"Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
~Mae West

St. Valentine's Day is almost here!
We like to celebrate in a big way. When we were dating, my husband began his habit of picking a color and choosing gifts based on that. The color our first Valentine's was brown. We were living miles apart and he sent me a box, wrapped in brown paper and tied with twine. Inside, dried herbs and flowers were bundled with organic chocolate, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and a handmade necklace of dried chestnuts that I still wear today. Brown may seem like a dull color but it really is full of rich variety. It is the color of the earth, symbolizing stability, trustworthiness, consistency, and the opportunity for growth. Brown is a color of beginings - ideal for a first Valentine's together.

Last year we celebratedin pink and black: Pink roses, black sheets, pink ribbons, black gifts. We had another couple over for dinner, dressed up and enjoyed ourselves to the fullest. Pink is sometimes a sentimental color - less intense, less passionate than red - the color of sweet, young love, whereas red is the color of desire. Pink is also a joyful color - it gives the impression of laughter and spring - it fit well, as we have often been accused of living in a permanent honeymoon. Black, often considered the color of evil, symoblizes protection from evil, strength, and solitude. While that may seem an unnecessary addition to a St. Valentine's celebration, it is a balancing influence - particuarly paired with pink, which can absorb the individual in romantic infatuation, black is a reminder that love requires two individuals to thrive.

This year I am waiting to see which color he chooses - I try to guess each year - I've only guessed right once. The surprise is half the fun. Blue is my guess this year.

Blessed St. Valentine's!