My Take on Love and Hallmark Movies

I'm the person who used to roll my eyes at the mention of Hallmark movies. I thought they were cheesy, predictable, and made for people who lived boring lives and had nothing better to do with their time. Boy was I wrong! Or maybe I’m becoming a boring person with nothing better to do with my time, lol! Either way, follow me here on how I became a Hallmark convert. It happened like this.

It was Christmastime and I was home alone about to fold a MOUND of laundry. I grabbed the clicker and turned on the TV as I got busy on my task. As I started folding away, I found myself mesmerized by the story of a beautiful young woman trying to establish herself in the real estate business as a home stager. She ended up pretending to be engaged to a gorgeous guy with a new home who needed his house, you guessed it, staged for a holiday home tour that was being judged by the biggest realtor in town. Cue the sexual tension! Delve into past relationship mistakes! Bring on the Christmas decorations! Salivate at the endless supply of cookies and hot chocolate! I was floating in a bubble of Christmas love, joy, and wishful thinking the entire movie. Was she ever going to be a December bride?! Gah! And then, all the pieces of their romantic puzzle fell into place like Kris Kringle magic. I was grinning ear to ear at the happily-ever-after ending. Wondering what I had been watching, I pressed the info button on the remote and discovered I was watching the Hallmark channel!

*GASP*

Clutching the remote in disbelief, a million things raced through my mind with two thoughts overriding all the others. First, how could I have been so wrong about Hallmark movies? Second, who the heck was I? I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. I was hooked. Over time, my DVR became filled with equal parts alien movies, supernatural thrillers, sci-fi adventures, horror, and good ‘ole Hallmark love stories. Still is. Talk about an interesting mix of entertainment!

Looking back on this newfound affinity for gooey romance that has lasted well past Christmas thanks to Hallmark’s Winterfest and Countdown to Valentine’s Day, I had to wonder...why was this genre appealing to me now? I didn’t need to ponder too long because deep down I knew the reason. I write sci-fi/paranormal fiction that’s gut-wrenching, twisted, and horror-filled. I’m living in a dark world that’s brimming with hate, intolerance, and turmoil. It’s no wonder I was drawn to the sunshine of Hallmark. You see, in Hallmark movies everyone is positive and loving and sympathetic and caring. I could go on and on, but you get the gist. Clearly, my heart was craving the stuff. And frankly, who doesn’t need a hefty dose of love every once in a while. Amiright?

Love can be found in all shapes and sizes. It can be found in a mate, in family, in friends, in pets, or even in yourself in the form of taking care of you and doing something fulfilling. And yes, it can be found in what we read and watch, including the Hallmark Channel. So I say this loud and clear, embrace whatever speaks to your heart and let the love in!

*pics from dreamstime.com