Bruce & Diana

I was divorcing my first husband when I met Bruce. He lived in the neighborhood, but I didn’t know him much at all. He started coming around when I broke off my first marriage. He kept coming around and soon we were always together. I had my two girls from my first marriage and Bruce had five kids. We stayed together, without any rings or certificates, for more than a decade. Then we broke up, and I fell in love with another man and had another baby (a boy this time). The relationship didn’t last. Soon again I found myself with Bruce. Now it’s been 20+ years since we started our romance. Still no rings, no certificates, but we love each other. At this point, Bruce says, “This is it. I’m not letting you get away again!”

Tell me!

Valentines!

How did you and yours celebrate Valentine’s Day?
What special gifts were delivered or handmade?

On my way home from work last night, I stopped in a Hallmark store, and found it comical how many men and women were buzzing around for that last-minute card or box of chocolates!

On the train, there were dozens of men carrying bouquets of lovely, bright flowers. There were lots of heart-shaped balloons too. It was a festive commute.

An un-fancy Valentine

Photo by Vog

This has got to be this blog’s favorite day of the year, right? Instead of a long, sentimental post though, I’m readying Valentine’s for some of Philly’s cute students but, I can’t find my markers, so crayons will have to do for these Valentines!. So—

In the simplest terms—I wish all of our readers a Happy Valentine’s Day, and whoever it is or whatever it is that makes you melt and smile—I hope you’re loaded up with it today!

xo
T

Payton Rawls–Love Story @ 50 words!

It was winter, morning and snow fell like rain. We were the only two foolish enough to venture out. She approached from the opposite corner. She smiled.

I fell for her then; literally.

How I loved your mother is how I love you; like a smile in a snow storm.

Doris & Franklin

The author of this love story, Doris W. Foster, highlights a Valentine’s Day past. The story speaks volumes, and it does so in 50 words! (There’s a challenge for our readers, can you write your story in 50 words??!!) It is also award-winning—it was featured in The Bethlehem Press Valentine’s Day Contest, and was one of three winners. It’s good, really good— 
 
February 14, 1945 – The G.I. I met at the USO a few days earlier and I went to the Ambassador Theatre in St. Louis. As we crossed the street after the movie, a cinder blew into my eye. A doctor removed it the next day. Over 60 years later, we still talk about it. (Copyright reverted to Doris W. Foster)

Thank you!

 Putting together the Valentine shopping guide was awesome, and I came across many cool shops and incredibly talented artists. Thank you to everyone who participated! I hope that all of our readers found the perfect gift to offer their beloved this Valentine’s Day, whether it was from one of the featured shops, a love letter or something that they created themselves.

Today we get back to why this blog was created—collecting and sharing love stories.
Modern love has its appeal; I am a modern girl, yes, but there is something enchanting in the love stories that rewind time and offer us a glimpse into the world as it once was. Our first story back does just that. Enjoy!

Ten Thousand Villages, Philadelphia, PA

Not only will you manage to find a beautiful gift at Ten Thousand Villages, but you are supporting artists from all around the world. One read through the Ten Thousand Villages mission statement, and you understand why it’s doubly a boutique that ought to be on your shopping radar—

Ten Thousand Villages’ mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships. Our products are available in over 70 stores across the US and several in Canada, and online at www.tenthousandvillages.com

The featured items were crafted by artists who live around the globe—India, Nepal, Vietnam—their work is exceptional, which means the gift for your beloved will be exceptional—

Kisii Stone paperweight. Carved from Kisii soapstone, found only in Kenya, by artists of Kisac Fair Trade Limited. ($5)

Handcrafted Spiral Sterling Silver Heart earrings. Created in the Sakya family workshop of silversmiths based in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. ($36)

Love Birds Cinnamon box. Lovebirds are carved in fragrant cinnamon bark by artists of Mai Vietnamese Handicrafts. ($10)

Shop Ten Thousand Villages—
Online—
www.tenthousandvillages.com

In real life (Philadelphia stores)—
1122 Walnut St.
(215) 574-2008
8331 Germantown Ave.
(215) 242-3040

There are stores throughout the country, including, but not limited to these stores in PA:
Whitehall
Pittsburgh
Lancaster
King of Prussia
Souderton

Happy Shopping!

Lauren DiTomaso, Independent Stylist

Lauren is an independent stylist at Stella and Dot, which is known for trendy baubles, but did you know that the company was started by a woman for career women? (Check out the story here:http://www.stelladot.com/about)That makes shopping with the company all the more fulfilling. What’s also fulfilling? A beautiful gift for your beloved—fellas, you can make your purchase for Valentine’s Day today (2/9) or tomorrow (2/10) and still have your gift on time for Tuesday! There are many lovely items to choose from, but Lauren has chosen a special few to feature for Valentine’s Day—
take a peek—

“Together Forever” Intertwined 14kt gold vermeil and sterling silver circles on a sterling silver chain. ($39)

“Tribute Bracelet” for breast cancer awareness, the rose gold pave bar anchors on a delicate band of faceted hematite beads. Featured in US Weekly ($36)

“Ever After” necklace (heart) and “On the Mark” necklace (arrow). (Both $49)

Contact Lauren directly for her styling expertise—
www.stelladot.com/laurend

 Shop more Stella and Dot —
stelladot.com

My My, New Hope, PA

Well, well, My My–look at you! With all of your handmade, beautiful trinkets and treasures! My My has been featuring handcrafted treasures from local and regional artists and crafters for a few years now, and once you enter this boutique you’ll know you’re about to find something really cool and the total opposite of common. Take a look at some of the Valentine gifts featured—

Rose single note solid perfume in locket—pure essential oils! ($30)

Sterling silver 60 stone garnet necklace ($225)

Skeleton key with hand blown glass heart—pretty as a pendant! ($28)

Gorgeous, right?

My My is located—

In real life—
15 W. Ferry St.
New Hope, PA

On the web—
http://mymy.us/My_My/visit.html

Art Star, Philadelphia, PA

Art Star, oh Art Star, you rock, you really do! This gallery and boutique offers handmade and one-of-a-kind treasures that will make your beloved swoon! Art Star has quite a selection of finely-crafted goods: “housewares, prints, jewelry, clothing & more!” Take a peek at some Valentine buys—

Kurt Halsey “Eskimo Kisses” print ($8)

Owly Shadow Puppets “Health Insurance” Valentine ($9)

Folded Pigs “Zombie Love Tea Cup” ($15)

Art Star — located—
In real life–
623 North 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19123

On the web–
http://www.artstarphilly.com/

AND, they also host Art Star Craft Bazaar — which was voted Best Shopping Event 2010 by Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly!

Happy Shopping, friends!