and some unique twists that reflect the antiquity of the celebrations.
The main event is the exchange of gifts between sweethearts, loved ones and respected ones. Historically, men gave women roses, and women gave men abook to celebrate the occasion—"a rose for love and a book forever." In modern times, the mutual exchange of books is also customary. Roses have been associated with this day since medieval times, but the giving of books is a more recent tradition originating in 1923, when a bookseller started to promote the holiday as a way to commemorate the nearly simultaneous deaths of Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare on 23 April 1616.Barcelona is the publishing capital of both Catalan and Spanish languages and the combination of love and literacy was quickly adopted.
In Barcelona's most visited street, La Rambla, and all over Catalonia, thousands of stands of roses and makeshift bookstalls are hastily set up for the occasion. By the end of the day, some four million roses and 800,000 books will have been purchased. Most women will carry a rose in hand, and half of the total yearly book sales in Catalonia take place on this occasion.
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
- Bill Wilson -
The sardana, the national dance of Catalonia, is performed throughout the day in the Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona. Many book stores and cafes host readings by authors (including 24-hour marathon readings of Cervantes'
"Don Quixote"). Street performers and musicians in public squares add to the day's atmosphere.
23 April is also the only day of the year when the Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona's principal government building, is open to the public. The interior is decorated with roses to honour Saint George.
The ancient Crown of Aragon, the Feast of St George is celebrated enthusiastically in the Community of Aragon,
being the country's patron saint and its national day.
On 23 April, Aragon celebrates its "Diya d'Aragón" (Day of Aragon) in commemoration of the Battle of Alcoraz
(Baralla d'Alcoraz in Aragoneese), on which Huesca was conquered by the Aragonese army
and in which tradition says that
St George appeared at a critical moment for theChristian Army, aiding them to win it for the "True Faith".
As in Catalonia, roses and books are exchanged among individuals, often bearing ribbons with the colors of Aragon's flag.
If you notice someone's face is Looking rather low Come along beside them And let your caring show
Place your arm around them And give a little squeeze There's nothing like a hug to Give the heart some ease! ~ Jennifer Byerly ~
We sat side by side in the morning light and looked out at the future together.
- Brian Andres -
When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.
- Elizabeth Bowen -
England
St.Georges Day
A traditional custom at this time was to wear a red rose in one's lapel,
though with changes in fashion this is no longer common.
If asked why I love her I would say It’s the sway in her hips, the thickness in her thighs. It’s the lust in her lips, the love in her eyes. It’s the softness of her skin, the silk in her hair. It’s the twist in her walk; it’s the sweetness in her talk. It’s the way she loves me that makes me love her each day. That is what I would say.
- Justin Hutchins -
What is a hug?
A hug is something special A hug can give such joy A hug can bring a little smile To every girl and boy A hug can say a thousand words Without a single spoken one A hug can put things right again When everything seems wrong A hug can be a lovely thing It doesn't have to contain a touch A hug can be on paper The word 'hug' just means so much So I'm sending you a special hug Not physical, it's true But this hug is sent to let you know I think the world of you ~ Yvonne Lowther ~
I am really excited to be a part of this years TDP...
Tis the third annual ADO TDP to be held...
2011 here we come!! Whoop!Whoop!
Its a pleasure to join 'Chic Chicks'
A European team of three very talented artists...
Sarah Wallis Laurence from FELTOOHLALA PAPILLON BLEU UK (Patricia)
Three of us live in England .
Two team members are French but no longer live in France :
Patricia (England) and Laurence (Hungaria)
Two chic chicks love coth and clay dolls : Tracey Anne and Patricia Two are real pros of needle felting: Sarah and Laurence. All teams dolls will take several journeys...
starting and ending with the creator ..
but with a whole new look and story recorded via the dolls journal
by the hands of all artists in that team.
How kool is that! :0)
Jasmoon Butterfly Introducing:
Miss Felicity Haversham
(wip - My first Clay cage doll....OOOooo! )
Felicity enjoys her strolls through the meadows,
of her rural home town - Dittisham, especially Bozomzeal, a hill south of the village.
Dittisham is a quaint village just outside of Dartmouth, Devon, UK
The manor in which Felicity lived sat upon her beloved Bozomzeal.
The gowns Felicity wore were simple yet elegant.
They were a mixture of silk, linen, muslin & lace.
The enchanted flowers of the meadow graced her gown with tantalizing aromas.
Each offering the promise of a dream...
Felicity often danced with the butterflies& at times would stay perfectly still
to permit the butterflies to rest upon her.
The dappled sunlight echoed through their wings as they once again danced...
This particular morning was different,
Felicity had received a letter from a most dear friend,
Miss Sarah Wallis.
The letter was actually an invitation to a ball to celebrate her friends recent engagement.
Well of course Felicity had replied hence,
and the spring in her step echoed her excitement of returning to London.
It had been many years since Felicity visited her town of birth,
and the dreams of childhood followed her still....
'How exciting!' Felicity cried to the dancing butterflies,
'But how I will miss you' She sighed....
The date had arrived, April 1st
& once settled upon the coach for London,Felicity opened up her book,
there lay the rose petals she had picked last summer from her bedroom window...
Never had she dreamed the following year could hold suchwonder and adversaty,
'I wonder.......' Felicity paused,
' What adventures await me?'
I am very excited and look forward to joining & sharing with all the TDP artists :0)
A dream date , OOOoo more thinking, more choices lol
What virtual gift for Caz on this special day ? *giggles*
Lets take a look shall we :0)
A baby is born with a need to be loved
- and never outgrows it.
Frank A. Clark
A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge. Thomas Carlyle
Diary:
6th Jan 2011
8.30 am
He is picking me up today,
I am so nervous.
Its been years since I last went on holiday with someone of the opposite sex
- ok I say the words...a man.
Breathe, keep calm when he arrives, this is going to be amazing I can feel it.
Yes ....good thoughts....good thoughts
My diary is coming with me...
when I get nervous I will write :0)
Well thats my plan...
Have I packed ok?
Its been so long...
Well I do like to carry protection -
He advised me to as well
...he is thoughtful
Just to make sure...
I packed vervain, ;0)
I could not resist packing my Steffie strappy top
hmmmm
Phew all checked, packed etc as
he will be here in a mo,
Ok ok .....calm...
breathe....
I can see him approaching..
Hi :0)
He kissed my cheek...
'Hop in' he said while opening my door...
His car was vintage, a beauty...she purred happily on our travel
Soon we were at the airport.
'Please 'I cried excited
'Just a tin-zie hint...'
Squinting my eyes and pretending to hold a slight gap
between my finger & thumb..
He smiled that infamous smile
.....I melted all to easily
returning the smile before
I had a chance to beg for information about our destination.
It was no good I really would have to try harder to get my own way :0)
My eyes were covered with a silk sash as we landed
& remained on until we reached a yacht...
It was incredible...
I think the feeling that warmed me more
& sent my heart racing
was the touch of his hand in mine...
Not the vintage car,
nor the first class seats on the plane,
or the yacht
but the warm feeling he created inside of me
- he wanted me
At the thought my heart raced even faster...
All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love. Leo Tolstoy
While on the yacht I had a chance to freshen up & change.
I needed my Linen clothing, the heat was nice here
but London was still in 50- 60 f
The smile I love reflected upon me once more
as he gave me a key
'Its a surprise' He spoke softly
then promptly hailed a taxi
We drove through quaint villages,
past bountiful woodlands
It was breathtaking...
We stopped at a beautiful villa...
'We are here'
His gaze set upon my face,
his eyes searching mine
then he gaze moved to my mouth...
I blushed & looked away
He then took my hand gently in his,
'Let me lead the way....come'
I laughed as I saw Ian..
He was here....does that mean..I turned
'Yes, Caz is here but its a secret that we are'
I smiled as our eyes met again,
'For her birthday...wow!'
Ian was jumping, dancing...he was excited that we could make it.
'Come on you two,
I will take you over to my friends villa.
They are away today and I thought it would be nice to have
quiet time to discuss everything ...well before you get too
erm, ...comfortable ...' Ian grinned & nudged G.
Though it was not I that blushed this time ...
The villa had its own pool, as did most ..
Gerard couldn't wait to jump in!
His eyes were calling me over
Ian shouted
'no time for that, drinks up,
he will just pull you in the pool.'
Gerard rolled his eyes & climbed out.
It was late afternoon.
Ian could see Caz down on the beach,
'Right remain hidden from this villa's beach ok,
catch up with you guys tomorrow
....thanks for coming, Caz is gonna luv it!'
Ian & Caz were in love..
This was their first holiday away together...
Ian was so excited to be able to get Caz away from it all -
he wanted to create a magical memory for her,
with the help of friends..
If you press me to say why I loved him,
I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I. Michel de Montaigne
Back at the villa -
'Maybe we should go now,
take a walk to our villa....erm..the villa'
I laughed, 'I think that would be the best idea..too risky hiding here'
I don't know why I asked, ' Have you cooled down now?'
G smiled, his eyes squinted a little - teasing me,
'No .....I may require ...a tinz-ie bit of help'
I tried to contain my laugh but there he went again....
melting my defences....
We walked & talked,
sipped wine & played
- laughing while splashing the sea water at each other..
This was the first stage of love...
I could see it like a play unfolding before me
but unable, no unwilling to stop it...
I wanted, needed this ...
my heart was finally singing again...
We decided to head up to our....the villa,
It had been a long day but I felt more alive
than I had in years....
The sunset was stunning,
the colours healed everything it sat its gaze upon...
G joined me,
I could hear his breathing,
for a moment I thought it mine
His breath warm, humid against my neck..
I felt goosebumps & shivers..
Omg....omg ...he is going to kiss me...
I almost stopped breathing, in fact I may have
My head was suddenly spinning,
My neck felt a pleasing touch, warm, - his moist lips
I became aware of my breathing once more
as I gulped, as my mouth dry..
There he is, lips now upon my chin,
my own lips quivered in anticipation...
but he stopped,
It was like a bolt of lightening had hit me...
why had he stopped?
His hand reached to caress my face,
There I felt my swoon return...
'I'm falling in love with you'
Gerards eyes held my stare
as his lips approached mine..slowly
I couldn't hold my calm anymore
and took his face to meet mine faster..
Our lips embraced, fast, then slow...more intimate..
A tear escaped my eye,
too late he had felt it..
He searched my eyes without pulling his face from mine,
& gently, kissed it away.
My head was spinning,
my heart racing,
Am I ready ?
Can I love again?
It is difficult to know at what moment love begins;
it is less difficult to know it has begun. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
It was as if he heard me,
'Take a chance...please........I love you Tracey'
Life is a flower of which love is the honey. Victor Hugo
I led Gerard into our villa,
poured some wine...
The night was just beginning...
Yes, I decided to take that chance..
Believe me if all those endearing young charms, Which I gaze on so fondly today, Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms, Like fairy gifts fading away! Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art, Let thy loveliness fade as it will And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly still. It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear, That the fervor and faith of a soul may be known, To which time will but make thee more dear! Oh the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close, As the sunflower turns to her god when he sets The same look which she turned when he rose!
Thomas Moore
By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth. Bible - Song of Solomon
Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get,
it's what you are expected to give — which is everything. Author Unknown
Love in your heart wasn't put there to stay Love isn't love until you give it away. Oscar Hammerstein
Do you love me because I am beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me? Oscar Hammerstein II
Love is a portion of the soul itself,
and it is of the same nature as the celestial breathing of the atmosphere of paradise. Victor Hugo
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Aristotle
Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love,
a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. Mother Teresa
Diary:
7th Jan 2011
sometime in the afternoon...
My hand can barely steady itself to write the words
I wish to declare...
...I have fallen in love!
Its true...
His eyes reach in & touch my very soul...
I feel him there, he feels me....I know it...
His every touch speaks love...
When does this happen, love ?
It is magic in its true form...
a power beyond ones control...
I am happy I can not control it...
for to stumble upon it makes a most
enchanted connection...
We stayed in our villa during the day,
plenty to do there ;0)
I want him still...
Ok ok those deep breaths again,
his eyes ...
oh his eyes do speak
For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart.
It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. Judy Garland
We got ready early eve,
Dinner was set
by the sea...
Ian was already there
G & I must have given the game away about us ..
The look on Ians face prior to bursting out laughing...
'Thats great guys,
Caz & I wondered if you were ever gonna get it together'
He patted G on the back, 'good man'
Ian left the table as Caz walked up from the beach to join us.
Oh I was so excited to finally get to see my friend!
Ian had done a terrific job - the table was amazing!
Yep - shoulda known...lol
Ian
started the birthday celebration
It`s Carolyns birthday !!
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthay to you
Happy birthday dear Cazzy
Happy birthday to you
hip hip hooray
hip hip hooray
(Caz blew the candles out in one swoop!)
Hip hip hooray
A toast was required
'To a most amazing lady,
how blessed we are to have you in our lives...
Thank you'
We all laughed & hugged
laughed again upon reading the bottle
typical Ian...Caz loved it!
We drunk wine, ate strawberries & cream
the candles aroma intoxicating.....
Ian then picked up his guitar
Ian sung his own lullaby to Caz
I had tears in my eyes
as I watched them both - moved by their love..
Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light, I would spread the cloths under your feet. William Butler Yeats
The tears welling in my eyes were soon turned to those of laughter
as Ian decided to strip for Caz!
G & I decided to quietly leave...
This was our time to be alone too :0)
An evening with good, special friends,
Caz's birthday was pure hours laughter & smiles from the heart!
The sound of the waves, soothed
as a lullaby
gently sung to us by mother earth
I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I
yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes
and drew him down to me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes
and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes James Joyce Molly Bloom in Ulysses.
I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times,
in life after life, in age after age forever. Rabindranath Tagore
