February 14, 2001
 
Dear Friends,
 
It just seems like yesterday that we went through the madness, preparation, and finally celebration that surround Christmas, and New Years. Now we find ourselves in the month of February, with yet another day of celebration Valentine's Day.
 
How is it that February became a time for celebration of romance and love?
 
History tells us that this Lovers Day was named after its patron saint, St. Valentine. There are many stories of St. Valentine I have heard through the years. One says that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. The Emperor at the time one, Claudius II came to the conclusion in his wisdom that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, and outlawed marriage for young single men. Realizing the injustice of this decree, Valentine defied the Emperor's new law and performed marriages for young lovers in secret. Once Claudius II found out the actions of Valentine, he was immediately put to death. Another legend tells us that Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting. The story says that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl, who actually may have been his jailor's daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Prior to his death it is said he wrote her one final letter, which he signed, "From Your Valentine". This expression is popularly used today. The messages I get from these tales are that Valentine was very much a hero, and a very romantic individual.
 
There are many more tales of Valentine, and special days those prior generations through the ages had before us that chose a special day of the year to celebrate romance and love. Hence today I guess we are stuck for the balance of time with February 14, as a time for celebration of romance and love.
 
As a child I remember the night before Valentine's Day, busily scribbling little heart shaped cards for my friends, and family. There were always a few chocolate treats, and the inevitable teasing of who was sweet on who in our school. As an adult it goes one step further, with preparations well in advance for this special day, which require visits to flower and candy shops, making dinner reservations and now even a step further to the dreaded jewelry store for many of us. What has happened to what was such a simple celebration? Valentine's Day has turned into yet another Christmas!!! I don't know about you, but I have just seen the top of the water after being submerged under Christmas bills.
 
Valentine's Day has turned into the biggest marketing and promotion gimmick; a cash grab for every greeting card company, florist, candy maker, restaurant, hotel, and the list goes on behind this plot to rob us all of our hard earned dollars. It has become such a day of expectation for so many of what one's lover might or might not do on this single day of the year. I have to laugh to myself at men who send large bouquets of flowers, or a box of chocolates, and then the rest of the year don't give their significant other the time of day. Those who have high expectations for rewards on this day, probably have these thoughts because of the neglect they receive the rest of the year. Then we have the singles reaction to it all. In my conversations with so many, they just detest Valentine's Day with a passion, because it magnifies on the fact they are alone without a lover.
 
I feel in my humble opinion that Valentine's Day has been blown out of proportion, and I am sure St. Valentine is watching from above right now in disgust of what was once such a simple celebration of love and romance.
 
It doesn't have to be a special time of the year like Valentine's Day to celebrate love. Whether or not we are in a loving relationship makes no difference, for each day is cause for celebration to love and honor all the people who are part of our lives. Each day we should give thanks, be grateful, and express love to all who we encounter during the course of our day.
 
I think we all need to reflect on some words from a favorite song of mine by Rodgers & Hart, My Funny Valentine, "Each day is Valentine's Day".
 
To you all I encourage you to practice love and romance each and everyday.
 
Editor's Note:
In this new up-date of http://www.artofloving.com I would like to recognize the following talented individuals for their contributions.
 
Melissa Balmer, Editor & Creator of www.languidkiss.com a new contributor to the sex section of this website. Thank you Melissa, we welcome future contributions from you.
 
Debora Myers, Editor & Co-Founder of www.ladyfire.com who has been with me since nearly the beginning, promoting Art of Loving, contributing great articles, and being a most wonderful loving friend. Thanks Deb for all your support and the wonderful contribution you have made this month to the sex section of the website. Michael (Co-Founder Husband) you are a lucky man to have such a talented Sex Goddess for a partner.
 
Lisa Mitchell & Rachelle Urlich, new contributors to many sections from www.theLounge.com.au the simply amazing woman's website from down under in Australia. Thank you ladies for you contributions.
 
Maria Bailey, CEO and Founder of www.bluesuitmom.com and truly a SUPER MOM!!!!! A big supporter of Art of Loving, and regular contributor to the family section of this website. I would also like to acknowledge Maria's partner, Rachael Bender, who has also been a big supporter of mine with her talents in technology that have been of invaluable assistance to this website. I would also mention that Maria & Rachael are my marketing partners who have helped me to create the series of contests running this year for Free Vacations For Two To The Turks & Caicos Islands on our and many other participating websites. Ladies, thank you so very much for all your efforts.
 
Leslie Karen Lobell, who has made the single most significant contribution to this website. Leslie is an associate of my Art of Loving Institute, giving workshops and providing counseling and therapy here in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. She deals with my poor spelling and grammar on a regular basis, editing much of the material that appears on Art of Loving. She also contributes many articles to this site, especially in the Heart & Soul Section. Words cannot express enough my gratitude to Leslie for all her hard work, and the contribution of her articles that contain so much warmth, love, feeling and awareness for us all to read. Leslie, thank you for helping me to spread the word of the importance of love.
 
This month I would like to acknowledge the contribution of "Four Agreements", author Don Miguel Ruiz. Thank you don Miguel for providing us with your insightful articles on communication for the love section of this website. To all our viewers I urge you strongly to go out and buy, or visit the book section of this site, and get your copy of don Miguel's, " Four Agreements". This in my opinion is one of the greatest books written of all time, a must read for all, several times. Don Miguel thank- you for your contribution. Just to let you know, I do and have for sometime now practiced, "The Four Agreements" and incorporated them into my daily life. Visit don Miguel at www.miguelruiz.com
 
Next month in our March update we will feature the work of Hal & Sidra Stone, featuring their most recent amazing book, "Partnering A New Kind Of Relationship". I encourage you to visit The Art of Loving next month to view their articles that will be featured.
 
Please don't forget to bookmark The Art of Loving, and visit often. Please tell your friends and family about us, and encourage them to visit. All our pages allow you to send this website or a particular article to a friend, or family member. It is only through the efforts of our viewers like you, that allows us to spread the importance of bring love into your life, and learning to keep love in your life.
 
Wishing you an epic and loving day.
 
Paul Mauchline
 

 
Five years ago Paul Mauchline launched an in depth North American phase of research into,"LEARNING TO KEEP LOVE IN YOUR LIFE." His new dynamic workshop series, The Art of Loving ™, promises to help you learn the skills you need to succeed in a lasting, loving relationship.
 
He is the founder and director of The Art of Loving Institute based in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, British West Indies.
 
"I'm a researcher, writer, and speaker -- not an accredited counselor or therapist. The purpose of my life's work has been to get people to recognize that LOVE TAKES KNOWLEDGE & EFFORT. The purpose of my articles, soon to be released book, and workshop series is to provide a foundation of skills that will open doors to establish and enhance a more loving attitude towards oneself and others."
 
"THE ART OF LOVING WORKSHOP PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION FOR BUILDING A MORE PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED LOVING LIFE."