“I can’t say how every time I ever put my arms around you I felt that I was home.” – Ernest Hemingway to Marlene Dietrich

Some years ago Tom bought a beautiful gold-leafed, blank notebook with a lock on it.

He filled up several pages with a love letter and presented the book and key to me on our anniversary explaining that it was to be our private communication.

And believe me… IT IS private. And yummy. And so much fun to pass back and forth.

We keep it hidden and pray we remember to put it in the casket of whichever one of us dies first. Or last.

It’s not the kind of book you’d want your kids to stumble across someday…

…Well, I mean… I want them to know ABOUT the book, but not read what’s in it. *blushes shyly*

It’s enough to know that romance is part of my legacy.

After all, isn’t God the biggest romantic?

• “I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
• “I loved you so much I died for you.”
• “I’m so excited to show you the forever home I’m preparing for you.”
• “I wrote a romantic book just for you titled Song of Salomon.”

Writing romantic love letters

Are you one of those people who find it difficult to switch gears after a busy day and think of something romantic to write to the love-of-your-life?

Especially when you feel pressured?

Like when Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you need to come up with something romantic?

Been there. Been stumped.

And I’ve learned a thing or two from “Song of Solomon”

One way to begin is to compare two things, such as a name and perfume, or temples and pomegranates.

“Your name is like perfume poured out.”

“Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate.”

(Halves of pomegranate??? OK, skip the lingo Solomon used. Grab your own.)

Try the following exercise and brainstorm with yourself to get your creative juices flowing.

Then use your notes to fill in the template that follows.

Write down 3 things you like about the one you love in the following categories:

• His looks

Example: his beguiling smile, his silver hair, his ticklish mustache

• The character traits that define him

Example: his patience, his thoughtfulness, his compassion and concern for his aging parents

• The personality he shares with the world

Example: his laughter, his ability to find the positive in every situation, his serving meals to the homeless every Thanksgiving

Jot down 6 of your absolute pleasurable things. For example:

1. The sunset on the beach in Maui
2. Chocolate cheesecake
3. Fluffy puppies
4. Open-air concerts
5. Quiet walks in the woods
6. Coffee at [your favorite cafe’] on a rainy day

Now refer to your notes when using this template (and of course you’ll think of new expressions as you write):

Dear [Name],

When I am with you I feel like _________________________.

I love your _______________________ and _______________________.

They fill my heart like ______________________ and _______________________.

I’ve watched you ________________________ and it’s like _________________________.

I’m so proud of you when you ____________________________.

I’m forever thankful that you are my ___________________________, and my one true love.

I love you,

[Your name]

Want to stretch this out a little more? Try leaving one sentence notes on sticky notes or scratch paper in places where your honey can find them.

Try leaving one sentence notes on sticky notes or scratch paper in places where your honey can find them.

Tuck a short letter under his pillow one night a week.

Or buy a blank notebook with a lock on it….

“What do you really want to do for a life work? Break everybody’s heart for a dime? You could always break mine for a nickel and I’d bring the nickel.” – Ernest Hemingway to Marlene Dietrich

Here’s to romance, sparklers, and true love,

Susan

Looking for a few more Valentine’s Day ideas? Click HERE.