From My Desk Feb. 11

By Lauren Royce, Editor
Alright, so I didn’t delete TikTok. It’s too addicting and the algorithm has slowly begun to right itself. What can I say? Old habits die very hard, or they don’t end up dying at all really. Like vampires, in a way.
I don’t know about you all, but I have multiple habits that ebb and flow in a sort of rotation: sometimes I get in the habit of staying up late, sometimes I’ll stick to a regimen of keeping the kitchen sink empty, sometimes it all falls apart. But the worst habit is the one where I think of great ideas at the last second and by then, it’s too late to pull it off. For example: I had all but forgotten the significance of Valentine’s Day coming up. To me, it’s another Saturday, in the middle of the month. Yes, I can remember it needs content related to it, but that’s about it. I realized I should have been tackling any passerby and asking them their love story, like those on-the-street interviews I’ve seen people do to couples. I may still do it for another issue. There must be some great love stories considering how most of Montrose is made up of families. If only I could have had this thought sooner.
As I type this, I begin to think of the love that has surrounded me in many different forms. My mom would always have us celebrate Gal-entines Day, where just us girls would get an extra chocolate gift to enjoy. Leopold’s here is becoming a regular hang for me, no surprise.
I am thinking of the times I’ve gotten compliments from strangers or had a baby wave to me in public. The different experiences through school, camps and college that led me to make new friends who have made their home in my heart. My pets, the many I’ve had. The few times I’ve celebrated the day with someone, even if it didn’t work out. Then the equal amount of times afterward that I’ve picked myself up and kept going, still having more to give. It’s all very dramatic and moving, each experience a catalyst for more writing and more thinking as well as changing and growing. I know it’s a welcome holiday for some and unwelcome for others, with hearts glaring down in the stores and the smell of candies wafting. It rotates out just as quickly, with the real treat being discounts the day after once the chaos is over. To my lovely loving readers, I love you. Get some chocolate and congratulate yourselves for making it through January.