Hearts of Hope

It’s Valentine’s Day and if there was ever a time to share love, it’s now. We’ve all been separated from family and friends, and the relentless onslaught of sad, depressing news has gone on far too long. But … there’s reason for hope. 

In the US, and many other countries, the daily infection rates have started to decline. Vaccines are being administered, and finally, a shell-shocked public is beginning to heed the advice of medical experts. Hopefully, what this trend represents is a glimmer of light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. 

We can’t share a hug, so why not a heart? 

Janet’s Artistic Eye. Courtesy of Janet Shedd

Good Health and Happy Valentine’s Day,

James & Terri

Author: gallivance.net

We're Terri and James Vance - high school sweethearts who went on to international careers and became world nomads. Today, 65 countries later, we're still traveling ... and still in love. Check out Our Story for more of the backstory at gallivance.net.

52 thoughts

    1. Jo, we hope that the spirit of St. Valentine puts in an appearance in your part of the world as well. I see that Portugal’s infection rate has dropped considerably, and that’s very good news. Take care. ~James

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  3. What a perfect post to wake up to on Valentine’s Day! Thank you for spreading cheer and good will as we all need an extra dose ‘of that loving feeling’ especially now.

    I hope you and your loved ones are feeling cherished today,
    Annie

    Reply

    1. Annie, thanks for the comment and for dropping by the blog. We’re glad you enjoyed the post. It’s always a fun post to put together, and it just seemed right for today. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. ~James

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    1. We continue to be amazed at all the places hearts show up in our travels. And it probably helps that our eyes are “dialed in” to see them. Have a fun Valentine’s Day. ~James

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  7. Inspirational quote by Christopher Reeves. We just rewatched the the 1980s romantic movie; Somewhere in Time. As an up and coming actor back then, no one imagined what a drastic turn of events would occur in his life.

    Love your collection of heart images. Hope you enjoy a romantic day!

    Reply

    1. Ingrid, I don’t know that movie, but will check it out. Reeves’ injury was so unusual and tragic, and his ability to overcome it was a testament to his inner strength.

      Here in KY, we’re on the eve of what the weather gurus promise will be a debilitating snow storm, so coupling this with closed restaurants means that the day may not be quite as romantic as usual. I hope you have a lovely day as well. ~James

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  8. I was anticipating your heart filled post and here it is, lovely as always. I take comfort in your words of declining cases and vaccinations. We are slower here in Canada due to lack of supply but there is progress. Sending hugs to both of you and hoping by next years heart post the world will look far brighter.

    Reply

    1. Sue, the infection rate in our state is below 7 percent for the first time since December, and our state government is doing a stellar job of administering the vaccine. In fact, Terri and I have had round one and are scheduled for the second dose in a couple of weeks, hence our hope on this Valentine’s Day.

      Canada normally has its act together, so I’m surprised to hear that things are slow there. Best of luck in getting in the queue and having your jabs. Happy Valentine’s Day to you both. ~James

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      1. Wonderful that you have had your first dose! Here the issue is supply. Although the government has ordered more vaccine per capita than any other country we don’t have any manufactured here in Canada. So there have been some delays. However it sounds like the shipments will be picking up in weeks ahead. Here’s hoping.
        Happy Valentines Day to you both.
        Did you hear there was an earthquake in Banff last night? A small one with no damage.

    1. Thanks Darlene. I’m glad that you enjoyed the post and hope that you’re able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as well. I see that Spain’s infection rates have dropped markedly, so that’s great news. Take care of yourself and Happy Valentine’s Day. ~James

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  11. As always, you make my Valentine’s Day special with your collection of hearts. But this year, the quotes have bowled me over. They’re good ones. My favorite heart may be the simplest — the little hand-scratched heart on the tree trunk! Ah, simpler times!

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    1. Rusha, I like that photo as well. It’s another example of never knowing where hearts will show up. You’ll be interested to know that the photo was taken on a mesa-top trail in Mesa Verde National Park. The romantic hearts scratched on the tree are graffiti that the park service wouldn’t like, but the it made a dandy photo. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Bert. ~James

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  13. You still found a lot of hearts to share for your annual “find the all hearts” post. 🙂 I hope you both had a day filled of love and that hope will bring better times soon. Happy Valentine’s Day, James and Terri!

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    1. Thanks Liesbet. This past year has taught us all about unusual holidays and how to adjust, which isn’t all bad. And even though we’re not surrounded by family and friends, we still have a lot to be thankful for and it’s good to have a day to remind us. You and Mark take care of yourselves and have a lovely Valentine’s Day. ~James

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  14. You are the sweetest and loveliest of all. And what visual treats! I also stop (to gawk) at those uber-tall heart-shaped leaves, but you found the dooziest one by far. Hugs to you both xx

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    1. Thanks Amit. Isn’t that elephant ear a whopper? It’s the biggest I’ve seen. This photo was taken at the Maya Ruins at Palenque in Mexico. As in your part of the world, this area gets lots of rain and sun, and the jungle does the rest.

      Given their love for color and celebration, Valentine’s Day seems like a holiday the Balinese would get into. Is it celebrated there? ~James

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  15. Your collection of hearts is so uplifting. Where are the ones right underneath your names from—blue mosaic and the floral patterned? Thanks for the little boost this morning. Just what I needed.

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  17. Thank you for all the beautiful hearts and uplifting quotes. Valentines has not been the same this year, but our hearts are certainly filled with hope that things can only get better from now on.

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    1. Gilda, it’s hard to keep track of the details of vaccine progress, but in general it seems that things are improving in many areas. Some of this depends on local and regional governments, and luckily for us, our state is doing well. We are scheduled for our second dose in 10 days (Yay!!), and are looking forward to not being so obsessed about the virus. We’ll all have to stay vigilant of course, and COVID is going to be a part of everyone’s life, but at least it should get better. How is the vaccination going in your area? ~James

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    1. Curt, there’s always luck of course, good and bad, but much of how the day goes depends on the attitude you have when you get up. And hope certainly needs to be a part of this. ~James

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    1. Thanks Yvette. We’re lucky to live in a state where the infection rates are trending down, and the number of vaccinations going up. So we have good reasons for hope and it feels great. Take care and all the best. ~James

      Reply

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