On this day of commercialized romantic love I want to encourage the idea of self-love, of appreciating and embracing our own unique self. As a creative, when I am in my full self I can be quite quirky so am often dismissed. How about you? Enjoy this poem I wrote around this time in 2014 that expresses my own thoughts on the subject.
A Complete Heart
Push, squish, dump my dish over-flowing with awakened delight. Stamp, tamp, put out my flame. Why not a fed soul shed with light?!! Don’t mold me or fold me or pocket my essence away. Nor tsk-tsk me or shish me I am invited to stay! By special invitation each one is given to be the sum of their whole. Each part makes up a complete heart; imperfections plus experience equals soul. Who really knows what we each hold, gifts mired deep in our sludge. To find them, then wear them, without a tear then have the courage to expand without judge. This world is our life, with and without strife. Have strength to stand your own ground. For well exercised talents made rich with full palettes lifts our community with clear resound. copyright, Jane Balshaw 2/2014

I love what you wrote! And the accompanying artwork is gorgeous too. My sisters and I decided we love February 15th…when chocolates and flowers go on sale!
Thank you Susan! And I love your idea about chocolate and flowers…I think I will gift myself this year too!
Lovely Jane! Happy heart ❤️ day to you. Have a wonderful time in the studio
Thank you Sally. Back at ya!
Hi Jane! Happy Valentine’s Day. You are an original, one of a kind! Your fabric heart looked as though it had suffered some wounds but was still strong and very much intact. Love, Walter
Thank you Walter as always for your insight and comments!
How beautiful and uniquely you🥰. Thank you for sharing this, Jane
Thank you so much!