Here's to you, St. Valentine

I've always been a big fan of Valentine's Day. I know, not all single people are. Some consider it an exclusive day for couples and put their energy into protest-esque efforts like wearing black, hosting ladies only parties and of course performing the all-empowering feminist Vagina Monologues.

I just never felt the need for such bitterness. (OK ... There was maybe ONE year I coordinated a single ladies only party.)

Perhaps it was the 14 years spent in Catholic schools, each one bringing reminders that the day was really to honor a saint. Sure, we all brought in candy and those cheesy little paper cards to exchange with our classmates. But the nuns never let a year pass without reminding us of its real meaning, before Hallmark got a hold of it.

For me, I always considered it a day to remind the people you love - whether a significant other, your best friends or family - how much you care about them. It's an annual reminder to stop and take the time to do something special for them.

I guess I was a fairly crafty kid (or at least tried to be) so at some point I started putting this expression of love into little handmade Valentines for my family. I even made a little "mailbox" with pockets for everyone to stash their cards in.

I still do it. There's something about the kitschy charm of cutting out little paper hearts and handcrafting glitter-adorned love notes I find endearing. It's become my tradition. And every year there's a theme, usually something that speaks to my life at the time. (I can't, however, reveal this year's because I didn't make it to the post office for them to arrive in a timely fashion. So I'll update on them later, once they've safely arrived in Buffalo.)

Some years turn out better than others. There have been palm trees, fish and turtles, maps, globes and Pulitzer medals. One year I wrote a sonnet and decorated the cards with dried rose petals. Probably my favorite was the Recipe for a Happy Family. My mom liked it so much she framed it and hung it in the kitchen.

So that's how I, a single, independent woman living the good life, like to celebrate Valentine's Day. No complaints.

Except maybe one. I was going to buy myself flowers until I realized Publix DOUBLED the typical asking price. What's up price gouging! Since this year my Valentines will be fashionably late, I figure I'll just go back Monday and see how much they marked down the leftovers.

I'm sure by then I'll still love me : )