Vital Imagery Blog

"Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet." — Katharine Lee Bates

It won't be long now before we celebrate, what is to many, that most romantic of days.  As it is every year, with the arrival of Feb. 14, there will be hearts and flowers, chocolates and champagne, dinners and movies, all intended as expressions of ardour, devotion and passion.

Valentine's Day means different things to different people, of course. Even, in some cases, what essentially translates to no meaning at all. While for many people it's an honoured occasion, a time for romance and sentimentality, there are those who feel it's all just a big excuse to get people to part with their money. Of course, too, there are folks, like me, who fall somewhere in between.

Despite a strong conviction that at heart I am an idealist, a romantic, I can be a little wishy-washy about the rituals and traditions of Feb. 14. Certainly as a youngster, the event was greeted with enthusiasm, as a plethora …

"Valentine's Day is an extraordinary moment for recalling the lasting power of a true love." — M.F. Moonzajer 

At least when you're older. Having been married now for far longer than I was single, I am fortunate that I've been recalling that lasting power for some time. Every Feb. 14, for decades, I've been blessed to celebrate this most romantic of all days with the same special person. To bask in the pleasures of an adult relationship with your best friend, your soulmate, your love is a gift worthy of celebration.

However,  as a child, the expressions of affection were doled out each Valentine's Day with indiscriminate purpose. While it's been ages since I've had to worry about a mass mailing of Valentine's Day greetings, those times remain indelible memories. And while having a partner with whom to share the day is the best, the ritual, the excitement of anticipation from those long ago days are often recalled in bits and pieces with nostal…