Happy Valentine's Day!

For someone who is not 'in-love' with Valentine's Day right now, I had a tremendous Valentine's Weekend!

Funny how this seems to be the one 'man-made holiday' (other than maybe sweetest day, another consumer-driven holiday) where you love it if you are in love or have that special someone and absolutely abhor it if you are single, not in a relationship, recently broken up, or pining for someone who may not have the same feelings.

I must admit, though I never have a guy on Valentine's Day --except for 'Mango Man' many, many years ago, I'm a sucker for the traditions. I grew up in a house where we celebrated V-Day every year. My Mom and sister made these adorable felt sequined hearts for all of us to wear....when I was old enough, I got into the act. We'd hit Malley's for their chocolate hearts and jelly hearts. I'd buy Mom flowers. I'd get Valentine's cards and send them out en masse or pass out the small children's ones to my friends with candy attached. I'd bake my famous chocolate chip muffins and make a heart-shaped chocolate chip cake. For some reason, 1 of the most memorable Valentine's Days was oh so many years ago when we were all together and my sister made these delicious cinnamon muffins for breakfast.

Now don't get me wrong. There is some bitterness attached at times. Carrie Bradshaw, of 'Sex and the City' fame and Sue Sylvester of 'Glee' had the right idea. Both of them married themselves.

The single girl gets slighted over and over. The single girl may get birthday gifts, but usually never of the caliber only delivered by a husband or boyfriend, a Mother, or even lover. The single girl NEVER the center of attention with gifts galore showered upon her the likes of a woman about to embark on marriage --at a wedding shower....or a woman with child --at a baby shower. The single girl never gets the opportunity to receive ridiculous amounts of cash being tossed in an ornately decorated, multi-tier box set smack dab next to a wedding cake. And the single girl never gets wined and dined on her birthday, wedding anniversary, valentine's day, sweetest day, or any other 'holiday of love' including Christmas by the man of her dreams.

Carrie Bradshaw, after attending more baby and wedding showers than she could take and totalling up how much money she actually spent on her friends good fortunes with absolutely no reciprocation decided to throw a 'married to myself' party ......as did Sue Sylvester.

I don't think I'd have the balls to do that, but I love their style and the idea.

That said, this weekend was not perfect....but had some amazing memorable moments. I touched base in some way with my family....still have candy treats for a few of them forcing me to see them very soon!

I baked....passed out Valentine's candy and cookies....sent messages to the special people in my life....wore Mom's beautiful red sweater and the felt sequin heart she made for me.....

I actually saw 2 of my favorite fellows. 1 of them I had not seen in eons. He visited Mom in the hospital days before she died.....what are the chances of me running into him at an event I was attending Valentine's weekend? I take that as a definite sign from God.....as clear as Bam Bam hitting me over the head with a huge wooden club, that we will be friends forever...and our paths will continue crossing.

I had engaging phone conversations with 2 of my dearest friends in the whole wide world. 1 of them is out of state but we had a gas talking for 2 hours catching up....he and his work buddies loved the Malley's heart candy I sent....and then when I sent him a Happy Valentine's text, he made me pee my pants by responding, "Is that what all the fuss is about today?" And proceeded to wish me a very happy valentine's day back....

I was surprised and overjoyed by yet another friend I had not heard from in at least a month. We had a wonderful phone conversation....he made my day, my night and whole weekend! Hopefully, we too, will be able to catch up in person in the near future.

Beaming & Butterflies.

Realizing and recognizing the great friendships I've garnered over the years and still have in my life make me realize that being a single girl is really ok. God has been so good to me. I could not ask for a better family....and have the most amazing friends in my life across the board--from kindergarten through now--who keep me vibrant, alive, young, and most of the time, feeling loved.

I have faith that one day God will indulge me with my fantasy Valentine's Day. If I've learned one thing in life, it is never doubt the power of God. I'll keep my Valentine's Day traditions alive each February 14....my heart open.....and enjoy the mini miracles sent my way each day of the year.