine” natural floral gifts of red, pink, and white.

I loved driving by these Summerville yards so much yesterday…

Even though this famous home has changed hands many times since cosmetics giant -Elizabeth Arden bought it as a summer estate… it is still remembered by long-time residents as the Elizabeth Arden House.

While Elizabeth resided there she changed the door color for every season but these days… the door remains red … her signature color used on her entrances to her salons.

So until tomorrow… I hope for everyone you have a day of beauty, caring, and most of all love.

Today is my favorite day! Winnie the Pooh