Hello and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Dogpound. There is great news in the air…I am actually writing about a holiday “before” it even gets here. Insert “happy dance.” Yes, I am talking about Valentine’s Day. As you (my faithful readers of the pack) know that I understand the commercialism of the holidays and I am a big advocate of doing nice things all the time and not just on the designated holiday. So buck-up guys and gals, get in gear and do something special for those that play a significant role in your life.
Now, I have nothing against the cards, candy, jewelry, or flowers – knock yourself out – but we in the Dogpound do offer the pack a nice alternative suggestion for this holiday. This year sit down with pen and paper, or with your laptop, visualize that “special” person is sitting across from you. Now, put pen to paper or finger to keyboard, and write how you feel about that person. This does not have to elegant, wordy, or stylish, just put down what you are feeling in your heart. Pretend you are talking to them.
Then, when the day arrives, don’t give it to them, or mail it to the addressee, sit down with them and read out loud what you have written, word by word. If written from the heart, it does not matter how well it is written – trust me – they will only be hearing your heart, and when the heart speaks, it can drown out all other sounds. Good luck!
Now, with that being said, I did some research on Valentine’s Day. Interesting enough this day was originally a Roman festival, Lupercalos, a fertility celebration that was celebrated on February 15. This “pagan” holiday was made into a Christian holiday by Pope Gelasius. In 496 AD the date was moved to February 14 and was dedicated in the honor of St. Valentine, a Roman martyr who lived in the third century.
Short story to a long story, Rome was being besieged by a number of outside forces at the time. Huns…Mongolians…Gauls, and Democrats [only kidding]…which required more young men to be drafted into the army to protect the empire. The emperor felt married men made less than perfect soldiers so he issued an edict forbidding eligible men from getting married. Of course this did not go over well with the Romans but no one could voice their displeasure in fear of being punished, so the good Saint would marry these couples in secret. Of course he was found out and met his demise; so much for fostering love. And of course, you know what happened to the Roman Empire… a connection? Could be.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day. When I think of romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler aiming an arrow at me.” – Dogpound Wisdom
My job here is done…at least for this week. As always be good, do good, play safe and remember, love is a four letter word…use it wisely.
JR
