Valentine Red, Pink and Rose ~ With Love From Me to You (Rainbow Connection Winners!)

There were no roses or love poems to greet me this year on Valentine's morn...

But there was a nice, relaxing morning in which I could do whatever I wanted to (a rare treat)...

And a nice surprise from my husband... one reminiscent of our trip to Scotland... some delicious, imported sweets...

And more importantly, some very special memories of the wonderful vacation my husband and I shared when we recently traveled to California...

You see, I'm one of those women who, when on vacation, says, "If we can get this ________ now, you don't have to buy me a birthday present... or a Valentine's present..." In some cases, the promise extends an entire year, to the next Christmas, and anything that falls in between.

Whereas I tend to forget the promise was ever made...

My husband (unfortunately) has a very good memory.

Fortunately, he is very sweet, and instead of reminding me of what I said when we were splurging on vacation treats, buys me small tokens of his affection anyway.

This week at Rainbow Connections, I've been reminded of how we show our love...

That it's the little things that matter most...

Like understanding when I was late to a Valentine Banquet because I stopped six times to take pictures of the sunset...

Telling me that he loves me just the way I am... no matter how many fattening, sweet treats I eat...

Encouraging me (he could easily condemn) when I'm in the middle of a messy project and have things scattered all over the house... or even when I'm on the computer too much...

Taking time to go places and do things with me...

Loving me no matter what... the sweet little things... day in... day out... that's how my husband really shows his love.

This week at Rainbow Connections, I felt showered with love...

Many of you also showed love and concern to another of our members who was hurting... missing her mom...

This week, we've been seeing a lot of red, pink and rose, but we've been learning that a word or two of encouragement is one of the best ways to show love... not just on Valentine's Day, but all year long!

Please join me in congratulating the Winners of Rainbow Connection's Valentine Red, Pink and Rose Competition!

My sincere thanks to everyone who entered!

Random Rainbow Sightings

1st Place is a pair of photos by Angela M:  Double Rainbow AND Beautiful Rainbow

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Photos

1st Place is by Sherry W:  A Rose

2nd Place is by Vicky (Snow Sucks) D: Pink Flowers

3rd Place is a Pair of Photos by Marianne R: Splash of Pink AND Pink Pinks

4th Place is a Pair of Photos by Sue M:  Happy Valentine's Day AND Pink Hibiscus

5th Place is by Shannon (Chile Head) W: Valentine Pink AND Pink Tendril

6th Place is a Pair of Photos by Tim T:  Art in Bloom AND Pretty in Pink

7th Place is by Marianne M: "Oriental Lily in a Pool of Water"

8th place is by Katrina Hall:  Happy Valentine's Day

9th Place is by Lucky Stars:  Aster With a Heart AND Pepper Heart

10th Place is by Rose (just an old GA peach) Williams:  Purple Mountain's Majesty

11th Place is by Rose H:  Sweet Valentine's Wishes

12th Place is by Carolyn B:  My Daughter

Lucky 13th Place is by T Cherie P:  "Red Bridge"

14th Place is by Trudy P:  "Peace Rose"

15th Place is by Phyllis P:  Pink Rose

Sweet 16th Place is by Denise E:  Wedding Gift

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Photo Essays

1st Place is by Amanda C:  Valentine's Hair Bows

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Creative Alterations and Images

1st Place is by Elaine M:  Flowers for Valentine's Day

2nd Place is by Geeta *Buzzy*:  Choose Me

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Poetry

1st Place is by Poddar Kushal:  Hues of Love

2nd Place is by Curt L: In Sherrie's Heart ~ A Poem for Sherrie H and You

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