I love all things valentine. The chance before, during and after February 14 to beam out love. Is it necessarily a bad thing to proclaim a sentimental day in the middle of the bleak midwinter? Construction paper and a pair of scissors, a scrap of fabric and some embroidery thread, a batch of chocolate brownies, a group of gals for dinner, a phone call? I have seized the day to celebrate you, friends and family, ever since I could write my name. Today, pink hearts, boxes of chocolate, cards, even ecards fly through the air to remind people they mean something for many reasons. A one-hit chance to show a little more love.

This 2-2-24 I join you in feeling broken hearted from war, loss, illness and displacement; from our politics that wear me down and darken the days. The news is violent. The climate is suffering. I take today to reset my thanks, take a long walk and see the early daffodils near Wren Cottage, send some pink to friends and family who have made the last year better despite it all. I have spent the last week spelling out heart-shaped gratitude to my family, to those who have held my hand when things are difficult and to those acquaintances that have done more than they know. Especially to those of you who have become like family: everything counts, just being there. Everything you do.

Love you all.