Valentine’s, Galentine’s

Park’s and Recreation introduced us to the concept of Galentine Day celebrations for her female friends, and in response, this created a trend of parties for gals who needed to feel seen. Leslie Knope chose the day before Valentine’s Day to love on her girlfriends who are not considered a consolation prize in her life, but important pieces to her happiness. Don’t underestimate the value behind gratitude and recognition, good girlfriends make a difference. Hallmark has capitalized on this day dedicated to love along with Valentine’s Day, so have independent creators on Etsy. I go the Etsy route in supporting local business, but I also love browsing the site for the great eye candy that also provides good prep for any show.

This pandemic reminds us we shouldn't have to set aside a day to remind someone we love them. But since it’s on the calendar, let’s sanitize and work with the social distance requirements and make it happen. A nice spin might be to use this day to love on those who have been serving us without recognition. It’s good to hear about the Scouts and youth groups that deliver handmade Valentine’s to local seniors and shelters. There’s a sweet nostalgia around red and pink construction paper hearts filled with glitter and lace. These notes show how we are grateful for frontline workers and neighbors who go above and beyond. Pharmacists, too, play a huge role in administering COVID vaccines and filtering through many requests from people who really want to jump the line and get theirs before their designated time. (Yesterday I saw several requests on Nextdoor from folks who are offering cash incentives to anyone who can get them a vaccine appointment, we knew this would happen).

Last month I was in Blooms, a lovely floral store in New Jersey, and a construction worker came in fresh off the job. The florist behind the counter met him at the fresh flower display and waited as he picked out one pretty white rose. She wrapped it as he handed her his cash payment and left. The florist smiled at me afterward and said, “He’s been coming in every other Friday, his payday, to get a rose for his wife for the last 6 years.” This is the energy I want to keep up for those who are weathering the worst right now.

Here’s a link that offers what each rose color means. The price of flowers increases greatly around Valentine's Day, but grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Publix and Super Stop and Shop have nicely priced options.

Love - @Bethbacall

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