Friday, May 02, 2008
The Origin And History Of Mother's Day
Copyright © 2007-2008 Wesley Berry, AAF
The origin and history of Mother's Day goes back to the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans. But the roots of Mother's Day history can also be traced in the United Kingdom where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of day in the United States. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. It is thanks to the hard work of pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, that the day came into existence. Today the festival of Mother's Day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant supporter and well-wisher.
The earliest history of Mother's Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. The Greeks used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology.
Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria. It was dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. It may be noted that ceremonies in honor of Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. The celebration, made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele, lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome.
Early Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent, in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ. In England, the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called "Mothering Sunday".
The more recent history of Mother's Day dates back to the 1600's in England. Here, a "Mothering Sunday" was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers. After a prayer service in the church to honor the Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers.
On the occasion, servants, apprentices and other employees staying away from their homes were encouraged to visit their mothers and honor them. Traditionally, children brought with them gifts and a special cake or fruit-filled pastry called a simnel.
The custom of Mothering Sunday died out almost completely by the 19th century. However, the day came to be celebrated again after World War II, when American servicemen brought the custom home and commercial enterprises used it as an occasion for sales.
The idea of the official celebration of Mother's Day in the United States was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist, writer and poet, Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Julia Ward Howe suggested that June 2nd be annually celebrated as Mother's Day and should be dedicated to peace. She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous " Mother's Day Proclamation", written in Boston in 1870. Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mother's Day holiday now celebrated in May.
Anna Jarvis is recognized as the Founder of Mother's Day in the United States. Though Anna Jarvis never had children, she is also known as the Mother of Mother's Day, an apt title for the lady who worked hard to bestow honor on all mothers.
Anna Jarvis got the inspiration of celebrating Mother's Day from her own mother, Mrs. Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis, in her childhood. An activist and social worker, Mrs. Jarvis used to express her desire that someday someone must honor all mothers, living and deceased, and pay tribute to the contributions made by them.
A loving daughter, Anna never forgot her mothers words and when her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mothers desire of having a mothers day. The growing negligent attitude of adult Americans towards their mothers, and a desire to honor her own mother, spurred her ambitions.
The tradition of gifting carnations on Mother's Day began on the first official Mother's Day service on May 10, 1908. Miss Anna Jarvis sent 500 white carnations to the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, in Grafton, West Virginia, to honor her mother. The flowers were meant to be distributed amongst the mothers. Others present in the mass were also asked to wear flowers. White carnations were a favorite of Miss Anna Jarvis's mother, Mrs. Anna Marie Jarvis. Miss Anna Jarvis explained the reason for her selection of white carnations as the flower to honor her mother, this way:
''The white carnation is preferred because it may be thought to typify some of the virtues of motherhood...whiteness stands for purity; its lasting qualities, faithfulness; its fragrance, love; its wide field of growth, charity; its form, beauty..."
Miss Anna Jarvis continued with the tradition of sending carnations to the Andrews Church. She sent over 10,000 carnations in the subsequent years as a personal gift to the church on Mother's Day. This gradually led to a custom of giving carnations to mothers. Today, carnations are worn and gifted worldwide on Mother's Day and have become symbolic of the purity, strength and endurance of motherhood. As a custom, red carnations are worn to honor living mothers, and white carnations are worn for the deceased mothers.
If you think Mother's Day has become too commercialized, you're not alone. Anna Jarvis, the person who did the most to make Mother's Day a national holiday, thought so too. She considered the printed greeting card "a poor excuse for the letter you are too lazy to write" and in fact ended up spending her inheritance campaigning against the holiday she had helped to popularize!
Nonetheless, retailers report that Mother's Day is the second highest gift giving holiday in the United States (Christmas is the highest). And since May14th is right around the corner, it's time to place your flower order!
Mother's Day is the biggest floral sales day of the year. Making sure you order your flowers early from your favorite florist, will help to ensure you get exactly the flowers and container that will suit your special mother.
There will be many beautiful keepsake vases and arrangements available. To make sure your mom gets her gift by Mother's Day consider having it delivered on Friday or Saturday. Not only does this help your frantically working florist and their delivery staff, but it gives you more time to re-deliver before Mother's Day if no one is home on the first attempt to deliver. To make your flowers even more special send along a poem or short essay that tells mom how wonderful she really is! Have a great Mother's Day!
About The Author:
Article Source: thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service
The origin and history of Mother's Day goes back to the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans. But the roots of Mother's Day history can also be traced in the United Kingdom where a Mothering Sunday was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of day in the United States. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. It is thanks to the hard work of pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, that the day came into existence. Today the festival of Mother's Day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant supporter and well-wisher.
The earliest history of Mother's Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. The Greeks used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology.
Ancient Romans, too, celebrated a spring festival, called Hilaria. It was dedicated to Cybele, a mother goddess. It may be noted that ceremonies in honor of Cybele began some 250 years before Christ was born. The celebration, made on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele, lasted for three days and included parades, games and masquerades. The celebrations were notorious enough that followers of Cybele were banished from Rome.
Early Christians celebrated a Mother's Day of sorts during the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent, in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ. In England, the holiday was expanded to include all mothers. It was then called "Mothering Sunday".
The more recent history of Mother's Day dates back to the 1600's in England. Here, a "Mothering Sunday" was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers. After a prayer service in the church to honor the Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers.
On the occasion, servants, apprentices and other employees staying away from their homes were encouraged to visit their mothers and honor them. Traditionally, children brought with them gifts and a special cake or fruit-filled pastry called a simnel.
The custom of Mothering Sunday died out almost completely by the 19th century. However, the day came to be celebrated again after World War II, when American servicemen brought the custom home and commercial enterprises used it as an occasion for sales.
The idea of the official celebration of Mother's Day in the United States was first suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872. An activist, writer and poet, Julia shot to fame with her famous Civil War song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Julia Ward Howe suggested that June 2nd be annually celebrated as Mother's Day and should be dedicated to peace. She wrote a passionate appeal to women and urged them to rise against war in her famous " Mother's Day Proclamation", written in Boston in 1870. Her idea spread but was later replaced by the Mother's Day holiday now celebrated in May.
Anna Jarvis is recognized as the Founder of Mother's Day in the United States. Though Anna Jarvis never had children, she is also known as the Mother of Mother's Day, an apt title for the lady who worked hard to bestow honor on all mothers.
Anna Jarvis got the inspiration of celebrating Mother's Day from her own mother, Mrs. Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis, in her childhood. An activist and social worker, Mrs. Jarvis used to express her desire that someday someone must honor all mothers, living and deceased, and pay tribute to the contributions made by them.
A loving daughter, Anna never forgot her mothers words and when her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mothers desire of having a mothers day. The growing negligent attitude of adult Americans towards their mothers, and a desire to honor her own mother, spurred her ambitions.
The tradition of gifting carnations on Mother's Day began on the first official Mother's Day service on May 10, 1908. Miss Anna Jarvis sent 500 white carnations to the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, in Grafton, West Virginia, to honor her mother. The flowers were meant to be distributed amongst the mothers. Others present in the mass were also asked to wear flowers. White carnations were a favorite of Miss Anna Jarvis's mother, Mrs. Anna Marie Jarvis. Miss Anna Jarvis explained the reason for her selection of white carnations as the flower to honor her mother, this way:
''The white carnation is preferred because it may be thought to typify some of the virtues of motherhood...whiteness stands for purity; its lasting qualities, faithfulness; its fragrance, love; its wide field of growth, charity; its form, beauty..."
Miss Anna Jarvis continued with the tradition of sending carnations to the Andrews Church. She sent over 10,000 carnations in the subsequent years as a personal gift to the church on Mother's Day. This gradually led to a custom of giving carnations to mothers. Today, carnations are worn and gifted worldwide on Mother's Day and have become symbolic of the purity, strength and endurance of motherhood. As a custom, red carnations are worn to honor living mothers, and white carnations are worn for the deceased mothers.
If you think Mother's Day has become too commercialized, you're not alone. Anna Jarvis, the person who did the most to make Mother's Day a national holiday, thought so too. She considered the printed greeting card "a poor excuse for the letter you are too lazy to write" and in fact ended up spending her inheritance campaigning against the holiday she had helped to popularize!
Nonetheless, retailers report that Mother's Day is the second highest gift giving holiday in the United States (Christmas is the highest). And since May14th is right around the corner, it's time to place your flower order!
Mother's Day is the biggest floral sales day of the year. Making sure you order your flowers early from your favorite florist, will help to ensure you get exactly the flowers and container that will suit your special mother.
There will be many beautiful keepsake vases and arrangements available. To make sure your mom gets her gift by Mother's Day consider having it delivered on Friday or Saturday. Not only does this help your frantically working florist and their delivery staff, but it gives you more time to re-deliver before Mother's Day if no one is home on the first attempt to deliver. To make your flowers even more special send along a poem or short essay that tells mom how wonderful she really is! Have a great Mother's Day!
About The Author:
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. He also works with funeral-homes.net to provide useful information about funeral homes across the nation. He has been recognized by florists nationwide as a leader in the flower business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at www.800wesleys.com |
Article Source: thePhantomWriters Article Submission Service
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Date Idea: Now Playing Utah
There have been several times that we have wondered what is going on but never really knew where to look. Now, at least for Utah, there is a site that lists many cultural events. From the website:
If you know of similar sites for other areas of the country or the world, please add them in the comments.
"Whether you’re a local looking to get out and play or a visitor looking for fun things to do during your stay, NowPlayingUtah.com has just what you’re looking for, offering endless ideas of things to see and do throughout the state. Here you will find a comprehensive statewide calendar of events that allows you to search by date, location, category, venue, artist and more. Not only that, but NowPlayingUtah.com also provides easy access to dates, times, maps and direct links for purchasing tickets."
If you know of similar sites for other areas of the country or the world, please add them in the comments.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Helpless Man! Helpless Man! | I Love You Recipes
I like this story and thought to share it with y'all. Click the link to see the rest of the story.
Helpless Man! Helpless Man! | I Love You Recipes: "My wife thinks that I wield what she calls the spell of the Helpless Man. According to her, this incantation causes females to rush to my aid. Women, she says, are especially vulnerable inside gift stores, jewelry stores, and the aisles of grocery stores that don’t feature chips, beer or frozen items that turn to dinner inside a microwave oven.
My response to this tomfoolery is to chuckle and change the subject. For any man of my age and girth knows that the days of spell-casting are long, long gone. But my Honey Bunny insists, even to maintaining what she calls her list of empirical proof. I recently asked to see this mysterious list, and made a few notations."
Helpless Man! Helpless Man! | I Love You Recipes: "My wife thinks that I wield what she calls the spell of the Helpless Man. According to her, this incantation causes females to rush to my aid. Women, she says, are especially vulnerable inside gift stores, jewelry stores, and the aisles of grocery stores that don’t feature chips, beer or frozen items that turn to dinner inside a microwave oven.
My response to this tomfoolery is to chuckle and change the subject. For any man of my age and girth knows that the days of spell-casting are long, long gone. But my Honey Bunny insists, even to maintaining what she calls her list of empirical proof. I recently asked to see this mysterious list, and made a few notations."
Monday, April 21, 2008
Kids tell: HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
(written by kids) -----
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like
sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. -- Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.. -- Kristen, age 10
[Sure kid, blame God!]
WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10
HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. -- Lynn , age 8
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich. -- Pam, age 7
The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. -- Howard, age 8
IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child!)
HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? -- Kelvin,
age 8
And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump
ruck. -- Rick, age 10
(written by kids) -----
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like
sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. -- Alan, age 10
No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.. -- Kristen, age 10
[Sure kid, blame God!]
WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-- Camille, age 10
HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-- Derrick, age 8
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
Both don't want any more kids. -- Lori, age 8
WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. -- Lynn , age 8
On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-- Martin, age 10
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
When they're rich. -- Pam, age 7
The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- - Curt, age 7
The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. -- Howard, age 8
IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. -- Anita, age 9 (bless you child!)
HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? -- Kelvin,
age 8
And the #1 Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump
ruck. -- Rick, age 10
Friday, April 18, 2008
Forgiveness
Everybody gets thorns or slivers stuck in their fingers every once in a while. Those sharp little splinters that are so easy to get in and so difficult to remove. It is amazing how such a small object embedded in the skin can hurt so much. Sometime they even require tweezers and a magnifying glass to pull it out. But oh the relief once it is out.
Sometimes my kids want to leave it in. They would rather live with a splinter in the finger rather than have to suffer the pinch of the tweezers. What they do not understand is what happens when you let something fester. Leaving a sliver in can lead to infection, gangrene and in extreme cases, losing the limb or even death. No one would ever leave a sliver in if they could help it.
In every relationship there are things that get under the skin. A thoughtless remark, a forgotten event or a heartless laugh can all feel like a little splinter in the soul. Like the splinter in a finger, these relationship splinters should also be removed as soon as possible. Letting an offense or hurt feeling fester can be as dangerous to a relationship as an infected wound is to the finger.
When couples have been married for a long time, one thing they seem to have in common is that they never say unkind or derogatory things about each other. Does that mean that there have never been hurt feelings? Of course not. It simply means that they have learned to not let things fester.
Sometimes my kids want to leave it in. They would rather live with a splinter in the finger rather than have to suffer the pinch of the tweezers. What they do not understand is what happens when you let something fester. Leaving a sliver in can lead to infection, gangrene and in extreme cases, losing the limb or even death. No one would ever leave a sliver in if they could help it.
In every relationship there are things that get under the skin. A thoughtless remark, a forgotten event or a heartless laugh can all feel like a little splinter in the soul. Like the splinter in a finger, these relationship splinters should also be removed as soon as possible. Letting an offense or hurt feeling fester can be as dangerous to a relationship as an infected wound is to the finger.
When couples have been married for a long time, one thing they seem to have in common is that they never say unkind or derogatory things about each other. Does that mean that there have never been hurt feelings? Of course not. It simply means that they have learned to not let things fester.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Ferocious Flirting: Making Marriage Wonderful now available on Amazon
Ferocious Flirting: Making Marriage Wonderful is now available for order on Amazon. We are all really excited about this new book. The original content has been grouped into sections to make the ideas really stand out. In addition, each section has an illustration by Val Chadwick Bagley.
Thank you all for your kind support.
is now available for order on Amazon. We are all really excited about this new book. The original content has been grouped into sections to make the ideas really stand out. In addition, each section has an illustration by Val Chadwick Bagley.Thank you all for your kind support.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Life is romantic
Life is a romantic business, but you have to make the romance.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Take time today to do surprise your sweetheart. Buy some flowers for no reason. Write a small note. Make dinner reservations. Let your spouse know you are thinking of them.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Take time today to do surprise your sweetheart. Buy some flowers for no reason. Write a small note. Make dinner reservations. Let your spouse know you are thinking of them.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Some things I learned from my dog
My dog is one of those happy, glad to see you, let's play tug o' war kind of dogs. Whenever there is someone at the door, she runs to see who it is. Sometimes she gets out but she always head home after not too long. She is also a great example of how to make someone feel good.
1 Smile. This dog has a permanent smile. She always seems happy to see everyone. Let people see you smile.
2 Excitement. Whenever I walk in the door she wags her tail and runs around, overcome with happiness. Don't be afraid to take a few moments and let you spouse know you are glad to see them.
1 Smile. This dog has a permanent smile. She always seems happy to see everyone. Let people see you smile.
2 Excitement. Whenever I walk in the door she wags her tail and runs around, overcome with happiness. Don't be afraid to take a few moments and let you spouse know you are glad to see them.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The other 364 days a year
Valentine's Day has come and gone. The flowers given, the cards read and the chocolates eaten.
Rather than being the end of romance, Valentine's Day can be the seeds that are planted in the garden. If the seeds that were planted on February 14th are tended properly, they will yield a romantic harvest all year long.
In a garden, the best results come with a little effort applied regularly. Once the seeds are planted, they need water, fertilizer and sunshine to grow. The weeds need to be removed to give the plants the best possible chance to thrive. If the garden is neglected, it will take a lot of work to get it happy again. A little bit of effort applied regularly results in a better yield neglecting the garden and then trying to get it back in shape in one big effort.
Like the garden, a romantic marriage comes with a little bit of effort applied regularly. Keep out the weeds of strife and conflict while nurturing romance with kindness, appreciation and benevolence.
By having romance alive and growing throughout the year, you can make everyday Valentine's Day.
Rather than being the end of romance, Valentine's Day can be the seeds that are planted in the garden. If the seeds that were planted on February 14th are tended properly, they will yield a romantic harvest all year long.
In a garden, the best results come with a little effort applied regularly. Once the seeds are planted, they need water, fertilizer and sunshine to grow. The weeds need to be removed to give the plants the best possible chance to thrive. If the garden is neglected, it will take a lot of work to get it happy again. A little bit of effort applied regularly results in a better yield neglecting the garden and then trying to get it back in shape in one big effort.
Like the garden, a romantic marriage comes with a little bit of effort applied regularly. Keep out the weeds of strife and conflict while nurturing romance with kindness, appreciation and benevolence.
By having romance alive and growing throughout the year, you can make everyday Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Kids tell it like it is
SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." - Del, age 6
"Shake your hips and hope for the best."- Camille, age 9
"Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs ... and don't worry if their parents are right there."
- Manuel, age 8
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." - Alonzo, age 9
"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me." - Bart, age 9
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT ARE
IN LOVE?
"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." - Bobby, age 9
"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold ... Other people care more about the food."- Bart, age 9
"Romantic adults usually are all dressed up, so if they are just wearing jeans it might mean they
used to go out or they just broke up." - Sarah, age 9
"See if the man has lipstick on his face." - Sandra, age 7
"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are --- on fire." - Christine, age 9
TITLES OF THE LOVE BALLADS YOU CAN SING TO YOUR BELOVED
"'How Do I Love Thee When You're Always Picking Your Nose?'" - Arnold, age 10
"'You Are My Darling Even Though You Also Know My Sister.'" - Larry, age 8
"'I Love Hamburgers, I Like You!'" - Eddie, age 6
"'I Am in Love with You Most of the Time, but Don't Bother Me When I'm with My Friends.'"- Bob, age 9
"'Hey, Baby, I Don't like Girls but I'm Willing to Forget You Are One!'" - Will, age 7
"'Honey, I Got Your Curly Hair and Your Nintendo on My Mind.'" - Sharon, age 9
WHAT MOST PEOPLE ARE THINKING WHEN THEY SAY "I LOVE YOU"
"The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day."
- Michelle, age 9
"Some lovers might be real nervous, so they are glad that they finally got
it out and said it and now they can go eat." - Dick, age 7
HOW WAS KISSING INVENTED?
"I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always
have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses." - Gina, age 8
HOW A PERSON LEARNS TO KISS
"You can have a big rehearsal with your Barbie and Ken dolls." - Julia, age 7
"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you." - Brian, age 7
"It might help to watch soap operas all day." - Carin, age 9
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
"When they're rich." - Pam, age 7
"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you ... That's why I stopped doing it."
- Tammy, age 10
"If it's your mother, you can kiss her any time. But if it's a new person, you have to ask permission."
- Roger, age 6
"I look at kissing like this: Kissing is fine if you like it, but it's a free country and nobody should be forced to do it." - Bart, age 9
HOW TO MAKE LOVE ENDURE
"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." - Dick, age 7
"Don't forget your wife's name ... That will mess up the love." - Erin, age 8
"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." - Dave, age 8
"Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind ... Love isn't like picking what movie you
want to watch." - Natalie, age 9
"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." - Del, age 6
"Shake your hips and hope for the best."- Camille, age 9
"Yell out that you love them at the top of your lungs ... and don't worry if their parents are right there."
- Manuel, age 8
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." - Alonzo, age 9
"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me." - Bart, age 9
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT ARE
IN LOVE?
"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." - Bobby, age 9
"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold ... Other people care more about the food."- Bart, age 9
"Romantic adults usually are all dressed up, so if they are just wearing jeans it might mean they
used to go out or they just broke up." - Sarah, age 9
"See if the man has lipstick on his face." - Sandra, age 7
"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are --- on fire." - Christine, age 9
TITLES OF THE LOVE BALLADS YOU CAN SING TO YOUR BELOVED
"'How Do I Love Thee When You're Always Picking Your Nose?'" - Arnold, age 10
"'You Are My Darling Even Though You Also Know My Sister.'" - Larry, age 8
"'I Love Hamburgers, I Like You!'" - Eddie, age 6
"'I Am in Love with You Most of the Time, but Don't Bother Me When I'm with My Friends.'"- Bob, age 9
"'Hey, Baby, I Don't like Girls but I'm Willing to Forget You Are One!'" - Will, age 7
"'Honey, I Got Your Curly Hair and Your Nintendo on My Mind.'" - Sharon, age 9
WHAT MOST PEOPLE ARE THINKING WHEN THEY SAY "I LOVE YOU"
"The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day."
- Michelle, age 9
"Some lovers might be real nervous, so they are glad that they finally got
it out and said it and now they can go eat." - Dick, age 7
HOW WAS KISSING INVENTED?
"I know one reason that kissing was created. It makes you feel warm all over, and they didn't always
have electric heat or fireplaces or even stoves in their houses." - Gina, age 8
HOW A PERSON LEARNS TO KISS
"You can have a big rehearsal with your Barbie and Ken dolls." - Julia, age 7
"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you." - Brian, age 7
"It might help to watch soap operas all day." - Carin, age 9
WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
"When they're rich." - Pam, age 7
"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you ... That's why I stopped doing it."
- Tammy, age 10
"If it's your mother, you can kiss her any time. But if it's a new person, you have to ask permission."
- Roger, age 6
"I look at kissing like this: Kissing is fine if you like it, but it's a free country and nobody should be forced to do it." - Bart, age 9
HOW TO MAKE LOVE ENDURE
"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." - Dick, age 7
"Don't forget your wife's name ... That will mess up the love." - Erin, age 8
"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash." - Dave, age 8
"Don't say you love somebody and then change your mind ... Love isn't like picking what movie you
want to watch." - Natalie, age 9
