I find my house looks empty this time of year, I was hoping for some inspiration so I came to this forum. DH and I took down the Christmas tree shortly after Christmas because we headed to Puerto Vallarta for a month. Then came home to an empty house and a full work schedule! I love Valentines Day. My mom always gave us a Valentine at breakfast when we were kids and would also leave a small heart shaped box of candy under our pillow that we would find after school. It was also her mother's birthday. Almost twenty years ago her husband (my stepfather) committed suicide while she was in the house on Valentine's Day. I don't think the timing was intentional, but I'm sure she remembers that, as I do when the holiday rolls around. Because of that I always make sure I make a fuss over her. When she wintered out of state for a few years after his passing I would make sure to send flowers and had my kids making homemade Valentines and get them in the mail so she would receive them on V-Day or the day before. Now she's only about 5 miles from me (and doing very well!) It is also my anniversary. I hate it when people talk about how much they HATE Valentine's Day. I agree with oldalgebra...do as much or as little as you want to! But don't HATE it! So here's looking for a little inspiration. You gals have been great. I never used to decorate beyone Christmas and you all got me into fall and looking forward to the next Holiday so that the house seems empty in between. I am looking forward to seeing Karen's inspriation album.

Gosh Jeanne...I'm sorry I'm late, but so glad I didn't miss this. Love all your beautiful Valentine touches and especialy seeing Dollbaby enjoying the holiday too! Your berry garland candleholder looks so pretty and your buffet in the background always looks lovely. Tea Set looks nice and shiney and with the red accents added makes a beautiful vignette. Dollbaby's new/old outfit is so cute - even her little shoes! Her little tray scape - even crocheted placemat is adorable. I have to say, my eye was drawn to her little cupie doll...I can't believe your Mom made that cute little outfit...how precious. I'm amazed you got this all done in such a short time. I'll bet you're releived your floor redo is over and now things are back to normal! I hope you're enjoying it all - I enjoyed looking! jane

Jan, laid back is an understatement for Oreo! LOL. Jazz is highly energetic on the other hand, and when he's bored is when he's "Trouble". Dad is here and unlikely he'll be going to the care center any time soon. Things sure fell apart on that during the last month. Anyway, Jazz is totally 'my' cat so he wouldn't miss Dad, or my DH. He's very independent, not much for being petted and HATES being held. And wants to sleep alone. Guess he loves me cause I feed him and he thinks I'm entertaining at times. LOL. hugs, Karen

Ellendi and Lyfia, You are both so right about the mental illness issue here. I think that is a much tougher problem to address then some of the "common sense" curbs on gun ownership being proposed. I'm not an expert on the history, but as I think it was back in the 60s that many mental institutions were shuttered and we revolutionized how we treat mental illness. I know some think the pendulum has swung too far, but I really scratch my head as to how to help these people and protect the rest of us with minimal impingement on their rights? While Sandy Hook was the "tipping point" for my own personal involvement in gun control (and, to some, extent, shame on me for that), the point of gun control is far broader. Of course, and as I already have said, no law can prevent every tragedy. But IMHO the are several aspects of existing gun control laws that are indefensible loopholes, for which there is simply no rational argument. These loopholes exist because people like me have not had the interest or political will to follow this issue, while the gun manufacturers and fringe survivalist groups have had the will --- and the means --- to force their agenda. I simply believe that sometimes the rest of us, the silent reasonable majority, has a responsibility to get involved. Shame on me that it took the pre-holiday grisly point blank murders of dozens of cute little white kids before I got involved, while lax gun control has quietly taken others' lives every day. Newtown is pretty far down on the list of reasons to want gun control, even if it is the impetus for some. Preventing accidents, suicides and crimes of passion all loom much larger than school shootings, even if they tug less at the emotions. There are three main reasons the NRA seeks largely unfettered access to guns. None of them justify the state of gun control today. 1. As a sport, a tradition, a hobby, and for food. I don't think there is anything wrong with guns for these purposes. But, if that is the intended purpose, then the design of the weapon should reflect that purpose. And, moreover, in weighing these gun uses against the risk of fatalities, we should accept some restrictions. For example, there is no reason any functioning gun should be sold to anyone ever without a background check. There is no reason a gun needs to shoot dozens of rounds without reloading. 2. As a means of protection. Again, fine (although all the data shows this is totally illusory, if people feel safer with a gun they should have one). But they might feel even safer with a tank, but they can't have that. Be reasonable about the types of guns. 3. In order to prevent tyranny, eg allow private citizens to form a militia. This is totally out of date in times of modern warfare. It no more fits the modern world then does the 3rd amendment. (quick, who knows that one). All I want to say is, if you think that we should have better gun control, make sure you speak up. Take the time to do it, or the agenda will continue to be controlled by narrow and moneyed interests.