A few days after the accident, a package arrived. My mom opened it for me and told me to hang on. She slipped headphones over my ears. Then I heard the music. The package was from my boyfriend. He couldn't get away from school so he made me a mix tape. In between each song, I listened to his voice explain why he chose that song. I listened and smiled. The first song was "Here Comes the Sun." He explained that while the doctors weren't sure my sight would return, he just knew I would see the sun again. Throughout those difficult days I listened to the music and his voice over and over. It got me through those scary days. I think that's when I really fell in love. Even after I regained my sight, this mix tape was still one of my favorite things.
I still have this tape that I digitized and as for the guy? Well, I married him.
The best I-Love-You gift is from the heart and maybe that just means shutting off your phones and spending time together drinking coffee or playing a game. Focused time is the best gift. It is.
Here are some of my other favorite things that might inspire you as you celebrate the love you share with your best friend/partner/spouse/mom/roommate. Happy Valentine's Day!
I love giving and getting a glassybaby as a gift. Each votive is unique and handcrafted here in Seattle. I've been to the glassblowing hot shop in Madrona and watching these artisans, it's clear that they impart a little soul into each piece of art. In addition to using them with tea lights, I also use them to serve little sundaes or for wine. I have given this gift to celebrate a new baby, as a memorial gift to a bereaved friend in lieu of flowers and for many birthdays and friends who I just wanted to send a bit of cheer to. This glassybaby is called goodness etched (see that sweet little heart?) but there are also over a hundred different colors to choose from. (The official Happygirl color is Ocean.)
Starting at $44.
(The package is darling, tied with a big white grosgrain bow. The tea light is included.)
Shipping is free. glassybaby.com
Starting at $44.
(The package is darling, tied with a big white grosgrain bow. The tea light is included.)
Shipping is free. glassybaby.com
I recently discovered this wine, Cotes des Roses from Gerard Bertrand at my local grocer. While the wine itself tastes like a happy blend of strawberry, citrus and jasmine, the bottle itself is lovely. Turn the bottle upside down and you'll be delighted to see a rose carved into the glass. At $13.95, this wine is a happy reminder of summer days, at a good price point. Plus, once you enjoy the wine, the bottle is perfect for a few long-stemmed flowers like big, fluffy pink Peonies. gerard-bertrand.com
It would be easy to spend $100 on a romantic Valentine's Day dinner, but what if, instead, you took that money and bought toys for the dogs at your local shelter? L and I did this one year and there was no dinner that could have compared to the joy we had in dropping these toys off.
Think about how goofiily delighted they will be to play with their new toys courtesy
of you and your big heart!
While you're there, check out the pets available for adoption. Sometimes the love of your life is exceptionally furry. Click here for a list of your local shelters.
(You may want to call the shelter first to be sure that they accept toys or
if they are in need of blankets or other items.)
Like the mixed tape my boyfriend made me, a personalized playlist is a touching gift that says
"I love you. You make me feel things. I'm grateful to have you in my life." It doesn't cost a thing but it's meaningful and shows that you care enough to select songs just for him or her.
Here's a Spotify Valentine's Day playlist I made for inspiration.
(Scroll down on the right side of the playlist to see all the songs.)
