valentine

This passage from “The Velveteen Rabbit” was read during our wedding ceremony (back in 2007). At the time, we thought it was sweet but had no idea of the truth behind it. Now, like most things, time has breathed a lot more meaning into these words.

Years later when I stumbled upon this art print from one of my favorite design brands Sugarboo & Co. — I quickly snatched it up! It’s very special to me but I’m embarrassed to say that most days I walk by it unassumingly—carrying laundry, chasing children, running late to some appointment.

Today, I found myself reading it and actually paying attention to the message. It reads like a real-life love letter to my Husband (and to my girls) but I believe it transcends ALL relationships—romantic relationships, friendships, family.

Maybe your Valentine’s Day didn’t pan out like Pinterest promised, maybe your kids wouldn’t pose for the obligatory LOVE Day picture (mine didn’t), maybe you are so busy that the idea of attending anything with the word “Galentines” in it seems virtually impossible, maybe you and your spouse are tapped out; and Valentine anything seems absurd. And…maybe you are missing somebody.

Listen, if crafting gorgeous DIY cards and creating Pulitzer Prize photos of heart shaped food is your “love language” I’m here for it (and my children “thank you” as my crafting abilities are mediocre at best and they benefit from all the crafty pros out there during their classroom parties).

There’s also room for neutral colors and simple words—it’s not pretty or photogenic but it reflects love just the same. The moral of the story…for LOVE to be REAL there’s gonna be some hair loss (literally and figuratively). Happy Valentine’s Day.