Messages in the Sand

Having had a jewelry business for over 17 years, I have spent my Valentine's Days helping others find the perfect gift.  Usually our own celebration was deferred to a later date, after we were rested and ready for our own special time.  We typically did this with Christmas also - resting after the holiday rush then celebrating the first week of January.

This year, despite the surge up to the last minute of mail orders, we celebrated Valentine's Day on the actual day.  It helped that this year, Valentine's Day landed on a Sunday with the President's day Monday holiday linked in.  It was also important to the new man in my life, who wanted our first Valentine's Day to be extra special.

He booked us in a lodge on the beach - a special place that I have always loved.   We also included some hiking which that day included visiting some other wonderful Pacific Northwest beaches.

What stood out was that because it was Valentine's Day, people were putting messages in the sand.  

Some were simple I LOVE YOUs.  Others were elaborate images and cartoons from playful families and friends.

All were temporary images of permanent love shared on a day when we are reminded to tell others that they are special to us.