February 14th. Story-Telling...

So That Day of the year finally came. Saint Valentine. And then I wonder, first of all, who the hell was S. Valentine and why is he remembered to be the protector of lovers?

According to an interesting article published on History.com: "One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France. While some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial — which probably occurred around 270 A.D — others claim that the Christian church may have decided to celebrate Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to 'christianize' celebrations of the pagan Lupercalia festival [...]."

My view of S. Valentine day is quite neutral, I must say. I am pleased to have finally recognized a evolutive path that my attitude towards Love undertook... I recently wrote a Tickle on it, which I hope you all enjoy. I must say - for the record - that I wanted the title to be "The Field where the Apples Grow Wild" but it was changed last minute by the editors and there's not much I can do about it... Go ahead reading it and please do share your view!

And remember, even when things are going completely wrong (...just like now...), you are meant to Love yourself and your Temple.

A+ Facts of Today:
- Vegan dinner with friends, always warm to have loved ones around.
- Friday, what else can I say?
- Nice plans among friends for tomorrow - will disclose soon.
- Avoided the shopping rush that almost took control over me today.

A.