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by Julie Bergher
Valentine’s Day. Bah, Humbug. Valentine’s, a completely commercial endeavor propagated by greeting card companies, florists and jewelers, is one of a handful of “holidays” that are most joyful to single people… when they’re over! The bombardment of kissing couples, floating red hearts and shiny baubles is nauseating. Tell her you love her… buy her… (oh, pick one) a diamond? Overpriced red roses? Fattening, unhealthy pounds of milk-chocolate?
I’ve always been offended by the media and popular opinion telling me what I should like and when I should like it. In past relationships, I’ve felt a sense of empathy for my boyfriend(s), who were compelled by society to spend money on roses (usually delivered in a lovely box at work!), or some jewelry – before he (or I) was ready for that step. To be totally honest, although I love the look of roses, they’re not my favorite flower. I don’t love roses. I don’t love milk-chocolate. I don’t love small diamonds.
This Valentine’s Day, rather than be bitter and/or saddened by the “love” surrounding me and seemingly out of my reach, I thought I’d focus on all those things that make me happy. Here are a few of the things that I love – and I don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day, or someone to give them to me, to enjoy them!
I Love….
Waking up without an alarm clock – any season (but doing it on a rainy day seems decadent). Dining outdoors. Snuggling with my dogs. Long hot showers. Pinot noir, fresh baked bread, soft cheese (mmmm… brie). I especially love the last three together! I love gardening, even if everything dies, which it usually does. My favorite flowers are lisianthus. Amazingly, I grow these and they haven’t died! I love antiques, but know nothing about them. I love writing. I love puppy breath (Try it. It’s soooo sweet!). I love my home. It’s warm, messy and smells wonderful – especially when I’ve built a fire (which I can do nicely), and have something healthy, nutritious and comforting cooking in my kitchen. I love my own cooking. I love my kitchen (a bigger one would be nice, but cozy is good, too). I love fixing things. I have power tools and know how to use them. I would love to learn how to use more and build more! I love my girlfriends. I have a couple of friends that mean the world to me. Without them I’d be lost. I love my extended family of supportive friends. I love third dates. Not first or second. Third (and beyond). I love sushi. I love saki. I love sushi and saki! I’d love to learn ballroom dancing, piano and snow skiing (which I do, but like a five year old). I love Jersey Cotton sheets.
Sometimes, the only way to find someone to be happy with, is to be a happy person before you start looking.
Write to Julie: writelove@sbcglobal.net
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