My group of college friends and I turn a specific number birthday this year. I usually send silly cards or slightly obnoxious ones. I am refraining from that this year in the hopes that I won't get any of those cards (or a black balloon arrangement sent to work) back in return.

Plus, I am not the FIRST one in the group to have a birthday, thank goodness. As long as someone else goes first, I think I am okay with this.

Who am I kidding, I'm not okay with it, but what is the alternative?

I wanted to post a picture of the lovely flowers I got for Valentine's Day. My beau sent them to me. Lovely red roses, red carnations, white flowers with small blooms smelling of cloves, and pinkish purplish star lilies. They arrived on Wednesday in a purple vase. They are beautiful and full of variety and texture just like I would choose for myself.

I'm not one to believe Valentine's day requires grand gestures or expensive gifts. I'm perfectly happy with a card. For years I've sent cards to my dear friends and family. I've always thought that love should encircle more than just the romantic aspects of one's world. Love, after all, comes in many forms. It has been the steadfast love of friends and family that have seen me through all my ups and downs.

People have come and gone from my life, but I am and have been blessed to share time with some wonderful people.

I won't be one of those women who say "oh, flowers just die, and they are too expensive." While those things are true, I love them just the same. I love that he loves me enough to show the world. I love that everyone came over to my desk to see and smell them. I love the bit of brightness in the dull of winter. I suppose I just love love.

Somewhere along my way, I'd come to the conclusion that astronauts were smart people. They had to pass a bunch of types of tests to get there. They had to be in excellent physical and mental shape to withstand what they would put their bodies through.

I like to stick to the "rooting for my fellow women" club as well. When a woman does something noteworthy or awesome, I like to support her, talk about her, make others take note.

I suppose, as I try to understand why love (or obsession) makes people do stupid things. Like drive from Texas to Florida wearing adult diapers so she doesn't have to stop until she reaches her target. Or like cutting parachute cords.

I know I am not likely above slipping into one of these frames of mind. I like to think I am sensible and not prone to violence. I try not to judge, but to understand. There but for the grace of God, go I.

I just don't get it though. Driving all that way to potentially hurt or scare someone that you think may be involved with a man you are or want to be involved with, while you have a husband and children of your own at home.
Why do you want more than that?

I have to have a giggle to myself about one of the morning news programs broadcasting live from Miami, for the superbowl, and who is the featured performer of the morning? The Indigo Girls! My very favorite, is it a mistake? A joke? Or are the womenfolk slyly putting one over on everyone? As they sang from their new album about pendulum swinging, the cameras passed a rather confused, sports apparel-wearing crowd and some cheerleaders. Amy and Emily singing away as they do, passing along their messages to anyone and everyone. They didn't seem fazed in the least. I love them. I love that they are still making music, passing on their messages of political activism, acceptance, love and freedom. I love that the dopey overfed folks looked a little confused. I loved that the young cheerleaders were clapping along.

Maybe they were all listening.