DRAGOBETE

Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday, celebrated on February 24. Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia.

The day is known as "the day when the birds are betrothed". It is around this time that the birds begin to build their nests and mate. On this day, considered locally the first day of spring, boys and girls gather vernal flowers and sing together. Maidens used to collect the snow that still lies on the ground in many villages and then melt it, using the water in magic potions throughout the rest of the year. Those who take part in Dragobete customs are supposed to be protected from illness, especially fevers, for the rest of the year. If the weather allows, girls and boys pick snowdrops or other early spring plants for the person they are courting. In Romania, Dragobete is known as a day for lovers, rather like Valentine's Day.

It is a common belief in some parts of Romania that, during this celebration, if you step over your partner's foot, you will have the dominant role in your relationship. Dragobete customs vary from region to region.

In neighbouring Bulgaria, the custom of stepping over one's partner's feet traditionally takes place during weddings, and with the same purpose, but it is not believed to be connected to Dragobete.

Reason to smile

How can one smile such sweet smiles,
When one is so saddened by sorrows for miles,
How can I smile the same smiles,
When life brings me nothing but tears,
I wondered for so long,
What reason you had to smile that long,
To keep smiling though troubles come,
And still remain sweet and silently overcome,
It's such a mystery to me,
Your smiles from heaven with glee,
I adore and yet envy thee,
But I'd rather you smile those at me,
I feel happy when I see you smile,
Even if I'm sad and lonely,
Your smiles bring me somewhere,
I don't even know where,
But it was you,
You gave me the reason to smile,
To smile with no reason,
To smile for a smile,
I guess life is just like that,
We need not a reason to smile,
For a smile is the reason itself,
To rejoice and open-heartedly give thanks,
I learned to smile because of you,
Because your smiles bring me joy when blue,
It proves how well and powerful,
A simple sweet smile can become so beautiful,
Smile for the sake of a smile,
Smile for the sake of happiness,
Smile for the sake of life,
Smile because of hope left in life,
Smile my friends,
Smile for me my Love,
Smile those same sweet smiles,

Smile so the world can be a peaceful dove...

FOR A DEAR SMILE !

Because existence can become severe
in one day,
just sense me and I'll be there.
In the minds eye,
I'm not so far away.
If you hold out your hand,
in the whispers,
I'll become the zephyr.
and besiege you.
If your eye's upon the stars,
in the crystalline darkness,
I'll become the moon.
And the light shall guide you.
If you rest upon the ground,
in the warmth,
I'll become the grass.
And embrace you.
If you turn outside,
in the wetness,
I'll become the rain.
An upon your forehead, kiss you.
If you free the air,
in the light of day,
I'll become the sun.
And smile for you.

Between the miles-
if you need me.
If you need a friend.
Let me be the friend, I want to be.

(Thank you for this lovely smile )

BRIDGES JOIN LIVES

“Build bridges instead of walls and you will have a friend.”“Words build bridges into unexplored regions.”“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build bridges even when there are no rivers.”“Being nice is one of many bridges on the road to Happiness.”“Love builds bridges where there are none.”“Never burn your bridges till you come to them”

My puppy

Now I lay me down to sleep,

The king-size bed is soft and deep..

I sleep right in the center groove

My human being can hardly move!

I've trapped his legs, he's tucked in tight

And here is where I pass the night

No one disturbs me or dares intrude

Till morning comes and "I want food!"

I sneak up slowly to begin

my nibbles on my human's chin.

He wakes up quickly,

I have sharp teeth-

I'm a puppy, don't you see?

For the morning's here

and it's time to play

I always seem to get my way.

So thank you Lord for giving me

This human person that I see.

The one who hugs and holds me tight

And shares his bed with me at night!

(for Mike and his puppies )

My Dear Child -The International Children's Day

If I could I would remove all your fears
If I could I would remove all your tears
If I could I would make life painless
If I could I would give you all your courage

Like a deck of cards you must learn to deal with life as it is dealt
You must hold your chin up and walk tall
Let no one ever force you to be shorter than you really are
Stand tall, Stand strong, and your strength will guide you

If I could I would remove all your fears
If I could I would remove all your tears
If I could I would make life painless
If I could I would give you all your courageI will always be by your side even if you can’t see me

I will always be in your heart even if you can’t feel me
Listen in the wind and you will hear my whispers and feel my hand
Stand tall, Stand strong, and your strength will guide you

If I could I would remove all your fears
If I could I would remove all your tears
If I could I would make life painless
If I could I would give you all your courage

My child you are so a very big part of me
I feel when you are sad, hurt when you are hurt, and smile when you smile
As years move on and so will you
Remember my love, Stand tall, Stand strong, and your strength will guide you