As a romance writer, I love February 14th. St. Valentine’s Day is THE romance day of the year. To me, valentines are the mirror of romance.

According to legend, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day" target="_blank">Saint Valentine</a> was a real priest who lived in 270 A.D. He provided Christians with sacraments outlawed by the Roman Empire such as marriage.

Saint Valentine is also said to have cut hearts from parchment, giving them to the soldiers and persecuted Christians to "remind them of God's love and to encourage them to remain faithful Christians.”

And thus began our custom of giving cards and reminders to loved ones on February 14th. Today, the Greeting Card Association estimates one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year.

The first mass-produced valentines appeared in the 1840s. <a href="http://www.amazingwomeninhistory.com/esther-howland-american-valentine/" target="_blank">Esther A. Howland</a>, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” used “scrap” to make elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures. The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester holds a large collection of her valentines.

If you read my blog often, you might remember that I have an ephermal holiday post card collection. I shared some of my Thanksgiving cards. Here are my favorite Valentines. While not as elaborate as Ms. Howland’s, I love the way these cards speak of romance.

<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/v5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2251" alt="???????????????????????????????" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/v5.jpg?w=392" width="392" height="500" /></a>

Valentines tell others of our love. Homemade valentines are extra special. I found this wonderful site, <a href="http://www.neoformix.com/">www.neoformix.com</a>  where you can create your own heart-shaped tokens of love.
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://neoformix.com/Projects/WordHearts/Old/index.html"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2254" alt="screen shot heart site-1" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/screen-shot-heart-site-1.png?w=300" width="300" height="187" /></a></p>
If you'd like to create heart-shaped design with special words, click on the heart to go to the site. You have time to come up with the perfect token of your love.

<strong>YOUR TURN:</strong> How will you show someone you love them today?