HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY WEEKEND

Yes, it’s that weekend, but do you ever have conflicting emotions about this holiday?

I’ve never been the type to go moony over the romantic implications of the day, and I hate the forced romantic vibe.

I think flowers and candy and sweet emotions should be shared only when the mood strikes–

— and not just saved for a day when everyone else is doing the same.

Also, doesn’t Valentines feel such an exclusive holiday, applicable only to current couples in good standing?

What about singles and soloists? Widows and widowers?

And what about all those too young to partake in romantic holidays?

Therefore, my ideal way of celebrating this day is to show gratitude to those who brighten my days (or lighten my load!) and to bring joy to those that might feel left out on this holiday weekend.

Here’s how we embraced Valentine’s this week.

First off, I made sure to send off a little something to my D.C. buddy (seen here heading off to impeachment hearing).

Every month I send him a care package and this month including treats wrapped in some thrifted vintage Peanuts gift wrap.

This month was a mix of vintage (a 70’s “VOTE” box, perhaps from a campaign plus a copper mini Statue of Liberty, some historical trading cards), snacks (Dove dark chocolate hearts and his favorite protein bars) and novelties and sundry (Chapstick, a mini football game, a roll of quarters for laundry, and Cards Against Humanity game).

Then there was all that fete-ing with others in the Cancer Infusion Room.

I brought three dozen iced ginger cookies (these are one of my all-time favorites, and the addition of a Meyer Lemon icing made them even more scrumptious).

And an enormous tray of cinnamon crumb cake muffins.

Oops, not the greatest pic. Here’s what they really look like, and let me tell you, they are amazing (you can find the recipe here).

Next, up, treats for seniors.

This holiday must be hard for those alone so I made sure to reach out to a couple of them.

There was a gift basket for Irene, my octogenarian friend who lives in low-cost housing.

This one was all about fresh fruit, breads and her favorite breads (she loved it!).

I decided a while ago that I wanted to distribute little bouquets on this holiday, and I had a good-sized collection of mini vases on hand to share with select persons.

I bought twice as many flowers as I needed (mostly white hyndrangeas, white stock, tulips and wildflowers) for my own arrangement

and so I had lots of flowers for others.

A neighbor happened to stop by as I was making this bouquets, and inspired, she brought over more flowers from her garden to add to my floral collection.

My bouquets kept growing.

Some of those individual blooms were so beautiful and I was so happy to share them.

For a new widow there was a surprise drop off.

For another woman I know whose husband has had a stroke (and I figured might not be able to do anything for her), I had another little delivery.

Oh, and see that salad?

I made a lot of those.

Would you believe 49 of them?

Yesterday I offered up a catered lunch for Charlotte’s school and surprised staff and teachers with to-go lunches (a select number of neighbors and friends got some, too).

Here wheatberries, faro, roasted rainbow carrots, squash, asparagus and sliced peppers were tossed with a sprightly lemon tahini dressing and topped with toasted almonds and fresh pomegranates.

The salads were devoured.

Oh, and because I have a daughter that still looks forward to festive holiday treats, a special breakfast tray.

Who doesn’t love a raspberry smoothie bowl and sourdough hearts?

And strawberry hearts in your lunch box?

Or a homemade pepperoni pizza pie?

Yesterday I came home to find various drop-offs, some with notes but others were left with no mention of the giver.

Here’s another offering I got depicting the state of Oregon (the chocolate shortbread is where Portland is on a map).

Doesn’t that cookie just say it all?

Wherever you are and however you’re celebrating, may you adore your home and find yourself surrounded with…

XO, Sarah