Friday, February 11, 2011

Spreading the love


My Valentine cards  in a row.  They're hard
to photograph because they're shiny,
I'll show you the other side tomorrow.
Meanwhile here's to happy hearts!

When I drove to school this morning just as the
day dawned reports from Egypt on CBC said
that Mubarak was not stepping down.  I
listened to the sad comments and critiques of
Mubarak's speech and went in to teach my
part time courses.  When I left the school
just after noon, Mubarak had resigned.  How
quickly things change.  I felt elation with the
protesters in Egypt, and hoped for an easy, happy,
and democratic result.

But I had other news.  My Valentine's cards were
ready last night at the printers.  I picked them
up and felt so happy.  What wonderful designers
they are.  This morning I started my mission of
the Valentine Invasion, and I think handed out
50 of my own printed cards and candies to go
with them.

People say quite readily that they hate Valentine's
Day, and you know that something sad happened in
the past regarding the day.  Or that love is not coming
to them right now, or in the worst case that it never
has.  But you know what? One loving gesture can begin
to change that.  I believe in love, and I believe in
loving.  I don't mean for romance.  I mean for what
the world needs more of.

If everyone thought of love in the wider sense, in the
sense of caring for other people in thought, gesture,
word, and action, everyone would love Valentine's Day
and February, Valentine's month as much as I do.
My son is home from school.  It's late at night and
he's closed in his room writing love letters to friends
and family, and probably to us.  The fruit does not
fall far from the tree.  That's good isn't it?

Have a spreading-the-love day.

8 comments:

Pam Holnback said...

Mubarak needs one of your cards! Or, maybe his wife!

Linda Popple said...

Such a wonderful sentiment, Barbara! Love your valentines!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Pam,

Maybe not. Have a great Valentine's Day.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linda,

Thanks so much. What makes me happy is that the idea went from a painting to a card, to friends and co-workers in a few days. I couldn't have done that without my wonderful printer.

XOBarbara

Gwen Bell said...

Your Valentine Card made me smile. It brought back great memories of the days when we made our own designs and put them on white sacks to be passed around class to collect cards from everyone. Such a great nostalgic memory! Thanks Barbara!

hugs
Gwen

Anonymous said...

wishing you a very happy valentines day. We are so lucky to have love to celebrate. I will be thinking about this while in the dentists chair tomorrow afternoon. ha ha. great valentines.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Gwen,

I remember the teacher's covering a box with white paper decorated with hearts. There was a slit in the top, and everyone dropped their cards in it. It was worrying. Thank goodness when my sons were in public school the rule was that everyone gave to everyone. Much better.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

I think we're lucky to be loving -- and yes we are very lucky to be loved. The dentist chair eh? Hmmm -- a bit of a damper on the festivities. I'll be thinking about it while I'm teaching. My writing class is making Valentines.

Fun.

XOBarbara

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!