Hearts, History and A Touch Of Cupid

"Valentine's Day: Then, Now, and the Mischief of Cupid"

        Valentine's Day has charmed hearts for centuries, though the way we celebrate it has undergone significant changes over time.  From handwritten love notes and carefully saved chocolates to emojis and instant messages, the holiday continues to remind us that love, no matter how it's expressed, never goes out of style.

 Valentine's Day: Then 

   Once upon a time, Valentine's Day was a quieter, more deliberate affair.  Cards were chosen thoughtfully, or written by hand.  A trip to the card store could take hours as people searched for the right words.  Some even made their own cards using lace, ribbons, and pressed flowers, proof that creativity has always been a part of romance. 

     Candy was simple, too.  Chocolate boxes were treasured, sometimes saved for special moments, rather than eaten all at once.  Conversation hearts arrived with longer, formal messages, reflecting a time when even candy spoke politely.

     Going out to dinner wasn't always the expectation.  Instead, Valentine's Day might be marked by a shared meal at home, a dance, or a simple evening together.  Love was less about extravagance and more about intentions. 

Valentine's Day: Now

     Today,  Valentine's Day moves at a much faster pace.  Messages are sent instantly, gifts arrive with a click of a button, and candy hearts include phrases like "lol" or "text me".   While things look different, the goal remains the same:  making someone feel loved and remembered.  It has also expanded beyond romance to friendship, family, and self-love.

And, Then There's Cupid.....

     No Valentine's Day would be complete without Cupid, the mischievous little character armed with a bow and arrow. In ancient Roman mythology, Cupid was known as the god of desire, famous for causing people to fall in love, often when they least expected it.  Whether Cupid's arrow leads to lifelong romance, deep friendship, or simply a fond memory, he reminds us that love is unpredictable and sometimes delightfully surprising.  

Why Valentine's Day Still Matters

     At its heart, Valentine's Day isn't about perfection or grand gestures.  It's about connection-remembering the people who bring warmth to our lives and taking a moment to appreciate them.  A phone call, a shared story, or a piece of chocolate can mean more than the fanciest gift. 

     So, whether your Valentine's Day looks more like "then" or "now", or somewhere in between, one thing remains true: love is always worth celebrating.  And, if Cupid happens to stop by, let him know there's chocolate involved-he seems to have a sweet tooth.

  Happy Valentine's Day!!  💕

      Did you know ??  Valentine Fun Facts

• About 145 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year.
• Over 58 million pounds of chocolate are purchased annually for Valentine's Day.
• One of the earliest known Valentine's was written in 1415 from prison.
• Early conversation hearts had much longer messages than today's versions.
• Red roses became associated with Valentine's Day because they were believed to symbolize love in ancient mythology. 
• Cupid comes from Roman mythology and was thought to make people fall in love with a single arrow.

     Valentine's Day emphasizes personal relationships, while Black History Month highlights social justice, equality, and historical awareness.

Both observances encourage reflection and celebration, even though in different contexts.

"Uniting Hearts and Histories: A Tribute to Love and Legacy"

A Century Remembered: Black History at 100

      As we reflected in January on the life and leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., February invites us to continue that journey of remembrance and learning through Black History Month. In 2026, we recognize a special milestone—100 years since the first national effort to honor African American history and achievements. What began in 1926 as a single week of learning has grown into a full month of reflection, celebration, and appreciation. This important movement was started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a dedicated historian and the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. His hope was simple but meaningful: that Black history would be taught, remembered, and valued as an essential part of our shared story. Today, Black History Month gives us time to honor the individuals and moments that helped shape our nation and move us toward greater understanding and equality.

"Where Love, Justice, and History Intertwine"

Sources:

• Sources: History.com, Encyclopedia Britannica, Smithsonian Magazine, National Confectioners Association
• 2026 Marks The 100th Anniversary of Black History Month: A Brief History by Doug Melville

     “After reflection and celebration, it’s time to relax with a good book                  or  movie.”

“Read It. Watch It. Love It.” 😍

February encourages us to reflect on both love and legacy, the love that connects us and the history that teaches us.  The Book Nook and Movie Corner brings these themes together through inspiring reads and films that celebrate compassion, perseverance, and the voices that continue to shape our world. 

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah-is a powerful historical novel that tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle Rossignol, during World War II in Nazi-occupied France. Through their contrasting paths—one of quiet endurance, the other of active resistance—the novel explores themes of love, courage, sacrifice, and survival.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks-This novel tells the poignant love story of Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson. They met one summer in North Carolina, and their connection endures through years of separation, societal pressures, and personal challenges. Their tale unfolds in a beautiful yet devastating manner, showcasing the complexities of love and commitment.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas-  is an emotional novel with twists and suspense, to celebrate Black History Month with a notable Black Author.    Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.   Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

   Whether it’s a love story, a tale of resilience, or a meaningful moment in history, February’s books remind us of the power of storytelling. Now, let those stories come to life as we move from the page to the screen with this month’s movie recommendations.

MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS:

 An Affair To Remember-A man and a woman have a romance while on a cruise from Europe to New York. Despite being engaged to other people, both agree to reunite at the top of the Empire State Building in six months. However, an unfortunate accident keeps her from the reunion, and he fears that she has married or no longer loves him. 

The Notebook-This movie was adapted from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, so if you read the novel, you know that this is the ultimate love story of all time.  Better bring the tissue, because you will be crying as this love story unfolds on the screen.  In 1940s South Carolina, mill worker Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) and rich girl Allie (Rachel McAdams) are desperately in love. But her parents disapprove of their love.   When Noah goes off to serve in World War II, it seems to mark the end of their love affair. In the interim, Allie becomes involved with another man (James Marsden). But when Noah returns to their small town years later, on the cusp of Allie's marriage, it soon becomes clear that their romance is anything but over. 

When Harry Met Sally- When Harry Met Sally... follows cynical Harry and optimistic Sally over a decade as they repeatedly cross paths, debating if men and women can truly be just friends, eventually forming a deep friendship that's tested when they sleep together, leading to a realization (prompted by their friends' romance) that they are in love and belong together, culminating in Harry's grand confession at a New Year's Eve party. The plot explores whether men and women can truly be friends.

We would love to hear any book or movie recommendations you may have.

 “Cheers to Another Year of You!”

              STAN SIMMS

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

 TBA

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