Since tomorrow is the end of January, it is time for the February giveaway! We all know February is a big month for love – Valentine’s Day certainly helps put a focus on all things romantic. And, I have to say, I am thrilled with the growing popularity of Galentine’s Day because I think love in all forms should be celebrated! Believe me, I know the motivation of the retail industry for jumping on the Galentine’s Day bandwagon was probably for profit (not necessarily to use February 13th to celebrate female friendships), but regardless of the motivation, the acknowledgement of Galentine’s Day is a positive one! (Thanks Parks & Rec!)
I remember one Valentine’s Day when I was young, my dad gave his three daughter’s iced sugar cookies with a romantic message – I think they said ‘sweetheart’ or ‘lover’ or something similar, spelled out in candy icing. My mom got angry, telling my dad it was inappropriate for a father to give a romantic gift meant for a sweetheart to his daughters. But, hey…why not? We were way too young at the time for boyfriends and we were tickled to be acknowledged on Valentine’s Day by our dad!
Maybe remembering that incident is why I always enjoyed showing my children a little extra love on Valentine’s Day when they were young – I always included a note in a lunch box or surprised them with a favorite sweet to celebrate how very much I loved them.
So, in the spirit of celebrating all kinds of love, I thought the February giveaway would celebrate the most important love of all – love of self! After all, if we don’t love ourselves, how can we expect to share love with others!
With that in mind, the giveaway includes two books to promote self awareness. They are 1,001 Ways to Live in the Moment by Barbara Ann Kipfer and Whatever You Are, Be a Good One by Lisa Congdon. The winner of the February giveaway, chosen at random, will win both books! Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win.
Congratulations to Tracy, winner of the January giveaway. Tracy, your name was chosen at random as winner of the giveaway – I hope you enjoy your win! (To see more, click here.) Thank you to everyone who entered to win.
Instagram users, please read on! In the spirit of love, for our monthly challenge, let’s share sightings of hearts in nature…it is amazing how many are out there! Use hashtag #pleasuregram on every photo you post of a heart you see in nature during the month of February.
Thanks for stopping by!
Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie