January 20, 2018

Love is in the Air

My how time flies. One minute its Trick-or-Treaters, Pilgrims, and Presents and then boom, Amore! Valentine’s Day! And that got me thinking that I didn’t know much about Saint Valentine or the history so, in an effort to shed some light on this mysterious Saint Valentine for others who may not know, I offer this article of information.

THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

After reading the above article, perhaps you know more than you did 45 seconds ago.

On the topic of love, not a day goes by where James or I will look at the other person and say “can you believe we are here, we live here, we are really here.” We love this place. This town. This community. Some friends wondered how I would cope not being in a corporate environment. To be honest I am. I use all of my corporate and technology skills, and have even improved upon some. I’ve even bought high-end software that I thought I was done with for good. So on that point Elms of Camden now has a YouTube channel! It’s not the largest and not the best but it’s a start. And every great love story has to have a beginning. The art of making a video, and it’s an art, is one that takes patience and a willingness to have 45 draft or unfinished versions before you find “the one” you are happy with. Like love, you have to find the one. See how I’m tying these things in with love? Pretty clever. So without further adieu, here is a short video what a romance theme. I hope you like it. If you don’t, it’s only 26 seconds so you’ll survive.

We’ve also created a great Valentine’s Weekend package that provides everything you need for a special, romantic getaway. Check it out here.

To wrap things up, you may have noticed the website has a slightly different look and design. I can’t seem to sit still so I changed the template and made a few modifications. I actually think it looks better and is easier to navigate. Take a look and if you have any comments and feedback or find an issue let me know. I’ll read it, promise.

As I was writing this blog a certain song kept popping up in my head over and over so for no good reason I added the link. Enjoy. And as always, no matter where you travel, travel safe and enjoy the journey.

James and I wish you all a love-filled Valentine’s Day, February, and all months in 2018!