A Valentine Scrooge

If you listen to morning news shows and read women's magazines the way I do, then you know that this past weekend was the time to celebrate Valentine's Day, which is actually today. I've been a "Valentine Scrooge" this year, mostly because of moving the weekend before and having so much unpacking still to do.

Instead of thinking about hearts and flowers this weekend, I found myself thinking "Hallmark Holiday" - and not wanting to spend any money on chocolate or cards. One thing weighing heavily on my mind was the loss of about 20 pairs of shoes that I love - mostly black and brown ones that I wear to work frequently. I looked everywhere for that box, including at my new storage unit. By Saturday morning, I was feeling pressured to go out and buy some new black shoes for a "cocktail attire" party we were attending that night. I even considered bagging the party and staying home in front of the TV to watch a poker tournament. That's about as close as I wanted to be to hearts.

Wonder of wonders, when I returned from the car wash at noon, there was a big, open box in my bedroom. SHOES! Glorious shoes! My heart leapt with delight! The box had been labeled "GARAGE" and that's where my husband found it, in a stack of boxes of tools and electrical stuff. I almost cried, I was so overcome with joy!

In that "Cinderella glass-slipper moment," holding a sexy black patent leather heel with a sling back, it occurred to me that my attachment to those shoes was somehow appropriate for a "Hallmark Holiday," because it was truly materialistic. And it felt really good, just the way the chocolate always does when I taste it on Valentine's Day! I didn't feel Scroogy any more!! I wanted to celebrate love and more LOVE!

Today, I wish everyone a very happy Valentine's Day, even if your Valentine happens to be your cat or dog, or maybe your favorite pair of shoes. Pass the chocolate!