The history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery. Yet every February, in most Western countries, cards, flowers and chocolates are exchanged between lovers all in the name of the mysterious St. Valentine. Other countries around the world have their own unique customs and meaning of Valentine’s Day. In Finland for example, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s day”. The day is more about remembering all your friends, not only your loved ones. In Guatemala it is known as the “Día del Cariño”, “Day of the Affection” and in the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is called “Araw ng mga Puso” or “Hearts Day”. While the tradition and celebration of St. Valentine’s Day may vary around the world, the central theme is honoring friendship and love.

Love is another of life’s great mysteries. There are countless songs, books, poems and places that evoke the feeling and/or memory of romance and love. For me, one of those places is Paris. I took my daughter to Paris the year she turned sixteen and despite the cold and continual rain we both fell in love with the city and the joie de vivre of the people.
It is one of my dreams to one day pack my camera gear, move to Paris and capture the essence of Paris while sitting in a cafe perfecting my one and only phrase of French – café au lait s’il vous plaît.

To love, romance, friendship, and all the places and people in our heart………Happy Valentine’s Day.