Love may not make the world go round, but it sure does make a lot of people dizzy.
Turn up the heat, because tomorrow, Feb. 14, is supposed to be one of the most romantic days of the year.
This Valentine’s celebration may quite likely be a cold winter day but in most locations the atmosphere is bound to be extremely hot, as sweethearts of all ages seek to wildly or shyly express their love and affection for each other.
Whether our romantic adventures have been short-term, a rock of the ages, a crush or a secret admiration, it is on this special day thousands of souls will suddenly or secretly be flattered or flustered by all sorts of gifts, surprises, and attention that come right from the heart. Of course the reaction of the many recipients who have been struck by Cupid’s arrow will be most unpredictable and exciting, but hopefully, the message and the moods that have been created will remain long after the chocolates have been consumed, the flowers have wilted, and the cards and jewelry have been safely stored away in the hope chests.
If you are reading this column and have forgotten to get just a little something for your sweetie, you still have a few hours to rush out and pick up the perfect gift for the current or wannabe love of your life. Those understanding store clerks are always quite willing to offer some great gift ideas to us late and likely star-struck Feb. 14 shoppers, and if you ask real nice they will likely wrap it for you in poufy red paper with red ribbons and hearts. Whatever the case, no gift is too big or small, but should always be very special, because it is the thought that counts, and will be even better if you write your own sincere, personal, or sassy little message on the card, for only her or him to see.
There is no doubt that along the way, starting with grade school and until we decided to settle down, there were likely to be many “valentines” in our lives? Having one true valentine to pamper and adore is just great but there’s nothing wrong with having a whole bunch of extra precious valentines on the side, such as our grandchildren, grandparents, good friends, a trusty pet. Whatever the case, the trust test of love and companionship is to keep the spark alive over the years by always taking time for precious time together, and always trying to remember that we must never be too busy, too tired or too old for lots of hugs, kisses and holding hands — a sure sign that the flame is still burning bright, no matter what. Here’s to love, the only fire for which there is no insurance.
Valentine memories and humour
• We will never forget when we were in the early grades of school and absolutely everyone in the class sent those cut-out Valentine cards to each other, including the teachers. It was on that special day we brought cinnamon hearts or valentine heart cookies in our lunch to share with everyone. Remember when all the boys in class had a crush on the cute gal with the pony tails, who got lots of cards and treats, but she turned out to be a snob in high school?
• Little old me always tried to impress the teacher by placing a big card and a cookie on her desk on Feb. 14 and she returned the favour by marking my math test with a D, surrounded by a bright red heart. You must all recall that Valentine’s Day really heated up as we got into the higher grades, with dating and going steady moving into the competitive adventure, Dutch treat to a romantic show at the Capital Theatre very popular, but the big advantage always went to those students who had a hot set of wheels.
• When I look back, my mother was always my all-time favourite valentine, because she was always so sweet and kind, even when she was mad at us.
This mild February weather is just great but has one major setback is that those pesky potholes have already transformed our streets into a rough and tumble obstacle course. I guess we just have to drive a little slower and try to miss those holes but not at the expense of the guy next to us, or the wary pedestrian, who really doesn’t need another shower.
Have a great week, all of you!
— HAMMERTIME