Valentine’s day

Are you waiting to find a message in a bottle? You are not alone.

A message in a bottle

How many times have you read the best selling book Message in a Bottle written by my favorite author, Nicholas Sparks? Or watched the movie version of the story released back in 1999? Once, twice, or so many times the DVD is worn and scratched?

Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it can – Nicholas Sparks

In short, it’s a story about a woman who finds a romantic love letter in a bottle washed up on the shore, and she tracks down the man who wrote it. The letter tugs at the heart strings of the woman who finds it and becomes obsessed with the deep love, sadness and struggle the writer describes for his lost wife.

The movie, (filmed mostly here in my hometown) has lured many hearts in search of a bottle with such a message. Ironically, each time a bottle is found with a letter or message of some sort, it makes the news. Finding bottles, containers with forms of communication from the sea has lined the shelves of many museums throughout time as sailors and travelers at sea have met tragedy. The world’s oldest message in a bottle, believed to be written by British scientist and washed up in Germany after 108 years of sea travel. The return address was the Marine Biological Association in Plymonth.

Why are so many people intrigued by finding a message in a bottle? Maybe its the popularity and attention author Nicolas Sparks book brought to the minds of readers. Perhaps it was the simple lure of the popular, romantic movie, coupled with beautiful ocean imagery combined with the popular star of the movie, Hollywood ladies’ man (at the time) Kevin Costner. If that’s not enough bate to grab your attention, consider the populate band Police and the hit song, “Message in a Bottle.” That jingle will live on forever.

Whatever the reason that compels one to search for a message in a bottle, love and curiosity fuel the hunt. Have you ever looked for a bottle with a message sealed away inside? Ever found one?

The romance of the sea is intoxicating. There is nothing on earth that can conjure up images and feelings in the minds of people like the spell of the sea. What’s your story?

Happy Valentine’s Day,
Donna George

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Love it or hate it… V-Day is here. A day commercialized around pinks, reds, hearts and chocolate, with high hopes of expressing love. It’s the relationship status that passionately influences opinions about Valentine’s Day, but there is no denying, that February 14 comes tagged with high expectations.

flowers

There is plenty of pressure to be romantic and passionate, bubbly and light-hearted, even willing to set aside differences for the all famous cupid day. After all, it is the day, every relationship is put on a pedestal for measurement and close inspection.

What really sparks the magic of Valentine’s Day varies big from one couple to another. There is no “made to order” perfection in creating a perfect V-day, no matter how much time you invest. What I have found to be true in my happiest Valentine’s celebrations were not at all about the sparkle, glamour or the candy. The extra fluff is exciting and fun, but very temporal and short-lived. Superficial.

My husband and I have been married for a long time, practically my whole life, since high school, try 37 years of Valentine days. We have shared many great Valentine’s Days – this story will be a best seller one day :)). I will leave it at that for now, to give you some time to anticipate my book. It will be the one in the store window that says “the everlasting love story” with no dirty words. If you know me, you know I hate ugly language. I see it as a lack of skills to express yourself, laziness to find the right container to cradle your thoughts. My friend calls me a “Wordsmith”- a lover of words. I say, she knows me well. Words are everything, yet simply nothing, without action.

love story

So what are the 5 best V-day gifts? This is my list:

1. Acceptance and respect for each other as an individual, as a partner, and in all things touching our lives.

2. Trust and forgiveness, it’s a rock foundation that must exist. We all need Grace & Mercy.

3. Recognition and support of knowing whats important to each other, making what to buy for each other as gifts easy, because you really know each other, you’re engaged in each others life.

4. Writing long cards and notes that are meaningful, not just words. Sharing sentiments that are real, raw and exposed. Just sitting down and listening to each other, really listening and not criticizing. Keeping your heart out there, open to keep filling up with more.

5. Keeping holidays, birthdays, important events highlighted with sentiments of celebration. Making dinner reservations every week and sharing turns at favorite spots. Making it all about the other person’s contentment.

A few things I learned a long time ago, no one can buy you happiness or support your happiness, no matter how magnificent, they are as a person. Set the backdrop for what makes you happy and notice what excites others. Identify in your mind what keeps you content.

I keep fresh flowers in my house all the time because flowers are special to me, so there is no pressure for V-Day flowers, My husband walks around and gathers fresh flowers from the roadside when we;re spending time in our mountain cabin, that’s 20 minutes from town. I like that, it makes me happy. So on Valentine’s day, a single bouquet of flowers would not make me excited, but a bouquet in several rooms could work.

And here we are

You see the picture, I believe it’s the consistent gestures and engagement process that enables us to really know others, that keeps everyday special, not just Valentine’s day. Being a wife or a participate in a relationship is not just a label, it’s a responsibility to be involved in the details of that relationship from day-to-day.

I hope my list helped with your quest for the perfect and best gift. What are your Valentine plans?