Valentines

I am all ready to start putting my Valentines together. I have done this for years. I originally started sending Valentines and a yearly letter because things were just so hectic around Christmas that I was not getting Christmas cards made and sent as I used to. Now it seems like the Valentine is also a big rush to finish and mail in time.

I had my hearts printed at Kinko's on card stock and sat and cut them out in front of the TV the other night. Ray wrote most of the letter and I dropped in photos of Emily's wedding—our biggest event of the past year. I have printed mailing labels and have red envelopes to send them in. I have printed my message and cut out the two shades of red paper to the correct size. Now it is a matter of gluing, folding and stuffing.

We are leaving for a short trip early in the morning. Maybe I can work on Valentines on the plane. Maybe not.

Even though I end up rushed every year, the Valentines are something I really enjoy doing. As I address each one I think about the person it is going to and usually write a little note in the margins of the printed letter. In most cases they go to friends we haven't seen for a long time and to family. I think about what these people mean in my life and how years can go by between visits, but I cherish that slender thread that continues to connect us. I found a quote that I considered using on the Valentine or in the letter. I didn't use it, but it does express the way I feel, so I will share it here.

"A good friend is a connection to life—a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world."

- Lois Wyse