"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence."
-Vincent van Gogh
Today, like every Valentine's Day in a high school, was hell a rough day; add to the craziness that it was the last day before Mid-Winter break! Enough said. When I got up this morning, I dreaded work and the holiday and felt a bit like I did on Christmas: my mantra--just get through the day. Patt and I were never sappy about VD, but we did exchange cute cards and he would always buy me a plant(when he was hopeful I could keep it alive) and then later just a bouquet. He didn't like cut flowers much, but he knew I did, so that's what mattered to him. This weekend is his Celebration of Life which is starting to stress me out a LITTLE. (too many unknowns) In my subtle and anonymous way, I called out a few people in my last Caring Bridge post. ;) It felt good.
Two of the most important groups in my life are my Book Club and the Ram Ladies; some of the people overlap which is very special. I met them all through work; many of us were close colleagues and friends while teaching World Language. Both of these gorgeous candles/fire pots were gifts to brighten my life, the bottom one a total surprise today from Book Club. It came with a gift card to a local nursery; spring will be a poignant time for me since planting season was one of my husband's favorite times of the year. He loved the spring, the light, turning the soil, getting his hands dirty--me not so much! Last year he was too weak to actually plant; however, he did a very effective job of bossing me around/coaching me. :) Our flowers and tomatoes did great! This year, I'll have to do it on my own. Tonight I'll also be alone watching the DVDs that Costco made from our videos; seeing and hearing him again is pretty eerie, but something that reminds me of what a caring dad and person he was, as well as how annoying he could be. ;) "Honey, did you get Kiwi(the dog) jumping up to bite the fireworks on tape?" "Honey, JUST press the *whatever* button to take it off zoom!" or "Margaret, Margaret, get a video of me wheeling Ashley around with the dog in this wheelbarrow!" A bittersweet Valentine's Day for me, but better because of the love and kindness of friends.
Cool firepots and sweet memories. I wish that I could even find the old 8mm movies - perhaps I will as I continue cleaning. Bittersweet, yes, but so cool that you can have those memories on dvd.
Posted by: Zazzy | February 14, 2013 at 09:45 PM
What thoughtful gifts. Your post reminds me that I should get out the video camera. It's been too many years since we taped anyone.
Posted by: Marie K | February 14, 2013 at 10:17 PM
Beautiful firepots. The way you are able to cultivate these beautiful friendships is an inspiration to me. Glad you felt loved, because you most certainly are. <3
Posted by: Michelle | February 15, 2013 at 05:55 AM
I am downright covetous of that bottom fire pot in particular! Must go shopping. Valentine's Day is *highly* overrated. I only remembered what day it was because my boss brought in pink heart cookies & hired a barbershop quartet to serenade us.
Posted by: kayak woman | February 15, 2013 at 07:04 AM
I love ribbonwicks! The sheets of flame are just beautiful. So thoughtful. Je t'aime! <3
Posted by: Adrasteia | February 15, 2013 at 01:34 PM
I don't think that I've ever seen a fire pot before. Unique. How thoughtful of your book group. Very nice.
Posted by: Ally Bean | February 15, 2013 at 01:36 PM
I applauded you in my head when I read that CB post. It was good.
And I thought of you this weekend as you were celebrating Patt's life. The video you posted on FB was lovely. Looks like you had a good turn-out.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 18, 2013 at 02:45 PM