Hello February 💕
This month always arrives with a little extra heart and while Valentine’s Day often gets labeled as romantic, I like to think of it as something bigger. An opportunity 💌 .
An opportunity to pause and write a note…not just to a partner, but to a friend who shows up, a co-worker who makes your days easier, a neighbor, or someone who could use a reminder that they matter.
Some of the most meaningful notes I’ve written (and received) had nothing to do with romance. They were about gratitude, encouragement, and connection…emotions that last longer than flowers and chocolate.
Valentine’s Day has always felt like a time for handwritten notes but if writing a Valentine feels like too much, try this instead: “I was thinking about you and wanted you to know…”
As you move through February, I hope you’ll consider sending even just one handwritten note to someone who isn’t expecting it. No pressure. No perfection. Just connection, in some very little ways:
📝 In a short handwritten note left on the counter.
💌 In a card sent “just because.”
🐌 In the simple act of slowing down long enough to write someone’s name.
In case you missed it, I am hosting little Valentine event on Thursday, February 5 from 5 to 7 pm! Please join, me, Rock Goddess Jewelry and Mrs. Hovies Toffee if you’re in the area and can make it!
3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💖:
💘 Valentine’s (of course!)
For all the reasons mentioned above and then some, Valentine’s Day conjures up memories of vintage valentines being passed out to all my early childhood classmates, sometimes with a special treat or message…always a favorite school day for me!
🗽 Annual New York City Trip with Stacey
Every February, for past 10+ years I have had the great blessing of going to NYC with my bestie Stacey…and boy do we have fun: winter walks in Central Park, fine dining, shows, museums, shopping, morning coffee at Saint Ambroeus, discovering new places and lots of laughter. Traveling with a longtime friend hits differently at this stage of life and in all the right ways. I’m so excited…stay tuned for a reel later this month!
🌊 Early Morning Winter Beach Walks
I like to say “this is where the magic happens”…I typically walk several miles along the Esplanade and the Redondo Beach Pier a couple of days a week and oh how it fills my soul. I have had so many incredible experiences in these moments and met some of the most wonderful people. I’ll have to write more on this at a later date but I have stories! This past weekend there were dolphins aplenty too, it can’t help but put you in an elevated mood!
Happy February, and happy writing.
With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋
