It's Valentines Day Week my fellow vagabonds. And I know that all of the cynics in the world think that Valentines Day is just another marketing ploy to get people, mostly men, to buy stuff for the one they love. Well - Not so fast my friend(s). Valentines Day dates back long before Hallmark and Pro Flowers started making big bucks on this holiday that is celebrated in one of the worst weather months on the calendar. Maybe that's the point. Sharing your love with your soul mate makes you focus on the good and forget about the lousy weather. To keep things simple, here is a quote from Encyclopedia Britannica:
"Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century."
There are many questions that couples have to ask and answer for this blessed day and its importance or lack thereof in our romantic lives.
First and foremost. Are you going to take the one you love and go somewhere? It doesn't need to be far or exotic. Plus, there are many other days in the year that lend themselves to couples going to the next place on their bucket lists. A recent survey for Travelocity said that 56 percent of respondents currently in a relationship believe that travel for V-Day is a good idea. However, it also stated that only 30 percent of those questioned have ever been on a couples only trip. Doesn't sound like they are taking their own advice does it? We decided against going anywhere for Valentines due to weather and other demands on our time. I know, pretty lame. Sorry, I loathe this time of year here in God's country.
Make sure you at least take your one and only to a great place for dinner and show them how much you love them all day and every day. Or have a serious Valentines Night and prepare a gourmet meal at home with all the candles, music and love that your one and only deserves. . I have written four poems to the most amazing creature in my life. The fourth one will be given to her in the morning. We met and fell in love in 1969. She is way above my station. God looked down and said - OK my son, you are NOT worthy, but, sometimes I help those that can't help themselves. And The Man Upstairs hit a home run for sure. I still have dreams about her and what she has meant in my life. We have two amazing kids who, along with dear old dad, have absolute proof she hung the sun, moon and stars.
Living with someone through dozens of Valentines makes you understand what true love really is. I know beyond any shadow of any doubt that I am one blessed man to kiss and say good morning to my one and only Susie.
And, of course, with the technology that is available to us today, you can build some serious romantic music libraries. Following are just some of my recommendations to lower the lights and lighten the mood with that special one that you love with all your heart.
Diana Krall - Amazing chanteuse who brings jazz that will move all lover's hearts.
Michael Buble - Today's current carrier of the torch of the greats from the past.
Frank Sinatra - Speaking of greats. 'Nuff said.
Nat King Cole - Another genius from yesterday.
Steve Tyrell - I just started listening to this cross between Van Morrison & Sinatra. Very cool.
Just pull these artists and others up on SPOTIFY and dance with the one that makes your life complete. Music is the best thing to have as a partner when you're loving the most important person in your life.
And remember. As Charles M. Schultz says:
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
HAPPY VALENTINES
d.l.stafford
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