
I think of Valentine’s Day as an excuse to buy more expensive groceries than usual (lamb chops, here we come!) and be the beneficiary of fresh flowers and handmade chocolates. But having just read a devastating article about how death can sweep in and steal away with who and what we love, I’m reminded how I felt after reading The Time Traveler’s Wife: studying every little detail––every eyelash, every posture––and not letting any of it pass without appreciation. You never know when it will be gone.
I also just read my dear friend’s blog post about how radical the decision to go ahead and love yourself (though Stuart Smalley has made this kind of talk wincingly embarrassing) can change everything.
So whatever your situation this Valentine’s Day, whether loving yourself or another or a whole roomful of people, I humbly submit this soundtrack with all its shades of love: happy alone, happy together, and, well, not so happy at all.
PS Every time the Florence + the Machine song came on yesterday I had to dance around the living room, which seems good for everyone at any time, no matter the holiday.
PPS Aretha. Oh, Aretha. This song gives me shivers.
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