Three Ways to Write a Valentine
via my instagram
I know a bunch of people aren't fans of today- some think it's overly commercialized, puts unrealistic expectations of couples to be overly romantic, and as for all my single ladies out there (and guys) it can pretty much make you feel like you're all by your lonesome. But personally, I love Valentine's Day. An entire day devoted to being sentimental and sappy? A day devoted to celebrating love for the sake of love? A day that ENCOURAGES the use of glitter?! Come on McScrooges. That's a beautiful thing. Of course that said, I'm not a red roses kind of gal, I prefer to stay in on Valentine's night, and as for presents? A handmade card is more than enough for me. (Though this year J. gave me a gold iPhone. Not so much of a Valentine's Day present as a "seriously, Courtney, your phone won't even accept text messages anymore you need this" purchase. It just happened to fall near Valentine's so he insisted it was a present so I couldn't refuse. And because he deserves the recognition for being awesome, he also brought me a Chickfila chicken biscuit for breakfast, woke me up with Atlanta style with Outkast's "Happy Valentine's Day," and made me a card. He's a winner, ladies.)
The only thing I wish would be different about Valentine's Day, is how much we stress romantic love. Of course that's amazing and I wish true love for everyone, but the love we have for family and friends is special too and deserves to be celebrated. Wednesday, I had some of my girl friends over for cookie decorating (well more a lot of talking, eating, and champagne with a side of cookie decorating) and couldn't get over how blessed I am to have such amazing, supportive women as my friends. And not just my Denver friends, but all my East (and West!) coasts friends too. And then there are my parents and my sister who are so amazing and I have so much love for, as well as my awesome in laws, my aunts, my uncles and my cousins. And then my best friend who doesn't think it's weird at all when I send her long emails about the dream I had predicting the sex of her baby or send texts that only consist of completely random thoughts that pop into my head, or my other bestie who without a doubt always has flowers in her guest room when we visit and makes sure to schedule "phone dates" so we're always caught up on each others lives. And there there are all of you who have supported my work and me - from taking my classes, buying my stationery, or simply just liking what I post on Instagram- you're all so wonderful.
It's almost overwhelming to think of how much love I'm fortunate to have in my life. And not just me, but all of us. Whether you're in a relationship or not, we're all surrounded by so much love. And THAT is what I think Valentine's Day is all about. To celebrate the love of our everyday lives.
Well that and chocolate. Because come on. Everything is better with chocolate.
Oh! Also wanted to invite you all over to read the piece I did for Clementine Daily. If you have the perfect Valentine's Day card but have absolutely no clue what to put inside it, this one's for you. (Also, my funny card example is for everyone who has ever had to sit through one of my stories. I am the longest story teller ever and I love you all for still listening to them.)
And on that note, Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! Whether it's getting dressed up and going out, making dinner at home, or simply curling up with a stack of your favorite magazines- I hope it's a day filled with love.