I, for one, am so very happy that somebody in our human history decided to celebrate the lovers among us on Valentine’s Day. And it comes at a time when we lucky Louisanians are just past the weeks long season of Mardi Gras, which doesn’t forget the rich culture and heritage of this area, and that is celebrated with the utmost joi de vivre, music, and food.

It also comes at a time, in this year of two snowfalls, when the springtime is just around the corner. Now we look forward to winter thaw, and flower buds growing into blooms that will blossom with beauty and sweet aromas to remind us that life is all about change, and we should not allow ourselves to stagnate.
It comes at a time when Catholics celebrate the disciplined life by giving up something they really like, but that is not good for them. I, who was raised as a Catholic, always felt a special bond between myself and anybody with an ashy forehead on Ash Wednesday.

And everybody does at least a bit of spring cleaning. It’s time to let go of the things that unnecessarily that clutter our lives, and begin with a fresh start.

And that all leads to Easter, when young children hunt for eggs on lawns and throughout houses. My husband Danny’s family regularly has a reunion on Good Friday, which is the Friday before Easter for those who don’t know.

Danny’s family contains both a nun and a monsignor, so they are generally more in the swing of things in the church than my own family. I remember many a reunion at his cousin Michael’ s house when the time of blossoming was at hand, the earth was adorned in beauty, birds added to the great joy with their sweet songs, and all of the children shined with the spirit of the big day that celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.

I say we should all resurrect ourselves! Give up something that you love so it doesn’t get to be just an automatic reaction. Get in touch with the flowering plants. Feel the sun on your face. Get your sap rising.

Most of all, become a lover, if you’re not already one. Love all things without judgment. Ensure that love is your first, conscious, and overwhelming reaction.

We can change the world! We will change the world!

Marcelle Hanemann is a news reporter for The Daily News. You can email her at marcelle.hanemann@bogalusadailynews.com or call her at 985-732-2565, ext. 301.