Apparently Valentine’s Day was first observed in Paris on February 14, 1400. The tales of its origin is checkered but no matter it has evolved into an uber-commercialized event meant to express our love. Here are some fun facts:

• 145 million greeting cards are exchanged each year and that’s just in the US
• 8 billion candy hearts are manufactured each year
• Over $1 billion dollars worth of chocolate is bought each year (again that is just in the US)
• 250 million roses are grown each year just for Valentine’s Day

For me it is not about flowers or dinners or chocolate or gifts but rather it is an opportunity to say to people in my life how much I appreciate them; that they are loved.

It never fails, I get myself wrapped up in finding that “perfect” image and exploring all ways of expression. In addition to that, after the holidays, my studio can be described as messy and completely disorganized. Getting a card ready for Valentine’s Day has been overwhelming.

Here’s what my art table looked like two years ago.

What emerged from that pile was my Valentine fairy.

Last year, things were not much different but I seem to recall landing on my signature card, “Colored with Love,” once I decided to accept it as it is.

Today, my process hasn’t changed. I am a predictable messy artist with perfectionist tendencies who eventually let’s go, trusts the process and relaxes into the creativity.

This year’s process includes:

Finally, I took all the messy parts on my art table and turned the feeling of being overwhelmed in a collage overflowing with Valentine’s remnants.

So my friends, one of these will become my 2023 Valentine Card and the rest may serve for other occasions. No matter which one, the greeting is filled with love and appreciation. I hope that you have a kind and loving Valentine’s Day.