One doesn't have to be very old to cherish the goodness that can come out of our hearts on Valentine’s Day. It is a popular holiday and it is good that for at least that one day folks will go out of their way to say, "I Love You." Too bad it is just for that one day.

Roses skyrocket in price, candy is bought and eaten and cards are shared to tell those you are close to how much one cares. It is a good thing, even if it is short lived. Everybody needs to know that someone cares. Hopefully everybody finds that is true on February 14th. Unfortunately, some don't, not because they aren't loved, but because those who do love them assume they know that, so they don't bother or take the time to tell them so.

Why is it so hard for some people to say, "I love you,” or “I care about you" or, "You are an important part of my life?" Why is it so hard to share happy thoughts and memories that we will always treasure with those we care about? Expressing love and appreciation is one of the first and simplest things we can teach our children and being a good role model helps.

Remember when you were in school and how you looked forward to Valentine’s Day? Remember the cards you made for others? Probably not Hallmark quality, but the quality of their meaning was there in what you had made. You also worked hard to create a special Valentines box, and then after the day was over, you looked back at all the cards you received from your schoolmates.

Everybody knows how to draw a heart. It is a symbol of our heart that beats every second, every minute, every hour, every day and gives us life.

Wearing red in February seems as natural as combing your hair or brushing your teeth and it is a profound theme for keeping one’s heart healthy.

If I were to have a wish come true, it would be that this year and every year thereafter, that people would know the finest Valentine gift they could give their loved ones is to keep their heart beating out a steady thump, which feeds the body and their brain. A healthy heart is by far the greatest gift you can give anyone. It doesn't cost a lot of money. This year I am going to try to be especially mindful of my heart because I care about others and I want to live to prove it.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know the things that are near and dear to our heart. Everywhere you go and the things you see and read about will tell you how you can be a friend to your heart. There are no excuses!

So while you are remembering your loved ones with notes and gifts of love on Valentine’s Day, take time to tell your heart and give a special gift too.

Some things that we like aren't always the best for our hearts. Moderation helps, exercise helps, good food in moderation helps, and good water helps. Controlling our anger is another way to help our hearts! Many an American knows what will happen when our heart and the bubble in our brain literally does explodes.

Our hearts are amazing. It is hard to mentally realize their potential. They do so much and it may be hard to realize how special you definitely are, not only to me but also to others.

I could say how much you mean to me, but really the most important feelings I want my heart to know is that I respect you. Thank you.

I appreciate all the work you do for me and I will try to treat you as best I can.

  That's what it is all about. Life is just a heartbeat away. Without a healthy, beating heart, I wouldn't be and neither would you!

A Precious Human Life

Every day, think as you wake up

Today I am fortunate to have woken up.

I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it.

I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others,

to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

I am going to have kind thoughts toward others

I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others.

I am going to benefit others as much as I can.

— His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. Also if you have an idea for a story that you think would be of interest to our readers, please contact me.

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, February, 12th: Gail Skroch, Joe Moon, Michael Hanson, April Van Riper, Rick Borchert, Eugene Kruckeberg, Travis Wayne, Jessie Olson, Greg Oswald, Taff & Jean Worrell, David & Carolyn Hanson

• Friday, February 13th: Cobi Gowland, Becca Spurr, Greg Spurr, Jim Brocker, Eric Olson, Linda Ingvaldson, Bonnie Jensen, Brian Rechtzigel, Anita Kes, Terry & Pam Roberts

• Saturday, February 14th: Happy Valentines Day!  Angie Entwisle, Elsie Vander Stoep, Michelle Peterson, Matthew Reiter, Angela Westrum Lair, Lee & Jean Johnson, Bob & Mary Macko, Gene & Linda Pederson

• Sunday, February 15th: Kloe Renee Wacek, Nancy Cornelius, Patty Kunkel, Eric Olson, Adam Warnke, Ron Jensen, Michelle Hanson, Angie O'Byrne, Elina Butler and John Pfaff

• Monday, February 16th: Delores Hemingway, Marian Horan, Jesse Lund, Wayne Jensen, David Peterson, Sara Miller, Sarah Nelson, Ian Oolman, Tanya Callahan, LeAnn Hanson, Donald & Dory Hunt

• Tuesday, February 17th: Toni Wayne Smith, Nancy Johnson Erickson, Thomas Farr, Keith Wayne, Dave Von Gorkom, Dawn Pence Gross, Brian Dobberstein, Joan Richards, Joan Kaphers, Michelle Cortinas, Carolyn LaFave, Shannon Weckwerth Pacholl, Alvin & Cheryl Cooper

• Wednesday, February 18th: Kris Munson McDonald, Janice Waage, Zola Wayne, Jamie Kunkel Riley, Brad & Rachel Lerum

• Thursday, February 19th: Abraham Peterson, Allison Schmidt, Eleanor Schember, Maklela Larkin, Deedee Hunt, Jason Jensen, Teri Ravenhorst, Marjorie Solberg

• Friday, February 20th: Derek Dobberstein, will celebrate his first birthday this year ( 2015);  Hadley Routh, Derek Flesche, Amy Shaunce, David Swearingen, Joyce Lageson Hoddick, LuAnn Sommer Granholdt, David & LeAnn Hanson, Jim & Nancy Cornelius

• Saturday, February 21st: Jeannie Worrell, Andy Butler, Phillip Ingvaldson, Bryan Dirkson, Leanna Peterson, Chris & Kim Jensen, Darrell & Cynthia Farr, Max & Marlene Jensen

May all the good wishes that you receive on your special day bloom in your heart and bring you joy!