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Lincoln Park Conservatory

I meant to finish this up and post it around February, but I've been busy with life! Finally, here's the post about my visit to LP...

16 February 2015

Garfield Park Conservatory: Valentine's Day


There are four Greek words that describe different types of love: agape, eros, philia, and storge.

Agape, the essence of self-sacrifice; this love is unconditional. Many people are familiar with these words on love, from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which describes agape:

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Eros, the essence of beauty and a passionate, intimate love. We often associate Eros (aka Cupid, from the Latin Cupido, meaning "desire") with romance.

Philia is the essence of brotherly love. It represents close friendship.

Storge, the essence of familial love. For example, the bond among parents and their children.

 ~~~

A theory by John A. Lee that claims people have different styles of love, comparable to a colour wheel with primary and secondary colours.

Primary colours of love:

Eros, based on romance. People with this style of love believe in the ideal, fairytale love-at-first-sight, and have a strong connection based on physical and emotional attraction.

Ludus, based on conquest. Those with this style see love as a game to be won, and are more interested in courtship and short-term relationships instead of deep bonds.

Storge, based on friendship. This type of love is a slow-growing one that starts with friendly affection and revolves around comfort and commitment.

Secondary colours of love:

Pragma, based on practicality. A combination of Ludus and Storge that revolves around realism and lacks emotion. People with this style have somewhat shallow relationships, hence the combination of conquest and friendship.

Mania, based on obsession. A combination of Eros and Ludus. Lovers with this style often are jealous, possessive, and have low self-esteem.

Agape, based on selflessness. A combination of Eros and Storge, people that embody this type believe that love is unconditional and sacred, and will put their significant other's needs before their own.

Many people base their Valentine's Day around eros. I've always enjoyed Valentine's Day even when single. To me, it is a time to celebrate all types of love. I hope that more people learn to appreciate love in general, whether that means buying flowers for themselves, giving chocolates to friends, going out to dinner with their family, or going on a date.

~~~

I woke up to breakfast in bed and a lovely bouquet of flowers. I also gave Steve flowers. We shared some chocolates and spent the morning watching sappy love flicks. 



Garfield Park Conservatory opened its Spring Flower Show: Sun Showers that day, and my sweetheart brought me there. We left a bit later than initially intended and we hit a bit of traffic on the way into Chicago, so we unfortunately missed the poets from Poems While You Wait. The good news is I have less photos to bombard you with!

There were yellow umbrellas decorating the conservatory to go along with the Sun Showers theme.


Steve and I were strolling through the Palm House, and we came upon a photographer snapping pictures of a newlywed couple. They were glowing with happiness, and it was a sweet moment to witness. Seeing a bride and groom reminded me of how recently I married Steve; it feels like we've been together much longer than 2 years and married much longer than 4 months!





We continued towards Sugar from the Sun & the Children's Garden...






...then wandered into the Show House.








Our visit was cut short since the wedding reception was being set up in the Show House and Horticulture Hall. We didn't get into the Aroid House as a result, but that was by choice instead of being shooed out; we just didn't want to be in anyone's way! The Spring Flower Show ends on May 10, so we have plenty of time to return to GPC.

Click here for more photos!


After our visit to GPC, we swung over to Mitsuwa to cure my lack-of-Asian-culture blues with Pastry House Hippo treats, dried Manila mango, and milky tea. Our adventure ended with a fantastic dinner at In-Law's. I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!

~~~

Steve, thank you for being my valentine every day. I'm grateful to be your wife and best friend! I am incredibly fortunate to take part in such an amazing relationship, where every day feels so special and full of love. I love every moment with you and look forward to each new adventure!

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