An interesting interaction came through a portal on the planet. This portal sometimes allows a vignette to seep through the space-time continuum and into PSL’s frequency. Some aliens on the planet can see these interactions occurring in different worlds, and often from Earth. Here is one from Planet Earth, February, around Valentine’s Day.

A wild and valiant maiden with long and flowing raven dark hair and a regal burgundy velour cape galloped through the forest on a powerful, white stallion. The forest was barren, and the path was littered with frosted leaves, and scattered, lingering icy patches. The maiden was aware of the possible trail terrain around this time in February, nearing St. Valentine’s Day, which is precisely why she traveled on a horse and not by foot. Her boots, although rugged enough to handle the wintery trail conditions, didn’t have the cooperation of the maiden’s desire. For she wanted to feel the crisp pre-Valentine chill on her face as her beloved stallion quickly blazed through the trails.

The fair maiden arrived at her cozy cottage in the heart of the woods. She left her stallion out to graze and started up a fire inside. She opened a letter from her pen pal, Ms. Jane Anon.

The letter stated, 

Dear Arty, 

I’m not doing so hot. To be honest, this time of year can be difficult for me, as I’d really like a partner to share Valentine’s Day with rather than feel sad because I don’t. I’ve been dating here and there, but the guys I really like either don’t feel the same or they don’t want anything serious. I really thought I had the start of something good with one, and he turned out to be a bit well, a bit of a psycho. Anyways, sometimes I feel as if I can’t truly be happy because the topic of my failed romantic life seems to be front and center, especially at this time of year.

Christmas can be rough sometimes too, but Valentine’s Day has been hitting me hard for the past couple of years. I feel pathetic admitting that, but it’s the sad truth. I feel more comfortable telling you this, being that we only know one another through the words we’ve shared via mail.

I hope you don’t mind that I briefly whined about my romance woes. I just really wanted to get that out to someone because I’m a bit embarrassed to tell my friends, especially since my closest ones are lucky enough to have found special men (not gigolos or strippers, real men who they share their lives with).

I hope you’re doing well! What do the trails near your home look like during this time of year? Do you care that you’re single ever? Ahhh, yes. How’s that stunning horse of yours? I think his name is Wesley? I tried that recipe you sent me, and I loved it!! You’re right; mushrooms are delicious, especially with cheese! Haha, we both love to eat. Girls gotta eat, am I right!?

Hehe, well Arty, after embarrassing myself with this tale of Valentine’s Day pity, I hope I don’t scare you away with some serious eye rolls when learning about the state of my struggles. I’m looking forward to your response, and stay warm out there! Although, I know you’re a badass outdoorswoman, and know how to handle all that stuff. We will still work on me being more knowledgeable in that area. I’m comfiest on my couch with some wine and my cat, but nature is beautiful Arty, and you do make me more curious about it!

Anyways, until I hear from you, it’s been great! 

Love, Jane Anon 

The Valentine’s Day Letters…

Arty thought for a few minutes before crafting a response, despite not knowing how to respond.

Arty responded, 

Dear Jane, 

I’m truly sorry to hear that you feel that way. I didn’t know anything about your love life since we never chatted about it. But as we agreed, our relationship has no bounds and we can talk about whatever we choose, no matter how personal or ridiculous and I think that’s special.

I’d like to share what my mother told me when I was a little girl. She said, Artemis, you’re strong and powerful, and don’t need anyone else to survive out here. Perhaps you’ll fall in love someday, but you must love yourself first. You must create a life that you love, and then, if you’re really lucky, you’ll find a partner who can walk alongside you.

I remember asking her one day, “mama, how do I love myself?” She said, “start by doing things that make you smile and avoiding things that make you sad.” That somewhat vague answer worked on me as a child.

Of course, since that time, I’ve come to realize some of what she probably meant. I’ve had plenty of lonely, dark nights where I really got to think about Artemis, Arty for short. I didn’t grow up like most women, especially nowadays, so in that sense, I think I missed out on comparing myself to others in the way that perhaps people who grew up in suburbia such as you may have. I compared myself to my mother, and sometimes I felt I couldn’t be as great as she was until I remembered that this woman I look up to so much, birthed me, raised me, and is every much a part of me as I am of her.

My father broke my mother’s heart, and after that, she gave birth to my brother and me. She was single until she passed away. But, she eventually found her happiness after that heartbreak. I’m not too sure where I’m going with this. If anything, now you know a little bit more about my family and where I come from.

You’ve talked to me before about your artwork and how happy you are when you paint. You also sound so excited when you speak to me about helping out at the food pantry in your neighborhood. Perhaps focusing more on those things or other hobbies would help you get your mind off your romance issue? You could even meet a guy doing those things one day. Now that would be a pleasant surprise! Perhaps even try something new that you’ve always wanted to try!

You just never know, Jane, really. I met my last girlfriend when I stumbled across her sad-looking campsite, a couple of miles from my house. She was lost and so relieved to meet me. I think maybe the trauma of her experience before she met me made her dislike the woods, and then she didn’t like where my home was. It was quite sad, and it took me a while to get over. She told me she needed to stay out of the woods for a while and travel to Costa Rica.

I was heartbroken, I truly was. But, what could I do? I didn’t want to beg for her love, I’ve done that before, and it never works. I still remember the way she held back her gorgeous smile because she didn’t want to seem happy on the day she left. I watched her silky long hair disappear into the horizon for the last time. I don’t miss doing yoga every day, but there are times I miss her so much, Jane, really.

I just rambled a whole lot about my love life. Not sure how any of that will help you, so on that topic, hmmm. Do you make sure to engage in the things that make you happy? Do you really believe that having Mr. Right is the only way to be happy? I don’t know if you implied that exactly but you did make a happiness comment that sounded like it’s a big deal to you.

Ah-ha, you said, “truly happy.” Well, what is your definition of being “truly happy?” No offense, Jane, but I hope a guy isn’t the only thing in your definition of that. Did you laugh? I hope maybe you did because I’m not trying to be rude, just a little tough love, I guess? We entered this agreement to help each other out, so I’m trying to stick to my end of the deal over here the best I can, lol.

What is your definition of being “truly happy?”

PSL

And to answer your questions, yes, sometimes here and there I care that I’m single, but I have a lot of other things that make me happy. I love being outside with my dog, horse, and stag family. I love hunting and I’ve become really skilled at it over the years. I love the way the sunset looks on every single night that I’m lucky enough to see it. I love going into town now and then and sitting at the cafe. People compliment my cape a lot and ask where they can get it or something similar.

So, I do care that I’m single sometimes, because I think the love between two people is so special, and I get lonely. But the things I love, I really love, and focusing on them makes me feel better overall. So, it’s not that I don’t care it’s more of… I guess I just accept it and still do everything I want to do?

And Yes! My horse Wesley is doing great. He’s the perfect riding companion! The trails right now are a mixed bag. The temperatures fluctuate, the ice melts, and the trails get so muddy, but they can also get pretty slippery from all the snow and ice variations. I miss the lush greenery of the spring and summer. But, it will return as all things tend to circle back around in nature.

I don’t know how much help I was. It’s a little tough because we’re still getting to know one another, but I think you can still be happy regardless of finding the right guy or not, I really do. I believe that because I saw my mom do it after my dad left. I’ve been doing it for a few years. Now that I have an internet connection sometimes, I read about how other women live, and there seem to be many happy, talented women with exciting lives and so many things they share with the world!

I love hearing that. And a lot of them are single! Ugh, that really makes it sound like well if they can do it, why can’t you. I just realized that and I know that doesn’t necessarily come off too great. But I think what I’m trying to say is that maybe if you focus on the things that make you happy, you’ll direct some of the energy away from only finding happiness with a partner?

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not knocking love with someone else. I told you a little from my latest sob story. I think that right now, you should look into this new thing I’ve come across, called self-love. I did a brief search on the internet at the cafe recently, and a bunch of results populated. One of those results was for planetselflove.com. I think it also may be what my mom wanted me to know about. I’d hate to think of you sulking away on Valentine’s Day like some stereotypical actress in a cheesy rom-com. You seem better than that, Jane! I also think you can definitely find your Tarzan, just maybe not for this Valentine’s Day? Well, I will stop rambling now, and I hope some of this helped you a little!

I’m looking forward to your reply! Cheers!

P.S. – I’m all ears for any details on your psycho experience!

Best, 

Arty