CoAbode

There are so many ways to celebrate our loved ones. Over the years I have enjoyed creating rituals and celebrations that mark special passages of the people in my life... One of the most memorable occasions was a treasure hunt I created for my husband on Valentines Day.

When he came home from work the house was dark and only lit by candle light. He walked through the door and saw a candle on the entrance table with a note, “Welcome home sweetie, this is the first ‘Clue’ that will lead down a path towards finding your Valentines Gift.…

follow the candle lit pathway to an item that represents the day we were married, you will be able to spot it because it is surrounded by red roses, a wrapped gift and a red candle. When you reach the item lift it up for your next ‘Clue.”

(Next note) “Sweet William, here is a gift that acknowledges the love I have for you and the gratitude I feel when I think of our time spent together. Inside the gift you will find the next ‘Clue’. (The gift was a copy of a love poem that was read on the day we were married)

(Next note) “These words are dear to my heart and remind me of the day I promised to hold you in the highest light. Since that day my love has grown more full and tender for you. To find your next ‘Clue’ find a place in our home where these words remind us of our love each day, behind the words you will find the next ‘Clue’. (We have a framed copy of the poem in my husbands office, the next clue was taped on the backside of the frame)

(Next note) “Congratulations, you have found your way to the next ‘Clue.’ The next note you will find wrapped in a gift in the exact spot Aidan was brought into the world.” (Our son was born at home and in our bedroom) (The gift is a framed picture of our two children, Aidan & Malia, with love notes written by them on the back.) In addition there was another ‘Clue’

(Next note) “Beloved Father, You’re getting good at this… you are getting really close to your Valentines Gift. Your next journey will lead you to a place where the exact blooms that graced your wedding day lay.” (Outside in our backyard we planted flowers that we had in pots on our wedding day, in front of the plants there was a big velvet box decorated with rhinestones and jewels and it was surrounded by a circle of candles and flowers.)

(Next note) “Sweet King, there are so many ways in which you touch my life, the life of our family and the people you touch each day. This list a way to express the immense gratitude for the difference you make in our lives.” I then had a list of all the things I’m grateful for, just to give you an idea the list was 2 pages long. At the end of the list he found his next ‘Clue’ “Now you are getting really really close… the next clue will be found in the place you find warmth each night”

(Next note, taped on the outside of our bedroom door)

(Next note) “Sweet Lover, Ok… you are red hot! Before you enter, I have written a special scenario for you… (I then wrote down a VERY detailed scenario of our favorite fantasy) Sorry, can’t go into it this is a ‘G-Rated’ version.  When he finished, he opened the door, the room was filled with a pathway of candles and red rose petals that led to our bed were I was laying down waiting for him with just a Big Red Bow on… We then kissed, embraced and had one of the most memorable Valentines Day Ever! Enjoy!