Secrect Of Love

Just love me

2008-07-20T04:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like that? When I first heard that, it hit me like a ton of bricks. To be in LOVE like that or to be loved like that would just rule forever. Is that not what we are all yearning for? Do we not seek out LOVE from the second we breathe as an infant? We search our parents eyes for that look of LOVE. We smile because we know it makes them smile with the LOVE that they feel for us. To LOVE or not to LOVE? This is the question we all ponder through out life. Why do we yearn to be someones everything? We want nothing more than to feel like the LOVE of one`s life. We spend our lives looking for that special person that will make our world seem like a dream. We want to feel safe and secure in our choice of partners. But how do we really know that this one is "the one" we will LOVE unconditionally forever? How do we know that this choice of LOVE will not break our heart? How do we know that this LOVE will LOVE us when the chips are down and we are not that perfect person that they fell in LOVE with?Well I hate to sound like a wet blanket here on a cold night, but nothing is guaranteed. Life promises us nothing. We make our lives what they are, right at this moment. In matters of the heart we gamble, and as I have said before, to give LOVE is to risk losing LOVE. That is just another one of those bleary facts. Like rain storms and snowfalls, we have no control over anything that nature has given to us. We can only do our best with what we have. I have spoken before about gifts. Well, LOVE is a gift when it is given and when it is received. It does not happen because we say we want it to, or when we like a person and say "LOVE me". HA. I am sure that almost everyone out there will agree to that. I am also certain that the word "Stalker" comes from that notion. LOVE can be a very scary risk. "Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it! It makes you so vulnerable. It opens you up, totally exposing your heart only to let someone get inside you and twist things up so tight, you can barely breathe. You build up defenses, you build an entire suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then that person, not seeming any different from any other person, wanders into your lonely life. You give them your heart. They didn't ask for it. They did something one day, like kiss you or smile your way, and then your life isn't your own any more. LOVE takes your heart hostage. LOVE swarms inside you. LOVE devours your entire being and leaves you crying in the darkness. With the simple phrase, "lets just be friends", it turns into a knife, cutting its way into your heart. The pain is like no other you have ever felt nor ever want to feel again. Not just in your imagination, not just in the mind. It's like losing a part of who you are, or rather who you were. That my friends is one reason we are so careful to not make the wrong LOVE choice. I know reading this totally makes one never want to do that. But we do, over and over again. Why?Is it such a deep needed desire that we really have no control? Is cupids arrow that strong? YES on both counts.LOVE is one of the most powerful sensations we will ever endure in our lives. LOVE knows no limit to its power, no end to its trust, no loss of its hope.LOVE can overpower anything.LOVE stays up, when all else has falls down.LOVE is felt when one grasps another's hand.LOVE is as much of an object as an obsession. Everybody wants it and everybody seeks it, but few ever achieve it. Those who do, will cherish it, get lost in it, and among all, will never, ever forget it.LOVE does not waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead it creates a perfect love.LOVE is somewhat like an hourglass, the heart fills up on one side as the brain empties the other.LOVE is admiring ones heart: as admiration is the love of ones mind.LOVE is with you when you least deserve it, because that's when you really need it.These are a few thoughts that I have that tell me what LOVE is and why LOVE is.When we're incomplete, we're always searching for somebody to complete us.We must understand that until we admit that while our partner can add sweet dimensions to our lives, we alone are the only ones that can bring that same fulfillment to ourselves. No one is responsible for our happiness.Some people fall into a pattern of needing that NEWNESS LOVE in their relationships. These people will go from one relationship to another forever, never getting off that roller coaster of failure. They never understand that LOVE has stages. LOVE at first is so full of mystery and excitement. Then we move into becoming comfortable with one another and blending our ways to continue to strengthen our LOVE for one another. We continue to grow with each other, adding newness to each other by growing in one world, but as two people. Our years together build our road to our destiny of spending our lives and enduring tribulations as one. If you want life to always be a bed of roses, then you best grow a few gardens, because the roses will only get there if you grow them or bring them to your life. In other words sweet people of LOVE, your LOVE and passion is only what you make it. If you ignore it or get too busy to feed it, it will die or fade away. It's like any other living breathing thing. LOVE needs to be treated with respect and treated like the special gift that it is.Another thing we must be careful of is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image, otherwise LOVE is only the reflection of ourselves we find in them. LOVE like you mean it, it is the only true way to let your LOVE for one another grow stronger and continue to be all powerful and wonderful.

Love Meter

2008-02-15T00:39:00.000-08:00

Secrect Of Love

2008-02-13T07:16:00.000-08:00

Secrect Of Love

2008-02-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Secrect Of Love

2008-02-13T07:04:00.000-08:00

Secrect Of Love

2008-02-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Secrect Of Love

2008-02-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

valentine choclate

2008-02-13T06:14:00.001-08:00

Pink Bouquet Rose For Your Valentine's Day Admirer/ Lover

2008-02-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day - Romancing The Bride Moms Ambien

2008-02-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Strange Love

2008-02-10T09:03:00.000-08:00

Kisses For You

2008-02-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Love Songs

2008-02-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

Red Rose

2008-02-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Love Is As Essential As Water!

2008-02-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

What movies are coming out on Valentines Day 2008?

2008-02-09T06:19:00.001-08:00

1. Jumper with hayden christainsen who played anakin in episode 2 and 3. also samuel L jackson starts in the movie also
2. Step Up 2 and one with the litle girl from Litltle Miss Sunshine. I really cant remember the name of it but i wanna see it soo bad and i cant wait to see Step up 2! Im excited!
3. Definitely, Maybe Jumper The Spiderwick Chronicles Step Up 2 Streets I'm not sure, but I think the first and last movies fall into the romance category.
4. Step Up 2 Streets(definitely goin to watch it!) Definitely ,maybe Jumper(looks good) Spiderwick Chronicles
5. Definatley Maybe Jumper The Spiderwick Chronicles Step Up 2 I wanna see Step Up 2 and Definatley Maybe sooo bad!
6. Step Up 2!!!!
7. Go to IMDB.COM, you got the complete list there.

what Valentines Day 2008?

2008-02-09T06:10:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day 2008

2008-02-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone Do u have any ideas of what ull send as gifts etc. to you girlfriend/boyfriend this coming valentines...and if your partner is away in another part of the country round about that time then what ideas can you give me to send her... something that will light her face up with a beautiful smile, any ideas ? thanks everyone merry xmas xxx =] CHEER UP PEOPLE! lol
Public Comments

1. i dont even know if ill have a relationship by valentines! you never know what could happen in the future.
2. i always get a valentines..... usually from people who never gets a valentine or sends one because they think i'm a sweet person. Which i can't agree more lol x
. perfume
4. I was away from my boyfriend last valentines day,but i travelled down to him at the weekend to celebrate....this valentines day we will be going for our second scan to see our baby, i dont care if he gets me nothing! seeing that will be good enough!!!!
5. Valentine's Day is just has depressing as Christmas. You are either happy on that day or you aren't. You just never know.
6. yes
7. perfume, or candy
8. I was thinking of getting him a aftershave.
9. I think Chocolate for a girl CD/DVD or something liek that for a boy
10. love is just a misrebal lie

How to Play Propose Your Partner

2008-02-03T20:43:00.001-08:00

A fun-filled game that can be played with singles as well as couples is "propose your partner". It is a romantic game for Valentine's Day and very entertaining. Read on further about how to play "propose your partner".

* Incase the game is being played by singles, then make chits of names of either the girls or the guys. If you make chits of names of girls, make guys pick up one at a time and propose the girl whose name they get.
* For couples, begin with the couple whose name is first in alphabetical order. Ask how they proposed. If the guy proposed first, make the girl propose the guy in the game.
* Keep a time limit say 2 minutes for each couple and it should be witty and original.
* Give out a gift for the best proposal.

How to Play Truth or Dare

2008-02-03T20:36:00.001-08:00

Truth or Dare is an entertaining as well as romantic game for Valentine's Day. It is a fun game and usually involves 2 or more players. Given below is how to play truth or dare.
* Have all the persons sit around a table. Take a pen or a bottle and spin it around on the table.
* The person, on whom the cap of the bottle or pen stops, is asked to choose between "truth" and "dare".
* The tasks are usually simple and silly. It becomes even more fun when played with close friends.
* The person who performs the task gets to spin the bottle/pen in the next round.

Some questions asked for "truth":
* Who is your dream lover?
* If you could kiss one celebrity, who would it be?
* What is your favorite romantic destination?
* Where did your partner propose you?
* What is your most romantic dream?
Some tasks for "dare":

* Enact the way you were proposed.
* Sing a love song for your beloved.
* Propose your partner again in front of everyone.
* Enact a famous romantic scene.
* Yell out "I am cupid" from the window that faces the street.

Valentine's Day Party Games

2008-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

No party is complete without those funny lively games and fun filled activities. And it becomes even more essential to organize romantic party games if it is Valentine's Day. We bring you many ideas for Valentine's Day party games. This should help you choose fun filled activities for Valentine's Day party.
All of you must have played truth or dared some time in your life. It is one such game that can be played on any occasion. We bring you ideas for how to play truth or dare for Valentine's Day to make it more romantic. Another such versatile game is the treasure hunt. This game is usually theme based, so you can give it a romantic theme for Valentine's Day and call it Valentine's treasure hunt. Though it requires a bit of planning, it is fun when it is played. And all your efforts to make it interesting win accolades!

Another interesting game that can be played is the love pictionary. It is a romantic game and very enjoyable, as it requires guessing a word by looking at a vague picture drawn by your partner. Propose your love is yet another fun filled game in which one partner proposes the other in the wittiest way possible. To add some spice and laughter to your activities, we bring you a game called identify your partner. Blindfolded people are led into a room where they are supposed to identify their partner amidst chaos and confusion. Check out our related sections for further details about these fun-filled activities and party games.

How to Say Sorry to Him

2008-02-03T20:23:00.001-08:00

Your man and you just had a fight. It could have been sorted out there and then, but the situation was such that none of you felt like talking. Now, you are in your room, sulking alone. You wish you could turn back time and made everything okay by apologizing to him. You are totally clueless about how to say sorry to him. This is where we come in the scene as we bring you creative and meaningful ways for saying sorry to a guy. Read on further to know why is it said that actions speak louder than words!

* Guys do not prefer sitting down immediately after a fight and talk about it. They are usually raging inside and you can get a taste of their bad attitude if you force them to listen to you.
Leave your man alone to give him time to cool down. Do not bother him with phone calls or text messages. Most of the times guys are ones who call up to talk things out.
* Wait for a day or two. Then go to their place and sort things out. Again, make sure he hasn't had a bad day at work or any other sort of thing that has him in low spirits.
* Contrary to what some people think, guys like flowers too. It is absolutely cool to give your man flowers and make him good dinner to make him feel special.
* Make sure you pamper him and tell him how much you love him after you apologize. Spend some cozy moments together and let him know that he is special and means a lot to you.

How to Say Sorry to Her

2008-02-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

You have had your first big fight with her and it is all a big mess. Now you are wondering as to how to say sorry to her. You love her a lot and wouldn't want to lose her for a lame reason like a fight. Saying sorry to girl never killed anyone! Yet, somehow it is never too easy to utter the word "Sorry". Swallow your ego and bury your pride in the backyard. Apologizing to her is all about making her feel special. Read on further about some ideas to say sorry to her and trust me, it is all for the better.

* Analyze the situation. Don't force her to accept your apology if she has still not relaxed. It can only make the situation worse.
* Let her calm down and approach her when she is cool enough to talk again.
* Never ever apologize on the phone or the Internet. It is way too impersonal and shows how insensitive you are. If you have a problem facing her and talking, then write her a letter and deliver it yourself. Wait outside until she reads it fully.
* Accept your mistake and get done with it as soon as possible. Don't go over the situation and what caused the fight again and again.
* If she asks for time, don't hesitate. Ask her what you can do to make her feel better and be genuine. Your feelings have to be heartfelt. Always remember, a woman can see through fake feelings.
* A bunch of flowers or a small gift can help a lot in making a woman feel better and cared of. And you have better chances of patching up again!

How to Say Sorry

2008-02-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

Any relation is bound to have its highs and lows. Sometimes the lows are so low that you end up in a fight. The agony of sulking and being away from your partner is worse than going to Hell. You seem to be blank about how to say sorry. Patching up after a fight has never been so difficult. Read on further to find out ways to apologize to your partner and get your relationship back on track.

Though it may seem odd at first, saying sorry to a loved one has its own benefits. You become more understanding and more tolerant of each other. You can tackle those petty issues that keep cropping up between the two of you without making a big fuss about it. Given below are a few tips to make it even more genuine and romantic. Also, check our related sections on how to apologize to a guy and a girl.

* Make sure you don't make a big fuss about saying sorry. It is just one word and remember, it can either make or break your relationship.
* Say it with flowers and anything that your partner loves. If she loves dancing, take her out for a slow dance and say you are sorry while she is dancing in your arms. If he loves bowling, go out for a game together and tell him when he has finished striking all pins that you are sorry.
* Never start arguing as to who started the fight first. No use looking back on something that is just not worth. Else, you will be back on square one.
* Make sure you are genuinely sorry for your mistakes. Don't try to fake up feelings just for the heck of it. Remember, it could happen to you too someday.
* Value your partner. Learn to respect his/her feelings and don't do things to hurt him/her deliberately.

Love Story in Love Letter

2008-02-02T11:26:00.000-08:00

The one love letter in which you don't have to think too much and can write with ease is your own story. Writing love story in letter is not only romantic and genuine, it shows how much you value the other person and how you go out of the way to remember the time spent together. Putting down your own love story in love letter also brings back fond memories and makes you realize the true worth of that person in your life. You can actually see how much your life has changed after you found your someone special.

Given here are some long love letter ideas to help you get started on the task of writing one for your beloved! First things first. Gather all required information you need in the form of an index. It makes the job easier for you. These information could be when and where you met for the first time, the first time you felt the love, the propose, the first time you kissed, etc. make sure it is in order of the time these events took place.

Begin with the sweetest opening line for your beloved. You could write "my sweetheart…" followed by his/her name or nickname.
Write your love story in simple language, with true heart-felt feelings. It makes a lot of difference.
If you can remember dates of particularly memorable events, add them. It makes the letter look even more special.
End the letter by telling him/her how important are they to you and how much your life has changed for the better after meeting them. You can also end it with a famous love quote and say this is what you feel for them.

Rebus Love Poem

2008-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

One of the most romantic ways of penning down your love is by writing a rebus love poem. For the uninitiated, a rebus love poem is a short poem that has pictures to convey your message. It can be also called an illustrious love poem. It is very romantic and absolutely cute. So bring on your creative side to life by learning how to write a rebus poem for your beloved.

Now that you are pepped about writing a rebus for your beloved, first write a short 5-line message for him/her. You could go about it as given below (just don't copy it blatantly!).
You are more beautiful than a Rose,
You are sweeter than Chocolate,
You are prettier than the prettiest Angel. You are the only One in this entire World Whom I love with all my Heart Forever and ever and ever.

Notice the words that have been italicized. Instead of the words, draw what they stand for. Draw a rose for rose, candy bar for chocolate, a cute cherub with a halo and wings for angel and so on. You could use your handmade drawings, no matter how pathetic it is, your beloved will still treasure it. You could also use stickers for the illustrated words. So get, set and go!

Places to Hide Love Notes

2008-02-02T11:10:00.001-08:00

To put the spice back in your life, express your love through exciting love notes. Hide these love notes in places that require a bit of searching up. We bring you some really creative places to hide love notes. This should solve the dilemma of where to hide love notes.

Under his/her pillow.
In his shaving kit.
Between the pages of the book he/she is reading at present.
In his/her bath towel.
In his/her wallet.
In the kitchen inside her favorite bone-china bowls.
Roll one up and fix in your pet dog's collar.
Stick one on his favorite beer bottle in the fridge.
In her make up kit.
Inside his pant pocket.

HAPPY HIDING!!

Lunch Box Love Notes

2008-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

It feels very nice to get a love note when you least expect it, especially when you miss your beloved a lot. We bring you different ideas for lunch box notes for your beloved.

These romantic lunch box notes are a perfect way to show your beloved that you always think of them and miss them when they are away from you. So go ahead and make your own lunch box notes for your beloved and surprise them when they are away at work. Some popular ideas are given below.

In case I didn't tell you today, I love you!
Missing you soooooo much!
Come home early today, I have a surprise for you!
Bon appetite sweetheart!
You make every moment of my life seem brighter!
You are the sugar and spice of my life!
You are my gingerbread man!

So today, do a bit more than just filling up his/her tummy, fill their hearts too!

How to Write Love Poems

2008-02-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Nothing is classic than giving a love poem to your beloved as a token of your love. It puts forth your feelings and sentiments in an entirely new form, definitely a better one. You need not be William Wordsworth to express your love in the form of a poem. Anyone (who is in love!) can do it and with ease. Read on how to write love poem and get started on writing a romantic "I love you" poem for your beloved.

Three things to be kept in mind while writing a love poem are Rhyme, Rhythm and Imagery. Rhyming is essentially to give the poem rhythm and a natural flow. Imagery is when the poem succeeds in creating images in your mind when read.

Next, choose a nice title. You could simply name it "our love story". If you can think of anything better, go ahead and use it. It should sound romantic and appealing.

You can always use some good quotes in your poems. Either start with one or end with one.
Use simple language. It isn't necessary that using biblical English or big bombastic words will look good. True feelings are best if written in simple language.

Write about those little things that he/she does which makes them special in their own unique way.
Be truthful and put some genuine effort if you want to write a poem that truly impresses your beloved. The effort will be worth it.

Love Journals

2008-02-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

One of the best ideas to keep your sweetest memories alive is to maintain a love journal. It is a testimonial of your love for each other. Imagine, twenty years later, when you sit with each other and go through those pages and those little incidents of romance and mush, you will realize the time spent with each other is so beautiful that even a lifetime seems small. So read on how to make love journal and get creative ideas for love journal.

Couple's Journal

Buy a diary and both of you make it a point to write down every sweet little gesture of your beloved. If possible, do it on a daily basis. You can decorate it with little hearts, stick snapshots of each other, click pictures of special moments and write diary entries based on them, or simple write that special thing you saw in him/her that made you fall in love with them more than ever before.
Anniversary Book

Maintain a journal that has all major anniversaries, landmark incidents and the major turning points of your life. It can be anything like your first wedding anniversary, your first kid, or simply your first drink together. It is fun to read these years later and also add as a reminder of major dates in case you forget them easily!
Book of Love

Maintain a scrapbook of things that you love and that are memorable to you. You can write down different incidents, stick those little things like movie tickets, game tickets, snapshots, etc. to make your scrapbook look like a book of love.

Book of Love

Maintain a scrapbook of things that you love and that are memorable to you. You can write down different incidents, stick those little things like movie tickets, game tickets, snapshots, etc. to make your scrapbook look like a book of love.

Tips for Writing Love Notes

2008-02-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

Short and sweet "I love you because…" notes are a popular way to tell your beloved why you love them. They can be used even if there is no special occasion. Probably this is what makes it so lovable and special. One can be very expressive with these "I love you because" one-liners as they can be romantic, funny, emotional or just a simple sentence. Here, we give you tips for writing love notes for your beloved whether or not there is a special occasion. It is just because you love them.

Get some stick on notes and write why you love your beloved. It could be anything from "I love you because you make my life meaningful" or just "Because its Wednesday!" Stick them some place that they are sure to find them.

Write out some funky one-liners about why you love them and place them in a single line leading from the doorway to the bedroom. As soon as he/she enters, declare your undying love for you beloved and give them a warm surprise.
Cut out some 10 business card size pieces of paper and write down 10 reasons why you love your beloved. Hide those cards all over the house. Give a clue in each card where to find the next card and make it look like a treasure hunt.
You could make up a poem with "I love you because" as every alternate line, followed by the reason. Make it like a collage and give it to your beloved. You will see your loved one falling in love with you all over again!

10 Best Love Letter Ideas

2008-02-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

The most thoughtful present that can be given to your beloved is a love letter. Your true feelings can be better expressed by putting them down in words. But does the thought of writing a love letter bring back memories of Grade 3 English classes? Fear not, for we bring you 10 best love letter ideas to surprise your beloved. These popular love letter ideas will equip you better to pour your heart out in the traditional style of expressing your love. Read further to get ideas for writing love letters

The best idea is to write a letter that sounds like fairytale. Begin with the typical, "once upon a time…" and write the incidents that are memorable. Make a fantasy tale out of these sweet memories of yours and place it in a location where you are sure your beloved will find it. Do not forget to spray her favorite perfume on it.

Another idea is to write the story of a movie that is a favorite of both of you. Instead of the actors, write your and your beloved's name.
Close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Visualize your beloved. The first time you met. The first time you hung out together. The first time he/she held you close. The first time he/she cried in front of you. Now relax. Write down what you feel about him/her after being close for a good amount of time. This love letter is emotional, heartfelt and most importantly, genuine.
You can write a love letter based on your lover's prime interests. Is he a techie guy? Is she into fine arts? Write accordingly. You can even give nicknames associated with that interest. If the guy is into sports say basketball, he wouldn't mind being called Michael Jordan! Similarly if the girl is a die-hard dancing fanatic, you can name her Shakira! Write what is it that attracts you to him/her. The way he gives a stolen glance even during the most nail biting slam-dunk during his favorite game or the way she winks at you while practicing her moves.
If you still cant write one and have problems expressing your love on paper, no problems. You can always give an audio love letter. Record your voice and make it sound as though you are drunk on love. It may sound a bit exaggerated, but this is how true feelings come out. Give soft background music. You can do it yourself or get help from professionals or friends who know about sound mixing.
Humor breaks all barriers. Believe it or not, the same can be applied to love. Yes, write a humorous love letter. But remember, there is a difference between sarcasm and humor. Keep that in mind and you can definitely write a funny love letter.
Write a love letter that looks like a things-to-do list. Begin with a sentence like "10 reasons why I love you" and write down your reasons in points. Don't forget to make small hearts in the corners just to make it look a bit different from a real things-to-do list! Stick it on the fridge or some place where your beloved is sure to find it.
Write some of the mushiest dialogues from famous movies. The movies may be classics (Casablanca, Gone with the Wind) and the more modern ones (Jerry Maguire).
Write a famous love song and dedicate it to your beloved. You can find lyrics of some romantic songs in our section of romantic songs, or you can write his/her favorite song.
Last and the most important. Do not email or sms your love letter. It is the most emotionless thing to do. Write it in your handwriting on a perfumed sheet of paper. Use your creativity to make it look nice and romantic. Your beloved will love you even more for this.

How To Write a Love Letter

2008-02-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

The most ideal gift to give your beloved is a handwritten love letter. This has many people going into a tizzy, as they just don't seem to know as to how to write a love letter. Look no further.

We bring the perfect solution for all you people out there who seem to go blank when it comes to writing love letters. Go through our selected romantic love letter ideas and write one for your beloved now! Keep these ideas and tips in mind and you will do just fine.

Personal is the keyword here. Make sure it is personal and does not look like a scoop for a news article! It should be handwritten and not printed or typed.
The words should come from your heart. It not only sounds genuine and warm, but it is what you really feel.
Let your beloved why is he/she so special and what is it about them that you love so much. Tell them how they make your life merrier just by their presence.

Express your gratitude and thank them for being in your life.
Be tender and lavish love and affection.
Declare your love for them shall never die and you will always be there for them no matter what.
Do not exaggerate it unnecessarily as it may look fake and too gaudy. Keep it natural and original. And please be sincere and truthful about whatever you write.

Arranged cum Love Marriage

2008-02-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

Today in India the concept of love cum arranged marriage is fast gaining popularity. The concept of love after marriage is a beautiful feeling. Our Indian society is still not so advanced they prefer love after marriage instead of love before marriage. In a married life there are different stages of love. The romantic love, which exists right after marriage is not the same twenty years after marriage.

The influence of the western culture has started a new trend of dating in the metros of our country. Young girls and boys going out for date with the person they like is a hottest trend now in the cities. But this concept of falling in love is not so familiar in the interiors of our country. Still in villages people prefer arrange marriages. Even in some orthodox families in the cities people prefer to have arrange marriages.

So in case of love marriages you get the time to know each other, you spend time together, you love each other and then get married but in arrange marriages it is totally a different story all together. You start loving a person after you get married. It may sound paradoxical to someone who doesn't believe in the concept of love after marriage but this is what used to happen earlier and even happening now in most of the cases. Some people even say that arranged cum love marriage is more successful then love marriage. If we take the examples of our parents we will see that almost everybody had an arranged marriage and they fell in love after marriage.

And even after twenty five to thirty years of married life they still love each other. So it's not that you can love somebody then only you can marry. You can marry and than start liking and eventually loving that person. It is how you look into the matter. It is not necessary to know a person than only you can love. You can love without even knowing. Love doesn't come forcibly to anybody it just comes naturally. For loving somebody you need to spend time together, you need to understand each other; you need to be loyal to each other. There should be commitment, trust and empathy in your relationship then only true love grows.

After marriage when two unknown person start staying together naturally a kind of bonding develops between them. And when you start spending time together, understand each other's need and being more committed to each other love is bound to happen. Physical attraction or love comes before marriage but true unconditional love only comes only after long relationship. Years after marriage people love each other and this is because they have been committed to each other.

Any relationship grows when you give time and effort to it. Love after marriage starts only when you think the way your spouse think. You should be his or her mirror image. So be it love or arranged cum love marriage the core essence in both remains the same that is true unconditional love.

Love vs. Arranged

2008-02-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Whenever we talk of Indian wedding we try to equate it with arrange marriages. In India the social structure is such that we associate Indian marriages mainly with arrange marriages. Most of us have the feelings that arrange marriage is the concept of Indian society. But history tells us that arranged marriages use to happen even in the Victorian age.

The history of England tells us that most of the kings and queens had arranged marriages. In India arrange marriages originated when child marriages was customary in the country. Caste system gave birth to arrange marriages, as the upper caste families didn't want their children to marry outside their community and caste. The concept of love marriage was a taboo in ancient India as India always had a tradition of arranged marriages.

But after World War II and industrial revolution people's perception started changing and they became familiar with the concept of love marriages. In India the influence of the British culture gave rise to love marriages. The idea, which was once a taboo, became more open and acceptable in the Indian society. But this change was seen only among the educated and high society Indians. The rural parts of the country remained ignorant and unaware of love marriages. In spite of the social changes arranged marriage persisted. Love or arranged marriages is still a debatable topic in the Indian society. People still debate on the issue, which one is better.

What should be the basis of the marriage love or social norms? We are still confused about these issues. Education and media played a vital role in changing the perception of the Indian mind. As people started thinking beyond the social customs and traditions of arranged marriages. They realized that they have the right to choose their life partner without any kind of social pressure. It is after all their life. They can decide without having to rely on parents, relatives and matchmakers. This change in the mental set up of the people gave birth to love marriages. Now in India people are open to love marriages. It is no more forbidden in the society.

In our country we are having both love and arranged marriages. If we start comparing love and arranged marriages we will see that both has certain pros and cons. But the common factor in both the concept is physical attraction. When a man and a woman go out on their first date physical attraction is the deciding factor. Same in case of arranged marriage where the relation starts only after the girl or boy likes each other. But there are certain things, which are found in love marriages and not in arranged.

Like spending time together and getting to know each other. Because when you have decided to spend the life together it is important you know the person. There should be metal compatibility and understanding among both of you. And this happens when you spend time together. On this people may argue that even after knowing each other for so long than why people get divorced after marriage. It is because when two people are in love they are at their best to impress each other. They behave, they talk and they wear what the other person likes.

But it is after marriage that you get to know the real person. There are couples who are still discovering each other even after twenty years of their marriage. This is the actual beauty of a relationship where everyday you discover a new thing about your partner. In case of arranged marriages the relation starts when the girl and the boy get to know each other in a couple of meeting before the final commitment. Before deciding anything the parents check the family background and financial stability. Which is also very important. As most of the people have an idea that those who go for arranged marriages are not in an advantageous position but it's not so you may get the right person for whom you have been waiting.

Even in love marriages after many years of courtship people find their partner not suitable and they break up. So it is not about spending time together but successful marriage is all about understanding and respecting each other's feelings, love and concern. It is argued that love marriages offer more independence and freedom as compared to arranged marriages since both of them knows each other so the social pressure and family pressure is less. If you know somebody before marriage it allows partners to have better respect and understanding for each other's needs and desires. In love marriages expectations are more compared to arrange marriages, as they know each other and want their partner to act in the best possible manner.

Arranged marriages, offer more protection, security to the women. As the parents decides the family. Parents make use of maturity and wise decision while choosing suitable spouses for their children. The mature decision of parents sometimes helps to make the right choice. But it doesn't mean that arranged marriages are ideal marriages. Even in an arranged marriage there is a different sort of social pressure. Social evils like dowry, caste system, matching of horoscopes and community issues are taken at such extreme levels that people don't support arranged marriages.

So whether it is love or arranged ultimately it is up to the individual to decide, which one to go for. Love or arranged both is based on empathy, responsibility, commitment, love and concern. So it's not just about initial love and attraction it needs a lot of dedication and effort to sustain a marriage. So there is nothing like an ideal marriage it's all about the way you perceive your marriage. After all you should be happy with your life partner irrespective of love or arranged marriage

Love Marriages

2008-02-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry." Tom Mullen.

Whenever we try to find out the relationship between love and marriage both seems to be synonymous. Love is a dream and marriage is a reality. And when both dream and reality comes together it is the best thing that can happen to a person. Have we ever tried to find out what is love actually? Love is the subtle emotional wave within us, which is perennial in this world of death and decay. When we fall in love everything seems different.

We start liking and feeling good about things we have overlooked earlier. We feel like we are on a joy ride and everything seems beautiful. The company of the person we love can make the most mundane chores seem like an exciting job. And these feelings of love is not seen later on when you are married to the person you love. So one side love is the feeling, which every one of us wants to experience and marriage is something, which calls for commitment and effort. Any long-term successful relationship calls for effort and hard work.

So when we decide to spend the rest of our life together by getting married than only the actual love starts. Love is more like a wonderful feeling, which we all like to experience on the other hand marriage calls for understanding and daily effort. We constantly need to nurture our feelings. It requires mutual respect for each other and time and attention as any other aspect of life. Love marriage can be the best thing if there is effort and commitment from both the side. Love marriages have both pros and cons. It gives us time to know the person with whom we have decided to spend the entire life. We can understand each other in a better manner.

On the other hand we start liking each other the way we want to see him or her. And later on after marriage when they behave the way they are it becomes difficult for us to accept. But if you really love somebody than you need to nurture your relation daily. Every relation has certain demands and certain needs to be met if it is to thrive and endure. So if you want to make your love marriage a success than give your marriage some more time and commitment you will see it blooming. If your first love is your life partner than you are the blessed soul on this earth. There is nothing more you can ask for. As love is a feeling, which is experienced best when you are married. A happy marriage will always demand love, empathy, trust, faithfulness and commitment.

If you and your partner can exchange these feelings than to sustain your marriage will be really effortless. Love is a magical experience, which ignites passion in human hearts and leaves an impact not possible to calculate. The concept of love is best understood when you spend the entire life with the person you loved. Because you get to share every aspect of love it gives you a sense of fulfillment. So next time when you think of love marriages also think of the responsibility and effort, which you have to put in to make your marriage a success.

The Story of TRISTAN & ISOLDE

2008-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

n 780 A.D., in Ireland, a warrior prince by the name of Drust was born. His mother died during the ordeal, and so he became known as Tristan, from tristesse, meaning sorrow. How much of the rest of this story is true and how much belongs to the skill of the great Welsh troubadours no one really knows.
Tristan's father was a great knight, but Tristan never knew him. He died in a fight before Tristan was born. After the death of his mother, Tristan was taken to live with relatives in another land. He demonstrated an exceptional skill as a hunter at a very early age, but otherwise lived unremarkably until pirates kidnapped him at the age of 10. He managed to escape, but was swept away by the sea and washed up on the shore of a strange land. He made his way to a forest, where he survived by his incredible skill as a hunter.

Soon, rumors of a wild boy living in the woods began to spread. Tristan was captured and brought to the court of King Mark. A year later, a distant relative of King Mark's came to visit in search of the boy he had raised since birth. Shortly, Tristan was reunited with his guardian, but he decided to stay at the court of his uncle, King Mark, in hopes of becoming a knight.

Seven years later - having proved himself as the worthiest of the knights of King Mark - Tristan would face his greatest challenge. An enormous knight named Morold would be visiting soon. Every seven years, Morold would appear at the court of King Mark demanding a tribute of young men and girls. The tribute was always paid, since no champion dared to face Morold alone, and to tackle him any other way would be ignoble.
In Tristan, King Mark had finally found a hero unafraid, even zealous, to meet Morold.

The moment Morold felt the arm of Tristan, he knew he had met a man like no other he had known, but Morold fought on confidently. Before long, Tristan received a slight wound.

"I expected more from you," said Morold.

"You expect this trickling of blood to stop me," said Tristan.
"You'll feel the pain of your wound soon enough. This sword is not what it seems. Dipped in a poison of my own making. No one can cure you but my sister, Isolde, and you'll find no comfort there. Though we are different, my sister and I are two sides of the same coin, each the other's sworn protector."

"Well then," said Tristan, lunging, "I am not the only one who will die today."

"The faster your blood races, the more the poison flows."

"Then I will move quicker still."

Tristan cracked the skull of Morold with his sword, then collapsed next to the fallen giant. Exhausted and already ill, Tristan was not yet ready to die. He knew of a Queen Isolde whose land was not far. Reasoning her to be the sister of Morold, he traveled to her castle disguised as a minstrel.

How Tristan survived the journey is impossible to say, but his magnificent body had grown haggard and weak by the time he arrived at the castle of Queen Isolde. Still, he managed to pull himself to his feet before the Queen and beg for an opportunity to speak. In a polite manner, he explained that he had been bitten by a snake and was dying. But he had heard of the sweet healing touch of the beautiful queen.
The Princess and the Queen were impressed by Tristan's fine manners, so noble for a minstrel on the verge of death. The Princess was assigned the task of nursing the boy back to health.

As Tristan's vigor returned, a palpable attraction to the Princess could be observed, which was a source of some concern for the Queen. A Princess, thought the Queen, should find better ways to occupy her time than consorting with minstrels.
Meanwhile, Tristan decided to send word back to King Mark informing his uncle of his improving condition. The very ideal of chivalry, Tristan was an accomplished musician and poet. Inspired by the unsurpassed beauty of Isolde, he constructed tender verses in her honor.
Moved by the gorgeous poetry, King Mark remembered his people's need for a queen. He sent word to Queen Isolde, who was thrilled by the prospect of her daughter's marriage to a powerful King. If the girl must waste her time toying with minstrels, let her do it as a well-married queen. But the Queen decided to keep her plans a secret, to surprise her daughter with the good news when the deal was set.
Then the body of Morold was brought back to the castle of Isolde. Upon seeing it, the Queen and the Princess vowed revenge upon "whomsoever did this heinous deed." Avenging the death of Morold was the solemn duty of his relatives, a pact made by a priest at the birth of the Queen and her brother.

Preparing the body for burial, Princess Isolde noticed a small chunk of metal lodged in his skull. She removed it, hoping someday to use the evidence to discover his killer.

One afternoon, the Princess found Tristan's sword and noticed a piece of metal missing from it. Matching up the fragment taken from her uncle's skull, she realized, to her horror, that the killer was the fair minstrel she had grown so fond of - obviously no ordinary minstrel.
She had no choice. She must kill Tristan. But she could not bare the thought. She had grown so fond of the boy. She resolved to follow the only honorable course she could see; she would kill Tristan, then kill herself. She might be dead, but she would be well remembered.
She chose poisoned wine as the method. She informed only her loyal servant, Brangane, of the plot. But Brangane, whose duty would have been to commit suicide along with her mistress, considered love preferable to death and switched the poison crystals for the crystals of a love potion.

The Princess poured the crystal laden wine.

"Why so melancholy, Princess?" Tristan asked, his own spirits soaring.
"To fate," she said, lifting her cup. They drank, unleashing an unrelenting passion, a love without care of consequences, without regard for any obstacle. Surely such emotions do not belong to crystals alone, but sparked by magic or fate, a seething insatiable love began to move inexorably towards its end, sweeping Tristan and Isolde along with it.

As the unsuspecting Tristan sipped his wine, the messengers of King Mark were speeding towards him with news of the King's impending nuptials - and Tristan's next assignment: to escort the King's new bride to her new home.

By elaborate scheme, Tristan and Isolde managed to avoid the wedding night horror of her in the bed of King Mark.

Rumors of a possible affair between the beautiful two had begun to trickle back to the ears of Mark. King Mark was said to possess "the ears of an ass," perhaps suggesting "he heard all" or at least, didn't miss much. Suspicious, he decided to put Isolde to the test, a trial by fire. His young bride would swear her fidelity to him then place her hands on a red-hot iron. Her truthful words would protect her from the searing metal.
Attending the ordeal, Tristan disguised himself as a tattered pilgrim. Approaching the King, Isolde stumbled into the arms of the dusty palmer. When questioned, Isolde claimed no man had lain hands on her "save this poor pilgrim here." She survived the ordeal unscathed.

Faithful Brangane took Isolde's place in King Mark's wedding bed. Brangane covered her face, claiming her purity and the traditions of her land required such modesty.

Resorting to all sorts of similar trickery, Tristan and Isolde yielded to their passions, but King Mark and his ears grew more and more alert. Once he found the two of them lying in a forest with a naked sword between them. Once he stabbed Tristan in the back with a knife while the boy composed a song for his fair queen. Tristan survived the wound, but Mark could stand no more of the rumors and banished him.
Recognizing his guilt, Tristan accepted his fate and set out to accomplish many great deeds in the name of King Mark and the fair queen Isolde. The fame of Tristan spread far and wide and he joined King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, but he could find no solace. In Brittany, he met a beautiful maiden with extraordinarily white hands whose name by coincidence was also Isolde (an extremely popular name for the time, apparently.) Tristan married Isolde of the White Hands but never consummated the marriage. Instead he set off to fight a dragon.
The battle, like any mortal combat, was grim, glorious and brutal in its finality. Tristan prevailed, but was badly wounded.
As he lay dying in the seaside castle he shared with Isolde of the White Hands, he sent word to his beloved Isolde, knowing that only she could cure him. He instructed his messenger to hoist white sails above the ship upon its return if Isolde was on board, black sails if she was not. Thus he would know if his one true love would come back to him.
As the ship sailed in, Tristan lay too weak to raise his head. He asked Isolde of the White Hands if the sails were white or black. The big white sails billowed majestically against the crisp blue sky, but his jealous wife replied, "black." Tristan died of a broken heart.
Upon finding his body, the spirit of his beloved Isolde departed this earth.

The Story of ORPHEUS & EUREDICE

2008-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

Eurydice - wife of Orpheus, the greatest musician in all of Athens -died from the bite of a snake. Orpheus found solace in his lyre, wringing from the instrument a melody so beautiful the whole world stilled to listen. Even the guardians at the gates of the underworld were lulled into a trance by the sweet music.
Orpheus walked passed the guardians, descending the spiral staircase into the bowels of the earth, his eyes stinging from the sulfurous smoke. Ghosts came thronging to the sound of his lyre, and the furies themselves were mesmerized. A vulture paused above the giant body of Tityus, no longer pecking at his liver. Sisyphus stopped to sit upon the rock he was condemned to push. Orpheus found Hades and his wife, Persephone, by the river Styxx. Hades was not amused.

"We don't get many visitors," said the Lord of the Dead. His wife, Persephone - goddess of spring who spent half the year with her husband in Hell - was enchanted by the beautiful music. It reminded her of herself. She begged Hades to give the musician a chance to speak.
Orpheus said nothing, for his eyes had found Eurydice.

Persophone gathered his meaning and begged her husband to allow the two mortals to return to the surface. Hades had but one weakness. He was easily bored.

"One condition, Orpheus," he said. "Don't look back."

Orpheus and Eurydice ascended the great spiral staircase, their spirits lifting with each step. The light of living earth loomed in front of them. Eurydice squeezed Orpheus' hand. He looked back.

Her eyes registered the moment immediately, though it took a few moments for her body to be vaporized. Her sweet voice disappeared last. Orpheus stood alone on the surface of the world.

His lyre was less solace now, though the music was no less beautiful. He wanted only to be left alone in a barren rocky place, but his music lifted flowers from the craggy rocks. Trees bloomed. The hearts of the wild beasts were tamed. Fierce tigers lay down with cattle, wolves with sheep, eagles with trembling doves.

There were others enchanted by the sensuous music as well. Women of every variety flocked to Orpheus. He wanted nothing to do with any of them. He wanted only to treasure the memory of his lost Eurydice. Finally Orpheus was set upon by a pack of wild women who tore him limb from limb, tossing his head into a nearby stream.

His head bobbed out to sea, his cold tongue in his still gapping mouth calling out: "Eurydice! My poor Eurydice."

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA Vidio

2008-01-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Deaths of Antony & Cleopatra

Antony & Cleopatra Meet in Rome

The Story of ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

2008-01-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

When Cleopatra heard that the strapping red-haired general was waiting for her in her foray, she greeted the news with a smile. She had first met Mark Antony many years before in Egypt, when she was only a child. She had liked him from the start. Now he was one of her only friends in Rome. The two shared one compelling bond: Both were fiercely loyal to her lover, the great Julius Ceasar.

The moment she laid eyes on Antony, her smile faded. His face gave her the grim news before his words. Julius Caesar was dead, murdered by his own council. Cleopatra and her son, Caesarion, were in terrible danger. There was no time to lose. They must get out of Rome immediately.

Cleopatra had married Caesar in Egypt. Though the union was not recognized in Rome, Caesarion was Caesar's only son. A child of three, he would be a threat to those who wanted to rule in Caesar's place as long as he lived. Worse, the Roman populace universally despised his mother. Cleopatra was blamed for Caesar's excessive ambition, his desire to convert Rome from a republic to a monarchy with himself as king and Caesarion as his heir. Some claimed she had bewitched Caesar with African magic.

In truth, Cleopatra was not really African. She was Macedonian (Greek), descended from the man Caesar admired most, Alexander the Great. Though blonde and fair - she wore a dark wig in public as part of her ceremonial headdress - Cleopatra was hardly a classical beauty. But she possessed more than pedigree and wealth. To present herself before Caesar for the first time, she rolled herself up in Persian rug. She managed more than a clever introduction, averting an assassin's knife in process. She was bright, clever, resourceful and - most of all - original. There was little doubt that Caesar truly loved her.

Caesar was a temperate man, a serious thinker and philosopher, a man who walked upon the world stage - and knew it. He was a man who courted history.

He had but one weakness. An epileptic since birth, his seizures grew worse under stress, striking often at the most inopportune times. Caesar was terribly embarrassed by his infirmary, but in Cleopatra he discovered a partner who could nurse him through his illness, shield him from the public eye and even make decisions in his stead. In a sense, his weakness drew them closer, forming an indelible bond of trust.

Antony's response to Cleopatra's danger was probably based as much upon his loyalty to Caesar as anything else. There is no evidence that any relationship beyond friendship existed between Antony and Cleopatra before the assassination of Caesar. Still, Antony was taking a considerable risk. As Caesar's favorite general he would be part of the Triumvirate chosen to rule in Caesar's stead. His alliance with the unpopular Cleopatra would galvanize a score of bitter enemies against him in Rome.

However, in the moments following Caesar's bloody murder, all Antony could think of was getting Cleopatra and young Caesarion out of Rome. Legend has it that Antony disguised himself as a pregnant beggar woman, strapping little Caesarion to his belly. The muscular Antony would have made a rather imposing beggar woman, but the ruse apparently worked. In rags, Antony, Cleopatra and Caesarion were smuggled aboard a mercantile ship, eventually making their way safely back to Egypt.

In the majestic Egyptian capital, Alexandria, the romance of Antony and Cleopatra blossomed. They were married on the Nile, though Antony had not divorced his Roman wife. Of course, Cleopatra needed him for Caesarion, for herself, for the plans she had made with Caesar. He would betray her once, but he would come back. In the end, he would risk everything for her.

Her love for him was as fiery as his red curly hair, and as difficult to control. He drank too much. He enjoyed the company of his soldier friends. The royal couple was known to engage in fierce shouting matches. But they produced three beautiful children: the heavenly twins Cleopatra Selene (the Moon) and Alexander Helios (the Sun) and the baby Ptolemy Philadelphus.

Antony was an intelligent man and a competent general, but he was no Caesar, a fact that weighed upon him - and his wife. In truth, both Antony and Cleopatra lived in Caesar's shadow. It would cost them their kingdoms.

In their crucial showdown with Octavian, Antony's brother-in-law and their enemy in Rome, they were at odds about what to do. Cleopatra wanted Antony to lead the attack by sea, giving the glory to Egypt, which possessed an impressive navy. But Antony, primarily a field commander, still owned the loyalty of his old Roman legions. He wanted to be on the ground, leading the charge with his familiar troops.

And he wanted Caesarion to stay at home in Alexandria. Octavian would kill Caesarion at the first opportunity. But Cleopatra's dreams of glory had ignited a fierce passion within her. She wanted Caesarion by her side, and Antony too. She felt a confidence she had not known since Caesar's death.

Of course, Caesar would never have agreed to such a ridiculous plot. Nor would Cleopatra have pressed him so diligently.

The battle began well enough for Egypt, with the ship of Cleopatra and Caesarion leading one flank and Antony's ship leading the other. But the smaller Roman boats soon outmaneuvered the large Egyptian ships. As the battle began to turn, Cleopatra feared for Caesarion. He was 17 now. She had wanted him to experience the glory of his first great victory. Now, she just wanted to get him out of there. She turned her ship to flee, wishing only to protect her son. Inexplicably, Antony followed. From the shore, Antony's loyal troops watched their leader sail away from the raging battle on the tail of the Queen of the Nile. Disheartened, they surrendered to their former compatriots.

Loyalty to Antony could be forgiven, Octavian reassured them, now that they had seen the error of their ways. Soon the united Roman legions were ready to march against Alexandria.

Word was sent to Cleopatra. Egypt stood no chance against the combined Roman forces. Turn Antony over, Octavian wrote. Spare everyone a costly battle. Remain as Queen of Egypt. All that needed to be done was to turn Antony over.

Octavian, soon to be the Emperor Augustus, was not nearly so charmed by Cleopatra as Caesar and Antony had been. But he felt he knew her pretty well. Ambitious, but practical, he knew nothing had come easily to Cleopatra. Her own sister had tried to kill her. She had needed a keen survival instinct to get this far. Surely, she would accept his offer.

By this time, Antony was a ruin of a man. Within days he would fall upon his own sword. But Octavian had underestimated Cleopatra. She would never betray her husband, no matter how hopeless the cause. She smuggled Caesarion out of the country, erroneously believing him to be in safe hands (Ceasarion was murdered by his own tutor). When Antony killed himself, Cleopatra resolved not to be taken back to Rome in chains to be humiliated in front of the venomous crowd. With the help of her clever daughter, Selene, a poisonous cobra was secretly slipped past the guard. Cleopatra put the snake to her throat and died in her bed like a Queen.

Cleopatra's son, Helios, was killed by Octavian. Selene and little Ptolemy were brought to Rome in chains to march in Octavian's triumphal procession.

Sitting in the audience was Juba, a former African prince who himself had been brought to Rome in chains as a child of six. Like most prisoners, Juba was to be sent to the dungeons after the procession, where he would die of starvation or be eaten by rats. But the terrified child had refused to cry and conducted himself with such intelligence and poise that he captured the eye of Octavian, who spared his life. Now age 23, he had become a favorite of the Roman court and a personal friend of the great poet Ovid.

Juba watched the garish display - the armies, the horses, the magnificent wild beasts, the doomed prisoners, the little orphans in chains, dusty tear stained faces, legs giving out. They couldn't take it much longer, he knew.

A trumpet blared, frightening the horse of Tiberius, Octavian's 13-year-old nephew. The horse backed into Ptolemy. Selene screamed, throwing her arms around her brother. Juba sprang from his seat, racing onto the Via Sacra and snatching the small boy into his arms. Then he turned to the sobbing Selene. "I know you're scared," he said, "but remember who you are."

Perhaps moved by the scene, or the courage Selene would exhibit from that point on, Octavian spared the lives of Cleopatra's children, raising them in his own house with his own nephews and nieces.

Selene would eventually marry Juba and the two of them would go on to rule a new nation in Africa and built a city of dreams. Their life would be the stuff of legends. But, that's another story.

The Story of CLAIRE de LUNE

2008-01-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Story of CLAIRE de LUNE

Based on the play by William Shakespeare, as told by Bart Marks

The Duke of Picardy had dreamt of a woman so radiant that her beauty would not fade with the sun.
Late one evening, while out riding his steed, the Duke spotted Claire de Lune, a nymph, dancing in a meadow under the silver light of the moon. Enchanted, the Duke charged after her, but the wily nymph ran into the forest. Recklessly plowing through the tangled grove, the Duke collided with an overhanging tree branch, throwing him from his horse.

Undaunted, the Duke scrambled to his feet, chasing the fleeting glimpse of Claire's flowing gown. She seemed to disappear behind one tree trunk - only to reappear from behind another. Still, the Duke followed.

Deep within the dark forest, the Duke found himself surrounded by nymphs, each possessing her own mysterious charms. But the Duke only had eyes for Claire. The other nymphs were rendered invisible to him, and the Duke found Claire, begging her to marry him.

At last, she relented, but only on the condition that he never question her or ask where she goes. Thoroughly bewitched, the Duke agreed.

The wedding night for the Duke and Claire was magical, and the magic continued night after night. Friends and servants of the Duke declared that they had never seen him so happy. But one evening, as the moon began to wane, the Duke awoke to find Claire was no longer with him. He cried out for her, but she did not answer.
In the ensuing days, he could think of nothing but her. He longed for her. Each night, he prayed for her return.

And just as a sliver of moon was reborn in the sky, the Duke felt a presence behind him. He turned to find his beloved Claire. He was so overjoyed to see her that he kept his promise not to question her. But the cycle continued, each month Claire disappearing with the waning moon only to reappear as the moon awakened in the sky.

Titanic Love Story

2008-01-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

John Harper was born to a pair of solid Christian parents on May 29th, 1872. It was on the last Sunday of March 1886, when he was thirteen years old that he received Jesus as the Lord of his life. He never knew what it was to"sow his wild oats." He began to preach about four years later at the ripe old age of 17 years old by going down to the streets of his village and pouring out his soul in earnest entreaty for men to be reconciled to God.

As John Harper's life unfolded, one thing was apparent...he was consumed by the word of God. When asked by various ministers what his doctrine consisted of, he was known to reply "The Word of God!" After five or six years of toiling on street corners preaching the gospel and working in the mill during the day, Harper was taken in by Rev. E. A. Carter of Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, England. This set Harper free to devote his whole time of energy to the work so dear to his heart. Soon, John Harper started his own church in September of 1896. (Now known as the Harper Memorial Church.) This church which John Harper had started with just 25 members, had grown to over 500 members when he left 13 years later. During this time he had gotten married, but was shortly thereafter widowed. However brief the marriage, God did bless John Harper with a beautiful little girl named Nana.

Ironically, John Harper almost drowned several times during his life. When he was two and a half years of age, he almost drowned when he fell into a well but was resuscitated by his mother. At the age of twenty-six, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived, and at thirty-two he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. Perhaps, God used these experiences to prepare this servant for what he faced next.

It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS. Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxurious ocean liner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship's launch, it was the world's largest man-made moveable object. At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship's starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in.

On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner. As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling "Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion; actually, the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people.

That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young Man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, "Are you saved?" The young man replied that he was not.

Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said "Here then, you need this more than I do..." and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris.

Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how that after John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were "Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved."

Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Well, no matter.

This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved. "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends..."

John Harper was truly the hero of the Titanic!

Seize the moment and live for today, live life to the fullest!!

lLove Songs

2008-01-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

[MV] melody. - Love Story

melody - shine

melody. - Dear Love

Miriya Kato~ Love is..

Love Songs

The Story of ROMEO & JULIET

2008-01-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

Based on the play by William Shakespeare, as told by Bart Marks

In the town of Verona lived two families, the Capulets and the Montagues, engaged in a bitter feud. Among the Montagues was Romeo, a hot-blooded lad with an eye for the ladies.

One day, Romeo was recounting for his friends his love for Rosaline, a haughty beauty from a well-to-do family. Romeo's friends chided him for his "love of love" but agreed to a plan to attend the feast of the Capulets', a costume party where Rosaline was expected to make an appearance. The disguises would provide Romeo and his friends a bit of sport and the opportunity to gaze undetected upon the fair Rosaline. Once there, however, Romeo's eyes fell upon Juliet, and he thought of Rosaline no more.
Asking around to learn the identity of Juliet, Romeo's voice is recognized by Tybalt, a member of the Capulet clan. Tybalt calls for his sword, but the elder Capulet intervenes, insisting that no blood be shed in his home. So Romeo is tolerated long enough to find an opportunity to speak to Juliet alone, still unaware of her identity.
He begs for an opportunity to kiss her hand. She relents. He presses his case, desiring her lips. She has no breath to stop him. Interrupted by the girl's nurse, Romeo learns the name of his heart's desire: Juliet Capulet.
The vision of Juliet now invades his every thought. Unable to sleep, Romeo returns late that night to the bedroom window of his love, hiding in the bushes below. There, he is surprised to find Juliet on the balcony, professing her love for him and wishing that he were not a Montague.
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name. . .
What's a Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part
Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet. .
Romeo appears from the bushes, ready to deny his name and profess his love. The two agree to meet at nine o-clock the next morning to be married.
Early the next morning, Romeo appears at the cell of Friar Lawrence begging the friar to marry him to Juliet. Friar Lawrence does not take Romeo seriously at first, but he is soon impressed with Romeo's sincerity. The Friar agrees to perform the ceremony, praying that the union might someday put an end to the feud between the two households. Still, he advises Romeo keep the marriage a secret for a time. Romeo and Juliet are married.
On the way home, Romeo chances upon his friend Mercutio arguing with Tybalt in the public square. Spying Romeo, Tybalt tries to taunt him into a fight. Romeo has no desire to harm the kinsman of his new wife. Mercutio is stunned and embarrassed by Romeo's soft words and draws his sword. Romeo tries to restrain his friend, but Tybalt thrusts his sword underneath Romeo's arm, stabbing Mercutio. Tybalt then flees with his friends. The wound is worse than at first suspected. "Ask for me tomorrow," says Mercutio, "and you shall find me a grave man." He dies.
Tybalt returns still cursing the unexpectedly reluctant Romeo. But Romeo is reluctant no longer, drawing his sword and slaying Tybalt. The moment Tybalt falls, Romeo realizes he has made a terrible mistake: "O, I am fortune's fool!"
Desperate, Romeo rushes to Friar Lawrence who advises him to travel to Mantua until things cool down. He promises to inform Juliet.
Juliet receives the news of Tybalt's death and Romeo's exile. She dares not mention her marriage to her father now. Then, she receives more bad news. Her father has decided it is time for her to marry. He has selected a suitor: Paris, a kinsman of Mercutio.
Juliet, too, rushes to Friar Lawrence for counsel. The good Friar launches an elaborate plot. Juliet should agree to marry Paris. She will then take a sleeping potion, which will simulate death for three days. Her body will be placed in a tomb while she is mourned, and the Friar will send word to Romeo. Romeo will arrive in time to rescue her. The celebration over her return to life will provide an opportunity to explain about the marriage and the circumstances surrounding Tybalt's death.
The plot proceeds according to plan, and the wedding preparations for Paris and Juliet give way to solemn funeral arrangements. But the Friar's letter to Romeo fails to reach him before he hears of Juliet's death. Romeo obtains a poison from an apothecary and travels to Verona.
Under the cover of darkness, he breaks into Juliet's tomb. They are alone for only a moment. Paris, who also had come to mourn Juliet, interrupts, and believing Romeo to be a grave robber, draws his sword. The two men fight, and Paris is killed. Dying, Paris asks that his body be placed next to Juliet's. Only now recognizing Paris, the guilt stricken Romeo obliges.
Then Romeo kisses the lips of his Juliet one last time.

Eyes, look your last.
Arms, take your last embrace.
And, lips, O you the doors of breath,
Seal with a righteous kiss
A dateless bargain to engrossing death

Romeo thanks the apothecary for his skill and drinks the poison.

The effects of the sleeping potion wear off, and Juliet awakens calling for Romeo. Finding him next to her, dead, with a cup in his hand, she guesses what has transpired. She tries to kiss the poison from his lips, but failing that, unsheathes his dagger and plunges it into her breast.
Friar Lawrence learns that Romeo has not received his letter and rushes to Juliet's tomb to rescue her. He discovers the tomb already open and finds the sad contents within. Soon the Friar is joined by the Night Watchman, who had been alerted to the disturbance. Then the families gather around the star-crossed lovers. The Friar's mournful account of their death shames the two families into ending their feud forever.

Love Songs

2008-01-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

Beauty & Love

2008-01-26T22:31:00.001-08:00

Beauty and love are all my dream; They change not with the changing day; Love stays forever like a stream That flows but never flows away; And beauty is the bright sun-bow That blossoms on the spray that showers Where the loud water falls below, Making a wind among the flowers.

Unfailing Love

2008-01-26T22:24:00.000-08:00

Love is ever lasting What a comfort to know When life's obstacles turn against you And your feeling down and low . . . Loves kindness will surround you Always waiting with open arms To give you strength And cheer you with its charms . . . Love is standing there beside you Reaching for your hand Waiting to hear your troubles Always eager to understand.

Forever Friend

2008-01-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

Some people don't understand how they can mean so much to another person.
They can't think of anything they have done to deserve the love another person feels for them. The fact is- by just being who they are, that is what makes them so special.
It is not what they give or how much they do for that person. It is how they make that other person feel when they are around them.
For just being there when that person needs them, for making them smile with a simple, "hello, how are you?" It is because of who you are and what comes from within you that makes you special to me.
And for that I will always love you and FOREVER be your friend.

Best Friend

2008-01-26T19:56:00.002-08:00

I can tell you everything, there's nothing to hide,
You were there to listen, even when I cried.
You never care what people think,
We work out everything, even the little kinks.
I never get to say what I feel,
I never wanted to make a big deal.
The time has come, I think you should know,
You mean so much to me, though it may not show.
This is all so hard for me to say,
But I couldn't do it in any other way.
You've gained my respect and my trust,
You know without saying, for who I lust.
You're the best guy that I've ever met,
For our friendship, I'll forever be in debt.
I think so highly of you I just thought you should know,
I'm here for you, forever, even when you're feeling low.
If something should happen, to me or you,
I think that it's time you knew.
You're on top of my list in everything,
You don't understand the joy you bring.
To my heart and life and all I do,
I just wanted to say that... "I LOVE YOU!"

When In Doubt

2008-01-26T19:56:00.001-08:00

When you start to feel lonely - and a little blue
Just think of those words- I've whispered to you.

Lips pressed gently- against your ear
"I Love You" escapes- for you to hear.

When you feel sadness- and thoughts start to change
Remember our dreams- that we plan to arrange.

When you're laying in bed- and just can't sleep
Feel my Heart- its your's to keep.

Remember the smiles- and what they're about
Just focus on "Fact"... whenever in doubt.

Anything else- is simply not real
Listen to your heart-it hears how I feel.

And if you get tempted-and start debating
Be reminded again-for YOU...I am waiting.

When thoughts run wild-and you start to wonder
The sun always shines-after all the thunder.

And when it gets hard-and you want to give in
Despite all opponents-Love CAN win ; )

Hold your head high-feel the Rain through the Drought
Remember my Love... whenever in doubt.

If I only had One Friend Left

2008-01-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

If I Only Had One Friend Left Everyone needs somebody to tell their secrets to.
Someone who understands them, someone who's just like you. When no one seems to care, you always stick right by my side; When my world gets dark and confusing, I can count on you for my guide.
We've experienced so much together, but we always make it through, Out of everybody in the world, I'm glad God gave me you.
I know sometimes we argue over a stupid joke or lie, But no matter what, I can always be sure our friendship will never die.
You've been there for me through thick and thin and have helped me through it all. When I have a problem or need your help, all I have to do is call.
With you, my world is a better place and with you, my world is true; If I only had one friend left, I'd want it... to be you.

Second Best

2008-01-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

You may say that you want a life with me.
But a long with those words comes the lies; no guarantees.
You may want to hold my hand. You can promise me the world but you can never understand.
Love is not a game. A heart is not a toy. Love is between two that feel the same. I have opened up my heart. I have opened up my soul but your ways are tearing me apart. One minute you love me.
Another you push me away. I don't know what else it could be. Don't say what you don't mean. Just open up your heart.
Because I am confused and hurting. If there is a chance that I can win, If you can promise that you won't turn away, I will open my heart up to you again just as long as you do what you say.
'Cause I don't want to be the only one to fall in love. Second best for me isn't good enough. I would never let you down. I can offer so much.
But are you going to be around? You say I am the one you need. I am the one you want to love. But please don't lie to me. Take my heart if that is what you want.
I am willing to give it to you. But don't try if that is not what you are tending to do.

Love Is Forever

2008-01-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

To help me carry on.
But my love for you Is always in my heart,
No matter what happened It didn't tear us apart.
But I will tell you Life is tough, Not being able to touch you Makes it really rough.
So the day we meet I'll hold you tight, I'll meet you honey In the bright light.
So wait for me Until then, 'Cause my love will last Forever on end!

The Gift of Ones Heart

2008-01-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

For you have captured my heart... You hold it within your hands, my love... And you have from the very start.

You have presented me with a treasure... One that I hold to so dear... You've shared with me your heart, love And I keep it with me here.

I promise it's held in safe keeping... And I will not allow it to break, I will handle it ever so gently... Taking care not to make a mistake...

It is safe here with me, love, I promise And will be treated with much love and care... You can trust me to keep it so safely While apart...I here and you there.

Then one day we shall join our hearts, love And you'll see what great care I did take... How I handled your heart so gently And never allowed it to break.

Paint Brush

2008-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

I keep my Paint brush with me
wherever I may go,
in case I need to cover up
so the real me does not show.
I'm so afraid to show you me,
afraid of what you'll do that
you might laugh or say mean things.

I'm afraid I might lose you
I'd like to remove all my paint coats
to show you the real, true me,
but I want you to try and understand.
I need you to accept what you see
so if you'll be patient and close your eyes
I'll strip off all my coats real slow-
please understand how much it hurts
to let the real me show.
Now my coats are all stripped off

I feel naked bare and cold

and if you still love me with all that you see
you are my friend pure as gold.
I need to save my paint brush though
and hold it in my hand
I want to keep it handy
in case somebody doesn't understand
so please protect me my dear friend
and thanks for loving me true
but please let me keep my paint brush with me
until I love me too.

LOVE TIPS FOR BOYS

2008-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Make a cassette tape of your and her favorite love songs, then record (in your voice) a special, romantic message at the end! Write her a poem (See our Romantic Poetry for inspiration) Leave little notes around telling her things you love about her. Let her rest her head in your lap.

Surprise him with a candle-lit dinner. Let her wear your clothes. It's almost guaranteed she'll look better in one of your button down shirts than you do.

(Kind of sexy too!) If she makes dinner, offer to do the dishes. Always be a gentleman--hold the door for her. Give her the same respect you enjoy from her. Make an effort to get to know (and if you can, love) her family.

LOVE TIPS FOR GIRLS

2008-01-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Do something he would probably never expect - Send "Him" flowers! Spend intimate time with him. No television, no telephone, no computer, just you and him. Always respect him. Respect is one of the things men treasure the most in relationships.

Touch him affectionately: put your hand on the small of his back, run your fingers through his hair, using your fingertips, lightly trace the inside of his forearm. Tell him he is "handsome", "rugged", and "strong", try not to use "cute." Surprise him with a candle-lit dinner.

Tell him that you feel safe when you're in his arms. Encourage him in whatever he does--sports, work, whatever. Watch sports with him, even if it isn't your thing. Forgive him when he messes up.

LOVE TIPS FOR BOTH

2008-01-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

Surprise him with a candle-lit dinner.

Tell him that you feel safe when you're in his arms. Encourage him in whatever he does--sports, work, whatever. Watch sports with him, even if it isn't your thing. Forgive him when he messes up. Make a cassette tape of your and her favorite love songs, then record (in your voice) a special, romantic message at Write her a poem (See our Romantic Poetry for inspiration) Leave little notes around telling her things you love about her. Let her rest her head in your lap.

If she's feeling stressed out, give her a massage and help her work out a better way to do things. Surprise him with a candle-lit dinner. Let her wear your clothes. It's almost guaranteed she'll look better in one of your button down shirts than you do If she makes dinner, offer to do the dishes. Always be a gentleman--hold the door for her. Give her the same respect you enjoy from her. Make an effort to get to know (and if you can, love) her family.

Taj Mahal love Story

2008-01-23T22:42:00.001-08:00

Beginning of a Love Story

The story goes back in 1607, when a prince of the royal Mughal household strolled down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers, he caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk and glass beads. Five years and a wife later (in those days princes did not marry for love alone) the regal 20-yr-old went to wed his 19-yr-old bride. It was a fairy tale union from the start, one that withstood court intrigues, battles for succession and finally, the grand coronation. And when she died on the 19th year of their marriage, he etched her story in stone. The Taj Mahal is the living symbol of the monumental passion of Shah Jahan and Arjumand Banu. Which other love story has so grand a memorial?

The Origin of Tajmahal The origin of the name the "Taj Mahal" is not clear. Court histories from Shah Jehan's reign only call it the rauza (tomb) of Mumtaz Mahal. It is generally believed that "Taj Mahal" (usually translated as either "Crown Palace" or "Crown of the Palace") is an abbreviated version of her name, Mumtaz Mahal (Exalted One of the Palace).

The Taj Mahal is a deserving resting palace for an Emperor's Empress. It stands on the banks of the river Yamuna, which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra, the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 14th child.

Mumtaj Mahal - "Build me a Taj" As Mumtaz Mahal lay dying, she asked four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The principal architect was the Iranian architect Istad Usa; it is possible that the pietra dura work was coordinated by an Italian artist.

Book Your Tour to Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal - Wonder of the World To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor shah Jana's chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India. Its curving, gently swelling dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly is a familiar image from hundreds of brochures and travel books.

The Taj is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man's proudest creations and is invariably included in the list of the world's foremost wonders. As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains have never been housed in greater grandeur. Architecture of the TajMahal Construction began in 1631, and over 20,000 workmen and master craftsmen worked laboriously for 22 years to give shape to the emperor's passionate dream!

The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1,000 elephants to transport it to the site. The complex was finally completed in 1653 at a cost of 32 Million Rupees (approx USD 68000) on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, the capital of the Mughal monarchs. But the beauty of Taj Mahal is also tainted by the gory fact that the hands of some of the master craftsmen were amputated, to ensure that the perfection of the Taj could never be repeated ever again!
About Taj Mahal
Location
Architecture

Gardens
Mumtaj Mahal

T ime To Visit
Taj Mahal Site

Visit Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal India

Inside The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Myths
Taj Mahal Agra

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Valentines Flowers

2008-01-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

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Valentines Cards

2008-01-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

Valentines Bokaes

2008-01-23T21:21:00.001-08:00

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Love Song

2008-01-23T20:20:00.000-08:00

Photobucket

2008-01-22T21:05:00.000-08:00

Valentine Traditions

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home.If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.

One verse they sang was: Good morning to you, valentine; Curl your locks as I do mine--- Two before and three behind. Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.

Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.

Valentine Day Massacre

2008-01-22T19:58:00.003-08:00

Valentine Day Massacre

Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II. He was apprehended, and sent by the emperor to the prefect of Rome, who, on finding all his promises to make him renounce his faith in effectual, commended him to be beaten with clubs, and afterwards, to be beheaded, which was executed on February 14.

About the year 270. Pope Julius I is said to have built a church near Ponte Mole to his memory, which for a long time gave name to the gate now called Porta del Popolo, formerly, Porta Valetini.

The greatest part of his relics are now in the church of Saint Praxedes. His name is celebrated as that of an illustrious martyr in the sacramentary of St. Gregory, the Roman Missal of Thomasius, in the calendar of Flower

Fronto and that of Allatius, in Bede, Usuard, Ado, Notker and all other martyrologies on this day. To abolish the heathens lewd superstitious custom of boys drawing the names of girls, in honor of their goddess Februata Juno, on the fifteenth of this month, several zealous pastors substituted the names of saints in billets given on this day.

The 14th was also a designated a feast day (until 1969, when it was dropped from the Roman Catholic calendar) to honor two Christian saint (at least one named Saint Valentine) martyred by the Roman Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. There is a little bit of love stuff in this part, though -- the reason Saint Valentine was killed (beheaded, actually) was that he continued to marry young couples even though Claudius forbade it. Apparently Claudius thought that married soldiers weren't as good as single soldiers.

When is Valentine's Day?

2008-01-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day 2008 is on February 14, Thursday

Celebrated religiously with gaiety & fervor every year on the auspicious 14th of February, the tradition of Valentine's Day has been consistent since centuries & is marked as a day cherishing love and romance globally. It commemorates the martyrdom of a Christian saint, St. Valentine, who is supposed to be the originator of the festival marked with religious significance.

History & Legends of Valentine's Day

Varied legends are associated with the history of Valentine's Day which is said to have originated during the Roman pagan times. Atleast legends of three or more Saint Valentine of Rome are prominent ones which throws light on the life & history of Valentine or Valentinus lived in Rome in the reign of Emperor Claudius II. As Christianity spread, the Feast of Lupercalia celebrated on !5th February was gradually shifted to 14th & was renamed as St. Valentine's Day to honor the patron saint of love who was martyred on February 14 in 270 AdMany scholars also believe that February 14 was chosen for the celebration of romantic festival of Valentine's Day because of the popular belief in England and France during Middle Ages that February 14 marked the beginning of birds mating season.

Traditions and Customs

Valentine's Day enthusiasm engulf lovers with euphoria, optimism & energy throughout the globe which manifolds the merriment of the occasion. Lovers express their unparalleled & profound love by gifting each other with love souvenirs such as the exchange of love notes in earlier times called 'Valentines' by lovers. This particular tradition became popular ever since it was initiated by the Duke of Orleans, Charles, in 1415 who had sent the first known Valentine Day card to his wife from prison. Modern culture sees lovers' expressing their love by gifting innumerable gift forms such as flowers, chocolates to name a few, thus, keeping the essence of Valentine's Day alive. However, going out with one's date still remains the most popular culture one would really like to cherish which includes candle light dinners or long drives.

Valentine's Day Celebration

Love is in the air with the commencement of February, a month symbolizing pristine love. Markets wear a festive look adorned with Valentine's Day symbols of roses, hearts, cupids and lovebirds. The spirit of love pervades the very atmosphere & lovers are found thronging parks, restaurants, malls and multiplexes.

Valentines Day in Scotland

2008-01-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day in Scotland
Valentine's Day has become a great day of celebration in Scotland. It is celebrated on 14th of February every year. Valentines Day is the time to have fun not only for the adults but also for the children. St. Valentines Day has emerged as an important festival of Scotland in recent times. Anxiety and enthusiasm is same as for any other festival. People dedicate the day to their love and wish to be together forever.

Tradition of Valentine's Day in Scotland

In Scotland, Valentine Day has a very simple and sweet tradition associated with it. People deliver cards to their near and dear ones with special Valentine messages. These cards are popularly known as “Valentines” and are sent anonymously. Cards are designed with artificial hearts, red color and Valentine special symbols to reflect love and trust. Everyday people eagerly wait for the postman's arrival when Valentine's day is near.

Craze and passion for Valentine's Day is much visible in Scottish schools as well. Children celebrate the day by making Valentine cards and filling them with valentine rhymes. Sometimes, they also write poems on the envelope to speed up the delivery by the postman.

Another very important and enthusiastically followed tradition is the search of Valentine date. According to this Scottish custom, the first young man or woman encountered on the street or elsewhere on Valentine's Day becomes his or her Valentine and the day is celebrated with them.

Valentine's Day Celebration

Valentine's Day celebrations is not a grand affair in Scotland. People prefer small get-togethers or a romantic candlelight dinner. They exchange gifts and cards with their loved ones to make them feel special. Various games are played in Scottish Valentine parties. In a most popular game, an equal number of men and women are made to write their names on a piece of paper which is then folded and placed into a hat. One hat is for ladies and the other one is for men. The female then draws one name from the men's hat and the chosen man has to stick with his Valentine throughout the party. Later on, gifts are exchanged and Valentine's Day is greeted with hugs and kisses. Such wonderful Valentine games often result in unusual marriages.

Valentine's Day Cards

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Velantine,s Day Flowers

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Valentine's Day in US

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Valentine's Day is an extremely popular festival in United States of America. People in US observe a holiday on this day to honor St Valentine and to express love to dear ones. Taking opportunity of the festival people express gratitude and love for sweethearts, spouse, teachers, parents or any other person close to them.

Valentine's Day History in US

Valentine's Day is said to have imported to North America in the 19th century by British settlers. First mass-produced Valentine's Day card with embossed paper lace are said to have produced in United States shortly after 1847 by Esther Howland (1828-1904) of Worcester, Massachusetts. In the second half of the 20th century, the practice of giving gifts along with cards became popular. Roses and chocolates were the most commonly exchanged Valentine's Day Gifts and were usually given by man to the woman. Around 1980's diamond industry began to promote Valentine's Day as an occasion to gift fine jewelry. Today, the day has come to be associated with a generic platonic greeting of "Happy Valentine's Day."

Valentine's Day Celebration in US

Valentine's Day festival has been commercialized to a great extent in US. It is estimated that Valentine's Day is the major card and gift giving festival in US. Days before the festival markets wear a festive look to lure consumers. Popular gifts exchanged on the day include cards, fresh flowers- mainly rose, chocolates and candies. These days, people also complement these with other gifts of love to express affection and love. Valentine's Day dinner and dance parties are organized all over the country to celebrate the occasion. Many couples hold private celebrations in homes or restaurants. Another interesting part of Valentine's Day in US is the celebrations organized by kids. Several schools organize Valentine's Day programmes where children perform songs, dance, skits and plays. Children also gift handmade gifts and cards to their friends and teachers. To those staying in different cities, Valentine's Day greetings are exchanged with the help of e-cards and by sending gifts through online Valentines Day gift shopping sites.

Valentine's Day in South Africa

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Valentine's Day in South Africa
Valentine's Day in South Africa is celebrated with great passion and enthusiasm. The day is celebrated on 14th February every year. The craze and verve for the festival is like any other festival in South Africa. The geographical location of the country has made it one of the most romantic destinations. Thousands of tourists get attracted towards the beauty of the place when it comes to celebrate the festival of love. Large number of tourists throng the beaches and other romantic places of South Africa to celebrate Valentine's day.

Valentine's Tradition in South Africa

Most commonly observed tradition includes going out on a romantic date with one's Valentine. Young couples make it traditional to celebrate the day at a very romantic place.
Also, young girls celebrate the occasion by following an old-age Roman festival of 'Lupercalia'. According to this traditional festival, young girls pin their lovers name on their sleeves. At some places, men also follow this custom.
All the discotheques, pubs and restaurants are completely booked. South Africans as well as tourists attend huge balls where they match their dancing steps and flow in the Valentine mood with different alcoholic beverages.

Valentine Celebrations in South Africa

Valentine's Day celebrations begin well in advance in South Africa. Shops and market places are beautifully adorned with fragrant flowers, love symbols like cupid, love birds, hearts and in traditional African style decorations. Week long parties and celebrations take place in various clubs and hotels. These activities highlight the tradition and South African culture. People totally indulge themselves in the African culture and art to celebrate the occasion of Valentine. Be it an old man of 60 or a young lass of 16, the joy of celebrating love is same in everybody. Different events take place in various parts of South Africa. All the discotheques, pubs and restaurants are completely booked. South Africans as well as tourists attend huge balls where they match their dancing steps and flow in the Valentine mood with different alcoholic beverages.

People of South Africa like to visit wildlife parks and sanctuaries with their friends and families. Many other events like river rafting, mountaineering amidst the exotic islands of Cape Town and Johannesburg are main attraction of the day. Luxurious resorts gives the most enthralling view and rated as one of the best place to spend a romantic evening. Apart from this, a very popular small coastal village Hermanus is just the place to be. Grand festivities are marked in the city of Durban, where innumerable tourists flock in large numbers.

Valentines Day in Italy

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Valentines Day in Italy

Romantic Festival of Valentine's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm in the beautiful country of Italy. Lovers take opportunity of the day to express love and affection for their beloved. Loads of Valentine's Day gifts are exchanged and everyone enjoys the day to the hilt.tradition to exchange gifts like rose, perfume, chocolates and diamonds depending on the age and taste of person. Another popular Valentine's Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina - a small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages.

History of Valentine's Day in Italy

Valentine's Day was initially celebrated as a Spring Festival in Italy. Celebration for the day was held in the open air. Young people would gather in tree arbors or ornamental gardens and enjoy listening to music and reading of poetry. Later they would stroll off with their Valentine into the gardens. The custom steadily ceased over the course of years and has not been celebrated for centuriesradition to exchange gifts like rose, perfume, chocolates and diamonds depending on the age and taste of person. Another popular Valentine's Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina - a small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages.

Early Valentine's Day Tradition in Italy

In the Italian City of Turin, betrothed couple used to announce their engagement on the Valentine's Day. Several days ahead of February 14, stores were decorated and loaded with a huge variety of bon-bon. Some even sold china baskets and cups filled with delectable Valentine's Day candies and tied with a ribbon. These were to be presented as gifts to Valentine. Another interesting Valentine's Day tradition followed in Italy and Britain made unmarried girls to wake up before sunrise. People strongly believed that the first man an unmarried girl sees on Valentine's Day, or someone who looks like him would marry her within a year. Girls therefore used to wake up early on Valentine's Day and stand by their window to watch a man pass.

Valentine's Day Celebration in Italy

People of Italy see Valentine's Day as a holiday imported from US, just like Halloween and Mother's Day. For the love and lovers country of Italy, the major day for celebration of love is il giorno della festa degli innamorati. As lovers' exclusively celebrate this day family members and friends do not exchange gifts. In recent times however, lovers in Italy celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing their love to sweethearts. Couples usually go out for dinners at pizzeria or ristorante. Just as in several other countries, the festival has been commercialized to a great extent. There is a strong tradition to exchange gifts like rose, perfume, chocolates and diamonds depending on the age and taste of person. Another popular Valentine's Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina - a small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages.