The pale gold sphere in the sky danced with the ice formations on the porch;

the sun seemed to tease me as it peeked at me through the ice-laden window;

no matter how many times I pulled the sheet over my face, the path of light from the sun teased me as it whispered softly to me.

Each crystal threw itself over each corner of the house and laid its long, lace curtains around the porch and roof;

while the roasting chestnuts on the stove dragged its long blanket in the air of every room.

As I rolled from side to side on my bed, the flecks of gold, yellow and light orange flames from the fireplace hollered at me; as it reached its arms into the room to arouse my senses.

The burning fires filled the bedroom, and suddenly, I wanted to be free of the wine colored, fleece blanket.

I felt a sense of freedom as I removed the soft,  fleece blanket from my shoulders.

The sights of the crystal laden earth , scents of the fire and chestnuts, and soft whispers of the sun enveloped my body.

Suddenly, I realized that the fire needed my attention, so I grasped at the poker by the fireplace; yet the logs in the fireplace began to play tug of war with each flame.

Keeping the flames burning is not an easy task as I had to be sure that the flames would be rekindled properly; avoiding smoke was another task as the tug of war between the logs and the fire continued.

For  a moment, I had remembered the fire in the fireplace back at grandma's house, as she made baked potatoes in the fireplace and gave my grandfather a blanket to cover his legs.

I remember the way my grandfather helped my grandmother to walk, as they wraped their arms together to walk towards the piazza, .

To my grandparents, this was love.

I longed for the beauty of the flames of last night, but sometimes you can not rekindle the flame; yet it left  a beautiful memory.

The red roses claimed their place in the center of the table, as it added color to the white china and tablecloth.

Each rose arrogantly tempted each person, hoping that someone would take one stem,   sometimes the roses would leave their small, oval shaped velveteen petals on the floor or on the bed.

I remember my father picking a flower for my mother,and bringing it into the house. To my parents, this was love.

Roses wanted to be held closely, or caress someone on their pillows. Sometimes, a rose would leave pieces of its red sweater near the doorways or fireplaces; or would long to be on someone's suit jacket.

Each rose  petal is a love letter, as you remember the places where you have been together, the laughter, and even the confusing tides of the ocean, with its spoonfuls of salt and murky waters.

Rose petals remind us of building sandcastles out of red plastic cups, and how it felt when the tide carried it away.

I  remembered the excitement of the seeing the sensual ,satin sky the night before; it is amazing how the stars had poked holes fiercely through the midnight blue, satin cloth in the sky.

The stars are always a gift to the night sky, laying its path of gemstones near the moonlight.

There was not any way to feel lost last night, as the moon stretched its arms and legs over the tranquil street.

Cars did not pass by as it did not want to lay its gray cotton puffs of smoke through the countryside; for even the cars did not want to spoil the serenity of the town.

The lamp posts near each street ran behind the branches of the trees,  and stood timidly;as it became intimidated by the moon.

Suddenly, the moon had won the battle with the lamp post, as the moon raised its eye brow, and folded its arm across the woods to illuminate each path.

The moon guided the lost hearts last night, even if they did not know all of the answers to their questions or worries.

Somehow the worry lines faded in the moonlight, and the lights on their faces made it seem like the first night that they had met.

Sometimes you might not have the answers, but if you separate the background noise, confusion and conflicts, you will be able to regain closeness with your loved one. No matter hard things get, you have to rediscover the person that you love, excluding the people, places or things that cause the tension.

Harsh and insensitive words faded, as the pine trees and howling winds travelled down the road, serenading everyone under their windows.

Forgiveness is an important part of love, as my parents were able to disagree and then begin the next day together, as if there were not any harsh words at all.

Some hearts were warmed that night by the taste of the chianti on their lips, while others wanted the chill of the night air to caress their backs.

The decadent chocolates showed off their velvet brown coats, creating mystery as men and women tried to predict the flavors of the center of each chocolate.

Decadent chocolates and chocolate covered cherries create passion as the flavors fill their mouths.

There were many who wanted a walk through the park; with their warm, cushioned, ski jackets.

The tree branches did not wear a coat, only scarves of white cashmere were tied on each branch of the trees, the only fine chandeliers were the stars in the sky.

Romance was simple that night to some people, as they drank their coffee from a paper cup as though it were fine crystal.

Yet, they smiled under the romantic blanket of sky.

Some people enjoyed the music of Massimo Ranieri or Al Martino last night, and many even pulled out their old 70's and 80's music from Jim Groce, or Lionel Richie. The music spoke into everyone's ear, and suddenly the hardships and struggles of each person fade away with the tides of the lyrics.

Music can reconnect you to the one that you love.

I know that the chocolate covered strawberries danced elegantly on the white china for some people, as it swirled inside of the soft, sweet, cream.

White, pink, and red pillar candles greeted everyone with a friendly wink in each flame; as each flame stood like a bow on a present while revealing the different highlights in a person's hair.

The youthful smile brings some people back to their youthful days as  the scent of Armani Code perfume or Calvin Klein fragrances  lays its aroma on your couch, bed, or pillows.

The scent of a person does not leave you for along time, as it engulfs you like the waves at the sea.

Tracing the shape of each other's lips like an explorer, remembering the words, tears, and fears.

As the afternoon sky put on its pastel gown of lilac, blue, crimson, and tangerine, I became absorbed with the word "romance", as it was painted across my mind.

Romance is a journey,  and the Italian American Valentine's Day message comes in all colors and shapes.

It is more than a card, a rose, or a candle.

It is laying a red carpet to a person's heart through the beauty of the landscape which surrounds you; exploring each others body as though it was the first time; and swaying to the music of your favorite song under the arms and raised brow of the moon.

It is not just the red and pink envelope of the card, but the way you look at the person when they open the card.

True romance and love is finding your own words, in your heart, as the  sunset puts on its gown.

Most importantly, romance and love means keeping your promises, and meaning the words that you say.  If you have not found the time to tell the one that you love how you feel, be sure you speak the truth with your heart.  Love does not lie.

Romance is about sharing an umbrella on a rainy day, or making the person comfortable. It is romantic to feel protected by the one you love, just as long as it is reciprocated, and he or she protects you as well.

May every day be Valentine's Day