I received a promotional email from Amazon this morning asking whether I “need some inspiration on what to buy for Valentine’s Day.”
Amazon have plenty of ideas, but I’m not so sure about the inspiration – iPods, pots (pots?), games consoles, digital cameras, CDs… and books, the first on the list being Jed Rubenfeld’s novel, The Interpretation of Murder, which may be a good read, but seems a curious choice for Valentine’s Day.
No poetry. Not even Neruda! Where has romance gone? And what would you like to give or receive on Valentine's Day?
14 comments:
There's a loaded question... ;)
I'd like to give what I usually give, my time and a lovely meal made by my own hands. Best thing to receive is compliments about the meal and time to sit and chat and be nice to each other.
I'd like an orchid. The flowers last for ages and I'd photograph it within an inch of its life.
That and The Ballads of the Book when it comes out.
And I'll take him out to see a great film, of his choice, and get something good to eat.
All conveniently available from your local petrol station (and thus can be picked up on the evening of the 13th, or even the morning of the day itself.):
A Disposable Barbecue (In remembrance of the warm Summer nights we have shared; and those still to come.)
A pack of six Ferrero Rocher (Look! I scatter gold at your feet! And daub sweetness on your lips!)
The new AA Road Atlas (For I am lost without you...)
A 10-pack of disposable gloves (So that your gentle hands shall never know the stains of this world.)
Alternatively, the Gift of Silence; Part of a Charity Goat; An Author's Copy of your latest collection (It may be 30% cheaper, but I've signed it).
Jim 'smoooooth' Sheard
I am hoping for another valentine from Ted Kooser. Last year's was my first.
I always tend to give tickets to a gig we'll both enjoy, as there's something special about sharing a moment while beautiful, soaring live music fills the air (I'm getting sentimental in memory of seeing Sigur Ros last year...). As for the actual evening, a meal and a good film or play normally does the trick.
I have been working on this site for some time...and it is actually perfect time to use it. I know I would want something more creative, unique, and thoughtful.
In the name of your loved one, you can provide a child with a first book, an AIDS patient with life-saving drugs or a hungry family with a nourishing meal...
So check out this website,...
http://www.ChangingThePresent.org
Obviously love is alive and well among readers of this blog! - other than the author of the first (deleted) comment with his/her malware-infested site (my computer deals with such things robustly).
Jim, you should charge for that advice. You'd make a fortune on 13 February!
We tend to eat in, with candles and a good wine. I also try to write a poem each year.
Jim, you should charge for that advice. You'd make a fortune on 13 February!
Yes - and all my - ahem - 'customers' would be too busy looking for new accommodation afterwards to come demanding refunds.
Well, you could charge for finding them accommodation. And become the Patron Saint of Petrol Stations - which has a nice ring to it.
And become the Patron Saint of Petrol Stations - which has a nice ring to it.
Somewhere, a poet is taking notes - and The Patron Saint of Petrol Stations will be the title of their forthcoming pamphlet. Not bad - not bad at all.
Yes, the Patron Saint of Petrol Stations does have a nice ring to it, indeed ;)
It's better than the Patron Saint of Gas that's for sure!
I think I know someone that holds that post though........
Sorry Rob I'm lowering the tone, I'll get my coat.
Hmmmmm. I think I feel a poem coming on. Although titles aren't copyright, so we could all write it.
The Patron Saint of Gas could be a poem too.
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