LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Fourteen Days of Love - Day 11 - The Perfect Gift


What is your idea of the perfect gift? If someone special in your life were to ask you to describe in detail what you would like as confirmation of their love and devotion toward you, could you do it?


Take note over the next several days of the flurry of activity in retail stores, as shoppers scramble to find the perfect gift for Valentine's Day to say I LOVE YOU.


Some will purchase boxes of delicious chocolates.


Some will choose to surprise that special person in their life with beautiful flowers.



There will be multitudes of adorable stuffed animals given.


Some with chocolates!


Others will surprise their sweethearts with balloon bouquets. ; )


And some will even give fine jewels to express their love.



Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy receiving gifts?

Would you believe me if I told you that not everyone prefers material gifts?

Every year, for as long as I can remember, each member of my family has asked what I would like as a gift for holidays such as Valentine's Day, my birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas.

And each year I have basically said the same thing.  Just write a note of how you feel.

While I thoroughly enjoy every material gift I'm given, the truth is…
the gift I cherish most is their sentiments towards me.

Do you find that odd?



According to Dr. Gary Chapman, there are five primary means of expressing and interpreting love–the love languages. Each of us will identify with one or two of these languages more than all the others. The five languages are: Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch.

I've learned that Words of Affirmation is my primary love language.

I do so enjoy words…written or spoken. Could that be a factor in why I've enjoyed blogging so much?!

For that reason, every card and letter that my husband and children have ever given me–whether store-bought or handmade–resides in a very special keepsake box.


This rather large card (16 ½" x 24") was given to me by my children almost nine years ago. It still brings tears to my eyes and is one of my most cherished possessions!


For me, the heartfelt words of love expressed–written or spoken–by those I hold most dear is without a doubt the perfect gift!


Though this trio of beautiful gift bags will not reach the winner in time for Valentine's giving this year, they will provide a head start on holiday shopping for next year!


Reminder:  Please be sure to publish your
Valentine's post, before you link to the party. And
don't forget to mention the Brambleberry Cottage
in your post.

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in this
week's drawing for the giveaway!

1. Jenn Raley
2. Patricias Valentine Presents
3. http://beansiebabbles.blogspot.com/2010/02/thirteen-fourteen-and-qp.html
4. http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/2010/02/romance-is-in-air.html
5. http://donna-sugarspicesouthernlife.blogspot.com/
6. http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/2010/02/sweetheart-day.html
7. lululiz


7 comments:

  1. Words are important to me too. I was just wondering, today, about the power of blogging. We're on the same track! THat seems to happen in the blog world, or so I have found. I can't believe it, we're almost finished w/this course of 14 days of love. I didn't think I'd make this many posts. Yippie! What a challenge and a reward it's been. Thank you! Jenn

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  2. I need to read that book... I save all correspondence and pictures ~ not only mine but my grandmas and my moms too!

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  3. I totally agree with you regarding special words. I have some little notes from Sarah that I've saved since she was tiny. And after my husband died I found a treasure he had written that I am comforted by each time I read it. Both are treasures beyond measure and irreplaceable. I'll be joining again in the next day or so. You've really kept us busy!

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  4. Liz,
    I have every card that my husband and daughters have given me over the years! I would not take a penny for any of them. They are so precious to me! After Amber went to Heaven they hold even more meaning. I can look back at them if I want to and know the love we shared.
    My girls gave me a framed hand written note one year for Mother's Day that remind me so much of yours.
    Cherish the moments!
    Blessings,
    Donna

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  5. Hi Liz! Love your post today! The chocolates look divine, and those mice are so CUTE!! LOVE the award from your kids too!.. I'm afraid the road stops here for me, as I don't have much to relate to/say for the last three days.. But it's been FUN! Have a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Valentine's Day to you! ~tina

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  6. I think quality time would come first for me, with words of affirmation coming second. There are some very special little notes and cards from my children which I will always hang on to.

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to comment.