Sunday, February 14. Valentine's Day.
My first memory of Valentine's Day was when I was six years old. I remember writing out Valentine's Day cards for my first grade classmates. I remember spelling the day as "Valentime" with an "m." Eventually, I learned to spell the holiday correctly.
Interestingly, if you break up the non-word "Valentime," you will find the Latin root "Valen" which means "Strong." It is also a Latin baby name, which I like very much.
So, "Valentime" can be construed to mean "strong time." That make sense to me if we are talking about "Love."
Let's explore this analogy of "Love as Strong" a bit.
Love is not only a verb, it is a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger we become. We become strong by valuing ourselves. We become strong by acknowledging the value of others. We become strong by getting up after we stumble, by overcoming our challenges through bravery and courage. We become strong by owning our Truth. We become strong by sharing what we know. We become strong by working together. We can do a lot of good in the world when we are strong.
Expressions of love: My mom and I.
Love is also the tie that binds through space and time and cannot be broken, ever. Talk about strong!
I have come to consider that before there is "Love," there is "Gratitude." For without Gratitude, how can we truly love what is?
On this day of Valentine's, I am grateful that I am doing what I love. I am creating art. I am enjoying finding new ways to bring my art to the world, to brighten up someone's day.
I am grateful for wonderful colleagues in all aspects of my professional life. I love working with talented and committed people who create an atmosphere of care for one another and where we all flourish.
I am grateful for family and friends who have stood with me throughout the years, since from when I was a child, on my quest to become the person I am now, at this point in time, on this journey of infinity.
Love is definitely the Way.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentimes!
Love, Mary
Gift basket featuring my artwork: artisan tote, signed matted print, collection of four artisan cards, commemorative poster.
As a token of my appreciation on Valentine's Day, as well as to encourage you to come by and visit me at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show next week, I am raffling this lovely gift basket. This delightful basket of artful treasures will be raffled off to those who stop by my booth #206 (and add their name and email in the cookie jar) at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, 2/17-21, Washington Convention Center, Seattle. Sweet!
Vincent Valentine.
"Love is Energy and is not seen with our human eyes, but rather felt by the heart and Soul." Michael David Virtue
Mary Lamery is a lifelong resident and native of the Pacific Northwest. Lamery paints regional landscape in a manner that leans towards 19th century French Impressionism.
Five words that describe me today: grateful, calm, organized, multi-tasker, clever
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My booth (#206) will be located near the Display Gardens, where the region’s top Garden Creators will create wondrous displays in vibrant color celebrating the show's theme, “America The Beautiful.” I hope those of you who are local to Seattle will stop by and say "Hi!" Tickets range from $17/day to $31 for a 2-day pass. Tickets