Thursday, February 14, 2008

Love is in the Air

Valentine’s Day. It can be good or bad depending on whether you have a lover to celebrate with. Somehow, as a romance writer, this holiday feels more...personal maybe.

Before writing this post I thought I’d better brush up on my Valentine’s Day trivia. Wikipedia is a font of information! I had no idea so many countries and cultures had a celebration of love in some form or another. There are even countries that have banned those celebrations, creating a black market for themed products. Here in the US, it’s the second largest card-sending day of the year.

A lot of men argue that the day is designed for women. And I’ll be the first to admit it’s easier to buy for women – flowers and candy pretty much cover the bases. I don’t know about y’all but my DH couldn’t care less about flower and chocolate. He’s getting grape vines. It’s what he wanted. *shrugs* He’s happy so so am I.

Today, the Playfriends want to share our love with y’all. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to give away prizes? Not just any prizes. Books. And chocolate.

We want everyone to share their idea of romance with us. What’s your idea of a romantic date? Or maybe share an inexpensive way to show someone you love them. Tell us about the perfect gift you’ve gotten or given. Or maybe just share a romantic story from you own life. As long as it involves romance, you qualify.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Instigator

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

My idea of a romantic date is eating a candlelit dinner at home, taking a walk on the beach holding hands, watching a movie snuggled up together, and of course making mad passionate love. LOL

petite said...

I don't pine for an extravagant dinner out in a romantic restaurant. I would appreciate quality time spent leisurely in a lovely, quiet setting which would be memorable and unforgettable. A day trip visiting a new area and a walk exploring the site.

Shari C said...

My Valentine’s Day is already so wonderful as my husband and I were married on this wonderful day for lovers and every year reminds me of how much I love and appreciate this special man in my life…I feel very blessed.

Anonymous said...

Uh...uh...you've stumped me.

Barbara Vey said...

My heart goes out to all those who don't have anyone to share Valentine's Day with. Especially in this harsh winter, it just intensifies the lonliness.

So, to those I say, curl up with a wonderful, warm romantic book. You can dine with it, laugh with it, cry with it and don't have to buy it a gift. And you can enjoy it again and again.

Theresa N. said...

My favorite Valentine was my daughters birth. Says it all love, happy,...

Playground Monitor said...

The most romantic thing the DH ever did for me was to hire a barbershop quartet to serenade me at work. The men all wore tuxedos and they presented me with a single long-stemmed red rose before they sang two songs. I was the envy of every woman in the office, and I'm sure every man was praying his wife didn't hear about it and ask "Why can't YOU do something romantic like that?" LOL!

No romantic dinner tonight. I'll be lucky to be able to slurp down a couple spoonfuls of chicken broth. I'll be floating -- but on pain pills instead of a cloud of passion. ;-)

PM

Unknown said...

hmm my idea of a perfect day.. i dont have to go to work.. the kids are gone.. hubby comes home and says put on some good clothes. i have a surprise.. dinner at my favorite restaurant. a movie, and maybe come home to some red roses and dessert.. and some diamond earrings would be nice..
ok now back to the real world..i do have to work today. kids at school must be fed despite special days..lol. my husband will do well to get a card bought.. he doesnt know romance from his butt..
as for dinner... well its leftover beef and noodles..
a girl can dream anyway..haha

Lynn Raye Harris said...

This always sounds crazy to folks, but hubby and I don't necessarily do anything special on Valentine's Day. We also don't go whole hog crazy at Christmas either. And I think that's because our attitude is "why wait?" We don't have kids, so if we want to go out for a special dinner, or want to buy something special, we do.

Marilyn, that is seriously romantic! And it reminds me of the commercials hubby has been telling me about. Jewelry commercials with guys doing really sweet things, like washing the dog or making a homemade card, and then it says "Because you're not that kind of guy" and suggests you buy jewelry instead. LOL!

CrystalGB said...

My idea of a romantic date is dinner at our favorite restaurant, followed by a movie and then coming home for "dessert".

Angel said...

Wonderful suggestions! Hubby and I will be waiting to celebrate Valentine's on Saturday. We're going to a new Italian restaurant and then birthday shopping for Drama Queen.

But what really amazes me is the simple things my husband and I do together. We enjoy going to the movies or watching videos together at home. We usually eat out if we go out together. We like to go to a bookstore and browse. Lucky for me, my hubby loves to shop. Of course, his favorite is for lingerie, but he's a guy so I'll forgive him. :)

Barbara, Great suggestion!

Angel

anne said...

Since we rarely go out I would enjoy just being together. An entire day to ourselves to see a special missed movie and then perhaps an early dinner which would be wonderful. Time is so precious and it would be meaningful just to talk.

Anonymous said...

a ncie boat or helocopter ride through paris. seeing the eifle tower at nite with the stars out. sounds so beautiful, with one u love.

kim h

ruth said...

A special performance of an exceptional and talented performer whose singing I love. This night would be a night to remember. I think the memories would last a lifetime.

catslady said...

Something heartfelt - like coming home with a book can mean more than being wined and dined sometimes. After 38 years I've had a little bit of everything which can include nothing one year to flowers, dinner, movies, and/or jewelrey or even a romantic dinner at home. Before kids we would have a picnic in our living room. It at least keeps things interesting and I never "expect" anything so therefore I'm always surprised.

robynl said...

I received a great Valentine from my Mom one time and I cherish it because she has since passed away.
She always made a heart shaped box and decorated it with silk flowers, beads, material, etc. This one year she made me a box and covered it with the material she cut off of my graduation gown(after grad I needed a dress for a wedding and Mom shortened it. She added some lovely peachy roses to the top(the material is peachy and gold. I now can see it and be reminded of Mom and see my grad dress material at the same time. I treasure this and have it put away.

tetewa said...

I'm spending the night at home with that special someone! We're ordering out for chinese food and watching a romantic movie!

diane said...

Being lucky to have that special soulmate is something I appreciate. We are going to celebrate with an Italian dinner out, which is my favorite.

Carol M said...

I received a Valentine's Day card from my cats. Does that count? lol

Cheryl said...

My idea of a romantic date is an intimate dinner for two at home, followed by cuddling up on the couch together and watching a movie.

Cheryl