EDITOR’S NOTE
It seems frivolous to be thinking about Valentine’s Day this month – and the fact that it’s a leap year has hardly been mentioned! Even the big arrival of 2020 was overshadowed by other world events.
That’s understandable, too. But I think if there’s one day that needs even more attention at the moment, it should be one about love. There’s plenty of attention being given to the opposite end of the spectrum just now, that’s for sure.
It’s so easy to let love slip, especially in a marriage – and I don’t only mean the romance or passion. Just normal everyday kindness to each other and being nice and “loving”. I don’t want to sound preachy, but I’ve been there, done that – and I know how with just a little bit more effort it might have been a completely different outcome.
It doesn’t have to cost a lot, either. We’ve got a lovely article online about the best places for watching sunsets, and also one on great walks and hikes – perfect for holding hands and smiling at each other a lot!
Speaking of smiles, we have some very smiley businesses around town at the moment. Over 7,500 voters contributed to our Readers’ Choice Awards, telling us which companies they thought were the best. We also have several smiley winners of the prizes on offer – especially the one who got the lucky draw for the Maldives stay!
As I write this, I’m in Southeast Gippsland in the Australian state of Victoria, and the sun has been trying to shine through the haze all day. Our thoughts are with all the people and the creatures who have been affected by the fires in Australia – and everyone who has been affected by natural disasters and manmade ones too.
My motto for the month? If we can do one thing – whatever we are going through – we should just try. Try to shine, try to be nice.