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8 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | FEBRUARY 2019 By Clare Mendez, Resident Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love. When we were young we expressed our sincere love on homemade Valentine's Day cards we made our mothers, fathers, or someone near and dear to us. With paste, colored paper and glitter we shaped a heart and printed the words, "I love you." Perhaps, in the past, you received something other than a card, such as a heart shaped box of chocolate, red roses or jewelry. Did your gift come with a card? Chances are it did. Valentine's Day is the second most popular day of the year for sending cards, second only to Christmas. The older we get the more apt we are to purchase the store bought variety instead of crafting our own. There are approximately one billion Valentine's Day cards exchanged every year in the U.S. alone. As years go by, we all hold on to the cards that were given to us from someone we truly love. They take up so little room in a drawer or box. I still have some of the cards my sons made for me when they were just boys and ones that my husband gave to me to let me know how glad he was to have found me. I cherish them with all my heart. So, I suggest you "don't skip the card." Go to your favorite card shop and start perusing the racks. Take the time to stand in front of the kiosk of red hearts to find the perfect card to express your love. Some are silly and make you laugh out loud (that's allowed), and some say exactly how you feel but couldn't find the right words. Just know that they will be saved and reread again over the years as a reminder of the precious love you share. Or, if you are so inclined, break out the construction paper and glue to surprise your loved one with a one- of-a-kind homemade Valentine. It's so easy to create your own Valentine. For men only… I will be in the Craft Room on Feb. 11 at 11 am with supplies and ideas for you to create the perfect Valentine for the woman (or guy, child, family member) you love. Please sign up at the front desk so I have enough supplies. However, if you forget to sign up I will have extra. Just come. It will be a fun time and your sweetheart will love that you took the time. It's so easy to write your own Valentine: Who is the Valentine for? What do you do together? What do you want to say? Some starters: Happy Valentine's Day, gorgeous I am grateful for you You take my breath away, always I couldn't ask for a more wonderful wife than you My heart is all yours Has it really been ___ years? I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. God is good. I know because he gave me you to love I love all the adventures we have together My heart is all yours I'm so excited to be sharing our (first) Valentine's Day together Light And Funny: You suck less than most people You've stolen my heart You make living in Hemet bearable You are by far my favorite wife so far You're always naked in my heart Let's be boring together Closings: Under your spell, Endlessly, Gratefully, Passionately, XOXO, All yours, Forever yours, Kisses, The Cards Are In Your Favor