I'm glad we
have a day set aside for romance. Here's hoping your
romantic interludes are a lot more than 1 day a year though!
Does anyone
else consider the "holiday season" to begin with
Thanksgiving, or Hanukah, (depending on the year) and flowing
though the great V-Day? With all the dreary skies of a
North American Winter, isn't it a relief to have all these
opportunities to touch the lives of friends & family?
In year's past,
Cultured Cowboy has gotten into lingerie and candy for
Valentines Day. What we (I) discovered was: I ate way too much
of the chocolate. And it's hard to sell clothing that
embarrasses you. So this year, 2023, we'll stick to
tack, saddles, boots , belts & clothing for daytime
wear.
Well, I'm
ready for V-Date Day to happen. Yet, life can get confusing. I'm
pondering what to get my youngest boy, just turned 15 now. He
still likes chocolate. Not ready fro driving a truck yet. Maybe
a promise of driving lessons this Summer. (And a chocolate treat
for now.) How about the oldest son? I thinking that giving
him some valuable time together might be best. He stays so busy.
The middle male now has a serious girlfriend. I'm sure he's not
thinking of a step dad!
Youngest
daughter? Definitely chocolates. And a handwritten letter of
love. She's eleven and has been a wonderful addition to my 66
year old soul. Oldest daughter? Has a great family with an
understanding hubby. "I'm so proud!" Gotta think of
something unexpected?
There are so
many friends I can't possibly list them all, or call them all.
Maybe that's why we should love them all during everyday of our
year. Ex-wives? I'll think about them, and reflect on times we
shared. But even that can get me into trouble. Current
female companion? I don't know if she would appreciate the
chocolate as much as another few bags of k9 feed.
Some ladies are
like that. - But guys - Ya better do something in addition to
that kennel ration! Or face sleeping in the
"doghouse" yourself.
How can I show
a little extra love for my Lord? Betcha, He's appreciate
some quiet time together. And perhaps an offering to contribute
to a homeless shelter, or food bank. MAybe include Him in more
of my daily conversations with you guys too!
And what about
parents? grandparents? Certainly a phone or better, a Zoom call.
Could I have something special delivered to their home if I
can't make it myself? What about a note of appreciation
for all they have done for all of us? What if getting
closer to siblings might make a Mom or Dad happy?
I believe we
are all smart enough to challenge ourselves to deliver true love
along with a token gift. By token, I mean representative, not
something without sincere meaning.
Cultured Cowboy
understands that a great workboot or a barn boot can make our
clients smile. Maybe a new stable or turnout blanket for the
horse. (We just restocked. It's gonna be at least 6 more weeks
of cold)
Cowboy
necklaces are a good idea. We don't normally have diamonds but
we do have pearls in our wedding case. A warm coat might
be good for your special someone, as well as the horse. Those
Key, hooded jackets and those Australian dusters are
great.
I just
remembered - we now have "jeweled boots".
And flowered boots. Check out Arlos boots for
ladies. One year, Cultured Cowboy gave out roses to
our female customers. Yes, Free! Yes real red ones!
Over 200 of them! And what about a floral
tooled Western belt? That's an idea!
So, in summary,
I think the most important thing is to spread the love as much
as we can. Short notes. Maybe short video calls. Let
people know you care. Maybe a Facebook or LInkedIn
something? And for those most special, take the time to listen.
Listen with the intention of caring about their feelings, their
conflicts, their dreams, their needs.
Valentines Day
can become a true day of giving. Giving you, giving for your
Lord. And taking in all the emotions available through the
giving.
Happy
Happy Day & Happy Happy Season.
You are a person of value & worth.
God Loves You, and I love you.
C
Taylor, Jr
01/29/2023
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