FEBRUARY -- The month that is more than Love!

Ah, the month of February! Not just the month of love with Valentine’s Day. And for us romance authors who appreciate the celebration, or maybe not, we certainly do write about l’amour in all its many facets.

February, the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, is not only the shortest month but named for an old Roman god or a festival of purification celebrated in ancient Rome. For whatever reason, we like to celebrate the month in many ways.

One reason is coming up tomorrow, in the United States especially and maybe other parts of the world—The Super Bowl! Ready to break out the chips, dip, wings and other assortments of libations and tasty treats.

This year, Mardi Gras also falls during February. The 12^th to be exact. What a busy week this will be with Valentine’s falling two days later.

Did you know February starts on the same day of the week as March and November in common years, and on the same day of the week as August in leap years? February ends on the same day of the week as October every year and on the same day of the week as January in common years only. In leap years, it is the only month that ends on the same weekday it begins. Interesting, huh?

Here are other important events/dates for February:

• Black History Month (United States and Canada)
• LGBT History Month (United Kingdom)
• National Bird-Feeding Month
• Parent Leadership Month
• St. Brigid’s Day/Imbolc: February 1, Ireland
• Groundhog Day: February 2, United States and Canada
• Candlemas: February 2
• 1917 Constitution of Mexico: February 5
• Waitangi Day in New Zealand: February 6
• Slovenian Cultural Holiday: February 8
• Mike Day internationally recognized focal point of month-long celebration Mikefest: February 8
• World Marriage Day: Every second Sunday of February
• National Foundation Day in Japan: February 11
• Abraham Lincoln’s birthday: February 12, United States
• Serbia’s National Day: February 15
• Flag Day of Canada: February 15
• Presidents Day (United States, third Monday)
• International Mother Language Day: February 21
• Independence Day in Saint Lucia: February 22
• George Washington’s birthday: February 22, United States (often coincides with President’s Day, see above)
• Flag Day of Mexico: February 24
• Independence Day in Estonia: February 24
• People Power Revolution (Philippines) February 25
• Liberation Day (Kuwait) February 26
• Dominican Republic Independence: February 27
• National Day of the Sun (in Argentina)
• National Wear Red Day (in the US and the UK)
• Family Day (Canada) (on the third Monday in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan)

There are probably lots more, but I think you get the idea—February has a lot of celebrations. The recognized symbols of the month are for the birth flower—the violet and the common primrose. The birthstone is the amethyst (one of my favorites because I love purple). It symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom and sincerity. The Zodiac signs are Aquarius (until February 19) and Pisces (February 20 from thereafter).

Hope you enjoyed all the trivia/l information I’ve bestowed upon you today. Since yesterday I had the release of my latest story, A Lusty Vampire’s Valentine, it’s kind of appropriate for the month’s continued enjoyment. A little blurb and shorty excerpt to enjoy. So until next month, go have a love-filled month and have fun!

Cynthia

BLURB:

Richard “Dick” Grewcock is a fledgling vampire, turned by choice on Halloween Night. He’s a computer geek, thirty-two years old, and thinks vampires are handsome, powerful, and have women falling over them—everything he’s not. Problem is, after he turns he doesn’t get any of those qualities. On Christmas he got the girlfriend of his wishes, and weeks later his new life takes a turn.

Valentine’s Day he meets with his maker and is made an offer he can’t refuse, but he has a date planned with his girlfriend.

Noelle St. Nicholas is Dick’s new girlfriend, and a little geeky too, they seem to be a perfect match. She plans a night her boyfriend won’t soon forget, but he tells her something she can’t forgive.

On his second adventure to find love, Dick Grewcock gets a Valentine surprise he won’t soon forget.

STORY EXCERPT:

“Dick, Dick, Dick, you’ve been a naughty boy, haven’t you? C’mon and calm down. We can fix this. First, you have to stop erasing her memory and be a true vamp. Tell her the truth. Be her master. Then, I want you to bring her to me and let me check her out. We can set this right.”

“You sure?”

“Positive, my boy. I’ll take care of you if you take care of me. Fix my computers and I’ll put Noelle back into working order.”

She’s not broken, like a car needing a tune-up. Geez! “Yes, sir. How about bringing her by tomorrow night?”

“Hmm, I can do that. But remember, don’t do anymore mind erasing. Resist, my dear Dick. Remember you can do it. Now if that’s it, I have another appointment.”

“Okay.” Dick stood and reached his hand over the desk to thank his sire.

Vlad stood and placed his cold mitt in Dick’s. “Ah, does my Dick feel better now?”

Huh? The question gave him pause. No, he didn’t mean that the way it sounded. Dick changed the subject. “So, Master Vlad when do you want me to start on the computers?”

“Tonight, of course.”

“Really? But, I need to quit my day job, and I’m busy tonight. I have a Valentine’s date with Noelle, remember?”

“Hmm, that’s right you did say today is Valentine’s. Well, I was counting on you. I need to move on this immediately. I hate down time in my businesses.”

“I can’t give Noelle a call first? I have reservations at a nice restaurant and can’t change my plans.”

Available at Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=36&products_id=517

Blog: http://romanticwordsbycynthia.blogspot.com
Website: http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com