that's amore

thought: love is in the air...

or so, hallmark is trying to make people think it is. yes, it's that time of year ladies and gents... February 14th is seven days away.

but don't worry, this isn't a hate blog about valentine's day...nor is it a hint for anyone who reads my posts...just simply some observations.

personally, i think valentine's day is a sweet gesture. i mean, i know plenty of guys who forget about birthdays or anniversaries or other important dates. this one if hard to miss, however. stores are decked out in pink, red, and white hearts. the flower, candy, and card commercials are abundant as are the jewelry ones. the only way to miss it is if you're living under a rock.

let's face it, i'm a bit of a sap so i get into the whole flower, candy jewelry thing. there was a time when i thought ill of the whole thing, found it silly even. but the older i get, the more i really think it's sweet...even if it is a hallmark holiday. people want to know that they are loved, thought well of, and cared for. is that too much to ask? i think not.

have i ever had a valentine? nope. mom gets us a card every year and it lists all of the things she loves about us...i don't count that (love ya mom, but aren't you obligated to tell me how great i am??). i think, maybe, i'm holding out.

you know what's funny is that i'm listening to love songs while typing this. there is a cheesy smile on my face and i'm thinking back, remembering, seeing friends fall in love and find their forever

valentine. it was a very cool thing to witness.

love is one of my favorite topics to write about. the stories are abundant. they end sweetly...or not. they can be happy or sad. uplifting or outraging. predictiable or unpredictable. you never know really...and everyone has one. it's a universal thing that everyone, to some extent, can relate to. i think that's why i'm a fan of February 14th. it's a free, totally acceptable day to love people without question.

valentine's day can be celebrated with anyone you care for...not just that special, romantic relationship. i've spent several with friends, out at dinner, laughing up a storm...and those were the best. i was with people i really loved being with. eventually, i will have the rest of my life to be with my forever valentine. and, i'm sure, so will many of you who may happen to read this.

so, with all of this love in the air, make the most of it. if you have a special someone, let them know how much you care. if you don't, well, call your friends, strike up the band and have a ball. but for the skeptics, you may have a point, you know. this whole thing could be overrated...kind of like a kiss at the stroke of midnight for the new year.

or not. i'm a sap, remember.

whatever your situation, share the love. buy chocolates for yourself...buy flowers and give them to random people. it's a day of love. share it.