Monday, February 13, 2017

For the Love of Love!


How many ways do we show love?  Well, that's a question that requires not much thinking, right?  Because when one is in love, he or she CAN'T think clearly!  We jump into a frying pan and stir up ways to please the one we love, and, we worry about making that person happy with our offerings.

Are we very clear on the subject of love...knowing its true meaning?  Well, I'm not an expert on the subject, but, I have been known to love!  Of course, there's my "White Knight" on a horse, just waiting to rescue me from the perils of loneliness, lol!
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Hey!  I said "White Knight", not unshaven  "cowpoke"!  What are you doing here, Elvis!?!  I mean, couldn't you have at least cleaned up before you made an "unannounced visit"!

~Elvis Presely in 1969 film Charro
The only time Presley ever appeared in a film, bearded!

So...where were we?  Oh, yes! (actually, that was a very pleasant interruption, wasn't it?)  As we all know, there are many kinds of love.  I can't even begin to list all of the facts, meanings and, kinds of love that exist.  From Philosophers, to Biologists, Proverbs, and Psychologists...take your pick, you will find some interesting information!

*  Love can be  *
*  to be delighted by the happiness of another
*  a condition of absolute value
*  unconditional selflessness

Other examples are:

* Interpersonal Love - a feeling of warm, personal attachment, such as love for a family member.
* Impersonal Love - loving an object or a goal to which we are committed.  "I love music."
* Unrequited Love - this is when the one who is loved, does not return the love.  A lot of times, the recipient is not even aware of the other's feelings.  I think many of us have been in this scenario before, and it can be sad and stressful.  However, sometimes it is a blessing that the recipient is not aware of the feelings of another, making it easier for that person to move on.
*  And, then there is  Love of sexual passion or desire

For Valentine's Day, I dug deep into my mind's eye for a favorite, short, love story!  And, guess what I found?  Actually, it is a Christmas story, but, love is love anytime of the year, isn't it?

I'm taking us back to around 1905, New York City, where author O. Henry is allegedly sitting in Pete's Tavern.  He wrote a Christmas story about a poor married couple, barely able to make ends meet, but, are determined to give each other something special for Christmas.
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The young wife, Della is sad and tearful, that after paying bills, she only has $1.87 left to spend on a Christmas gift for her husband Jim.  She believes, that after all of his hard work for a meager $20.00 per week, Jim deserves a more worthy gift, than what $1.87 could buy!


After having a good cry, Della wiped her eyes, and dabbed a bit of powder on her cheeks.  For some moments she thought more about how she had saved every penny she could, and wanted to do something special for Jim.  Then, Della just happened to glance at her image in the pier-glass between the windows of the room, when the idea came to her.   

With tears in her eyes, she threw on her old brown jacket, and old brown hat, then whisked out the door and into the street.

Della ran into Madame Sofronie's Hair Goods shop, and asked, "Will you buy my hair?"  And, Madame replied, "I do buy hair.  Take yer hat off and let's have a sight at the looks of it."  With that, down rippled the brown cascade of Dell's prized hair.  "Twenty dollars.", Madame said as she lifted the mass of hair with a practised hand.  "Give it to me quick," said Della.


Two hours later, on what O. Henry describes as having "tripped by on rosy wings," Della finally found the gift that had been made for Jim and no one else.  It was a platinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, so worthy of the grand watch Jim looked at on the sly because of the old leather strap that he used in place of a chain.  Della paid the $21.00 for the chain and went home with the remaining 87 cents in her purse. 
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When she heard her husband at the door, after his day at work,  Della's heart sank in fear that Jim may not think her pretty anymore.  Little did she know that he had been through a similar experience just that day.  His expression as he looked at her, terrified her-not of anger, nor horror, or any sentiment that she could read.  He simply stared at her with that peculiar expression on his face.  "Jim, darling," she cried, "don't look at me that way.  I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have lived through Christmas without giving you a present."

Then, after a few seconds, Jim took a package from his overcoat pocket and threw it on the table.  He assured Della that a haircut could not make him like his girl any less, and asked her to open the package.

Oh, the outpouring of emotion was incredible!  Screams of joy, hysterical tears and wails, for the beautiful tortoise shell combs with jeweled rims that she had yearned for, having adored them from a shop window.  Looking up at Jim through dim eyes, Della said, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!"  And, with that, handed him the beautiful present she had bought for him.  "Hand me your watch.  I want to see how it looks on it."  Jim sat down on the couch and smiled.


And, the rest we know...the young couple agreed to put their Christmas presents away for the time being.  You see, Jim had sold his prized watch to get the money for the combs!



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Now, is that one great love story, or what?  To sacrifice your most prized possession for the "love of love", and, to delight unselfishly in the happiness of the one you love, is a...well, I can't really explain it, but, to say it is a 'blessedness' !   

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I so hope you enjoyed this Christmas story for Valentine's Day!  I believe we've all experienced that type of love at some time in our lives as teens, young adults, and, older adults.  And, I also believe that there is a true love for each of us at some time in our lives! Most of the time we don't even have to look for it!

And, now, it's time to thank:
Wikipedia
Yahoo images
Blogger
Google
Dictionary.com
O. Henry (author)
Elvis

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Ok, ok...Here he is folks!  Our "White Knight" is all cleaned up!
I'm so glad you could make it Elvis!
"Uh, Thank ya...thank you very much.  I just wanna say one thing!"
"All the Stars will tell the story of our love and all its glory...
Let us make this night of magic, and make it a night of Love!"
~Elvis Presley, surrender

♥ And, I want to thank all of you, my dear readers for coming by today.  I hope you've got something special planned for the one (s) you love.  Me?  Well, I believe my little grandson and his dad will be my escorts for a nice dinner and some cake later!  ♥

Happy Valentine's Day to you all with hugs from Fort Worth, Texas!  If you get the chance, drop in and say hello!  I'm always happy to see you!  Take care and be safe!
See you next time! 💖

8 comments:

  1. Aw, Dear Suzanne, thank you for such a beautiful post.

    Your gorgeous card was a lovely introduction to that sweet story. You've created a truly gorgeous scene in the style of a vignette.

    The love we get out of the happiness of another is what resonates with me.

    You're such a loving person and I can tell you're loved, and have been loved, by so many good people in your life.
    Have a delightful dinner and cake with your sweet family.
    Hugs and happiness always 💝 xx

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    1. Gosh, I'm running late this evening...how nice to see you, Sue! It's loving persons like yourself that really make us all feel loved! Thank you for your sweet comments on my post. I really enjoy blogging with you, and seeing your lovely creations. We all have individual creative talents, and ultimately learn from each other.

      I believe I found the perfect story for Valentine's Day. A couple in love, each wanting only the happiness of the other. I believe what they gave up probably brought them even closer together-a re-bonding of sorts!

      Thank you so much for coming by, I am so glad you enjoyed my Valentine story! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, Sue! xxoo

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    2. 💖 thank you dear Suzanne - the feeling is mutual :D)
      I'd meant to mention that it was so lovely of Elvis to make a surprise visit to your post... he can still turn a head ;D)
      Bye now xoxoxo

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    3. I just couldn't do Valentine's Day without Elvis! I wonder if he ever thought he could always be remembered! See you, Sue ♥

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  2. Hi, Suzanne!

    Shady Del Knight reporting in. I can't compare to the "White Knight," but I bring you unconditional friendship and genuine bloggy love - guaranteed - on Valentine's Day and every other day of the year.

    This was a wonderful essay about love in all its forms. I especially appreciated the wording in the first group of ways to describe love:

    * to be delighted by the happiness of another

    * unconditional selflessness

    These days it seems too many people focus more on themselves and getting what they want, having all their needs fulfilled. In doing so they never get to experience the sheer joy of selflessly loving another and taking delight in the other person's happiness. Unconditional love is the greatest and highest form as far as I'm concerned. I live for moments when I come to realize that I have brightened somebody's day and made them happy. That also goes to the love of a pet. To me there is no greater feeling than giving love and affection to an appreciative animal and getting some in return.

    Of course I am familiar with that famous old story about the couple who selflessly sacrificed for each other in order to buy special gifts. I enjoyed reading it again and it is very appropriate for Valentine's week.

    I will be thinking about you on V-Day, dear friend Suzanne, wishing you well and hoping you and Scootie and his dad are having a fine time together and getting your fill of dinner and cake.

    Thank you again for spreading Valentine's cheer, dear friend Suzanne, and have a safe and happy week ahead!

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    1. Aw, Shady! You're the Knight of Bloggsville! You present the best music this side of Hitsville! And, I'll take it!

      Thank you for enjoying my essay of Love, and I agree with you on the way it has changed over the years. Unconditional love is still the best kind of love there is. I'll always cherish any true feelings of love I have experienced in my lifetime! And, that includes love of a pet too! (I have an incorrigible little Cockapoo dog who drives me nuts)! And, it does make me feel good to know that I have brightened someone else's day-that also brightens my day! I try harder as I've gotten older, to focus more on others, even if I can only bring a smile to a face!

      Valentine's Day will be a bit sad for me, but, I do have memories and Scootie and his dad, to keep the lighter side going!

      One day I will let my little Cockapoo, Carly host a post for me. She's about 1 1/2 years old, and a real handful. I can't get her to hold still for a photo, but she loves her groomer, and he gets a good picture when he grooms her!

      Thank you so much, dear friend for your visit and lesson on Love, lol! Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mrs. Shady! ♫

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  3. Hello Suzanne, what a great story and post. My hubby is my white knight. I try to be selfless, thinking more of my son and hubby.
    I always loved Elvis especially loved his movies, he was handsome. I am sorry I missed this post at Valentine's Day it is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!

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  4. Hi Eileen. My hubby was my white knight, also. We were only married 15 years when he passed away, but, I have such special memories. He was so loving, romantic and funny!

    We just can't get enough of Elvis, can we! I did love his movies too. My favorites are Blue Hawaii and King Creole. Thank you so much for stopping in. I'm happy you enjoyed my post. Have a fun Wednesday!

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