happy valentines day

the hubs just returned from a few (oy. ten.) days away. I am so glad he is home. he brings me small things from his travels. and I love the gifts, but the stories that surround them are more magical.

August 23 was Qixi. Valentines Day. the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. it surrounds the tale of an emperor who fell in love with a fairy. their love was forbidden but a goddess took pity on the couple and allowed them to reunite once a year.

this is a Qixi box. it should contain small celebration cakes (like fruit cake) - but their shelf life is a mere 3 hours so a 22 hours flight is not too conducive. he tells me as he was about to abandon the mission to bring me these lovely cakes, the concergiere asked if he would like the box they come it. and knowing how I love all things blue and white - he said yes. and so he hand-carried this beautiful box - filled with these tiny boxes - home.

he is very romantic.

I am reminded on a daily basis why I love him so.

'I've fallen in love many times... always with you.'