Where is the Love?

"Oh, innocent victims of Cupid,

Remember this terse little verse;

To let a fool kiss you is stupid,

To let a kiss fool you is worse."

(Anthropologie Peppered and Striped skirt and Field Game Cardi, J.Crew gold rose tank, HUE tights, UO Kimchi Blue Oxfords)

You know what I hate about Valentine's Day?

I hate that our culture has made it so exclusive--

that people feel left out of the festivities because they're not married or in a dating relationship,

completely disregarding the various ways or beautiful forms love can take in our lives.

I am a mother. A daughter. A wife. A friend.

I am all of these.

But without the love they involve they're meaningless labels that

outline the parameters of my life.

While my romance with Scott is filled with certain enjoyable benefits,

my other relationships are no less meaningful--

full of smiles, secrets, touches, tickles,

dreams, cuddles, and kisses.

From my children, I've learned to choose the real over the fake.

From my parents, I've learned the value of working over whining.

And from my friends, I've learned to decipher between the true and the false.

I just love LOVE--everything it encompasses, every relationship it involves.

So, just when did love get so confined in the box of romance?

I'm sure you're probably thinking,

"You're a good one to talk, Kristina...

You've got the husband, the kids, the parents, the friends."

And it's true, I do.

But even married people can take love for granted...

forget to cherish their children and misuse their friends.

Whether you're in a romantic relationship or not,

if you stopped to consider the beauty that is your life, you would very likely

realize you are absolutely the world to at least one other person...

that one who never wishes to change you, but by knowing them, has changed you forever.

the one who sees the good in you and forgives everything else in you.

And if you can just embrace the love you've already been shown

in the forms you've overlooked, maybe one day, you'll pass that special someone on the road

when you're not looking for it, when you're least expecting it.

And they'll probably, no definitely, turn their head

and risk pinching a nerve and wrecking their car, just to get another look at you...

but whether that day ever comes or not, why not use Valentine's Day

to celebrate all the other people in your life who will love you for like, ever.

Wearing: Wish You Were Here

There's a blinking cursor and I can't think of anything to say.

Shocking, I know, but this deadline has me down cold.

I've met hundreds of deadlines in my life, but this one seems the mother of all mountains looming before me. I'm working on a project that is more important to me than fashion, flash sales, or outfits of the day....a project born in a place deep inside.

It's make-or-break-it time for me over here...the final stretch of a long race...the last turn around a corner that will take me somewhere new...and I can only hope I have enough inspiration and creativity left inside to complete the course.

I wanted to tell my awesome readers that whenever I'm facing challenges, your encouragement, thoughtful comments, and support help me shed my defenses yet again, take the time to enjoy the distance I've already come and push the next step forward. Much love to you all.

(Anthropologie Wish You Were Here cardi, Modern master watch, Lost Glasses tights, Peppered and Striped skirt, J.Crew petal stream tank, UO leather belt, Seychelles Kiss at Midnight pumps)