Something worth living for

Love... likely the most effective word in any language. This tiny one syllable word has resulted in battle, treachery, and insanity, but it has also been the cause of harmony, unforeseen experiences, and unprecedented inspiration. How does it come to be that a thing that should be so good can push us to so much evil? The French, recognized for l'amour, have many interesting love stories to share. Take the story of the sculptor Rodin and his lover Camille Claudel. Claudel sculpted for Rodin when they fell for each other. His refusal to leave his wife for her drove Claudel insane and she demolished quite a lot of her sculptures during fits of paranoia a result of her schizophrenia. Claudel spent the last 30 years of her life in a hospital. How could a power that can push someone to such bouts of despair be the one thing that we all search for in this life? Conversely, let's consider another french couple. Voltaire and Emilie du Chatelet had a 15 year long relationship which was frowned upon by the world, but tolerated by Chatelet's husband, the Marquis Florent-Claude du Chatelet. Chatelet and Voltaire shared a strong academic link and spent time philosophizing together, accumulating books for their library, and sharing input on each other's research in mathematics and science. Their shared values and faithfulness to each other fueled their love even after she died. After her death, Voltaire wrote of Chatelet, "It is not a mistress I have lost but half of myself, a soul for which my soul seems to have been made." Despite her arranged marriage to the Marquis, the relationship between Chatelet and Voltaire was endured and not envied. They were the focus of contempt but were permitted to live their lives together in shared respect. Their story illustrates love in its ideal form. In my point of view, love is the sole thing worth living for. Whether it's love of kin, love of something, or love for a spouse, with no love life is trivial. Perhaps that is why love can push us to such extremes. For some of us, love is worth dying for. For many, it is worth living for. As Valentine's Day gets closer love is on everyone's minds. I wish everyone a blissful love story filled with all the best love has to give and none of the worst. This Valentine's Day, reveal your love with a Red Hot Valentine Gift from Baskets By Rita.This Red hot Valentine's day box is perfect for all the special ladies in your life. An adorable teddy bear, milk chocolate truffles, dark chocolate and raspberry Chocolove bar,trail mix,a scented votive candle,chocolate chip cookies, Jelly Belly candy,caramel corn, hot cocoa, mixed nuts and a brownie. Box size 10 1/4" x 6" x 7 1/2" Say you are hot to your Valentine this year with our sweet treat. Everybody needs a subtle reminder sometimes of just how much we are loved. If you like this blog, be sure to forward it on via Twitter or Facebook. Thanks a bunch!