Although I write romantic thrillers, don’t be fooled. While my stories include romance, Valentine’s Day doesn’t rock my world. The modern-day version is too much of a cliché-fest: an exchange of overpriced greeting cards, imprinted with pre-packaged sentiment; gifts of chocolate and red roses, standardized symbols that are somehow supposed to universally mean love; and restaurants crowded with tables for four that are used by only two.
Yet, I spend plenty of time thinking about romance. When I write, I consider whether a romantic gesture fits within the context of the scene and what type of gesture would be appropriate. Scene by scene, chapter by chapter, the romance evolves with the story. Amidst the turmoil of a suspense-driven mystery, I love to craft moments that reveal not only a complex romantic relationship but also character depth.
My preoccupation with romance has me wanting to like Valentine’s Day. Believing that we can do better than the clichés, I’m sharing a few ideas for getting into the spirit of the day:
1. Dive into History
If you’re tired of the Hallmark version of February 14, look no further than the origin of the holiday for a version that is decidedly different. Evidently, we’re giving out pastel-colored candy hearts on the feast day of a Saint who was beheaded. Under the rule of the Roman Emperor Claudius II, or “Claudius the Cruel,” marriages were banned because Claudius believed that men who were married didn’t make great soldiers. The Roman Catholic Priest Valentine, who was later canonized by the Catholic church, believed that the marriage ban was cruel. He continued to perform the marriage rite for lovestruck couples. He was arrested, sentenced to death, and beheaded sometime around 270 A.D. Saint Valentine is now considered the Patron Saint of love, young people, and happy marriages. (The History Channel, Catholic.org, and Wikipedia provide similar accounts of the origin of the holiday).
Given that my imagination produces scenarios where romantic love flourishes while the world is falling apart, I’ve made a mental note to do a deeper dive into this fascinating history. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more in keeping with the lighter spirit of the day, read on for more ideas!
2. Make Meatballs.
Being born into a food-centric family, I learned at a young age that cooking a special dish for someone is a way of showing your love. I’m talking about old-fashioned cooking, the kind that takes time and planning.
This year, I’m disappearing for a few weeks in the February-April time frame for writing retreats. (I’m looking forward to completing Insertion, A Black Raven Novel, in the not too distant future). Using my mom’s traditional recipe, and with her help, I made a giant batch of meatballs with tomato sauce. They came out great–the perfect marriage of meat, garlic, cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Best, they’re now in single-serving containers in the freezer so that my husband can have them when I’m away. I sent mom home with several containers as well. It’s my way of saying Happy Valentine’s Day, to both of them.
If meatballs aren’t your thing, what is? Find some time, get your grocery list together, and cook a dish from your repertoire that shows someone (including yourself) that you love them. If you’re curious about my mom’s meatball recipe, click here to shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to share it with you!
3. Spot a great romantic movie moment.
Watch a romantic movie and look for the best scene where the characters reveal their feelings. One of my favorite romantic speeches in a movie is from the seriously flawed Melvin Udall, played by Jack Nicholson, in As Good As It Gets. In addition to Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt and Greg Kinnear deliver great performances. Plus, there is a bonus — this movie stars one of the cutest canines of all time.
Also look for the “I’m Just A Girl” scene in Notting Hill and the “To Me You’re Perfect” flashcard scene from Love Actually. (links are provided by by movieclips.com). If you’re looking for other romantic movies, check out this list of great romantic movie speeches by Ms.Mojo.
4. Sunrise/Sunset.
Some romantic clichés exist for a reason, and I’m not knocking the idea of taking a walk at sunrise or sunset as a way to celebrate the spirit of the day. Since I spend so much time sitting and writing, I love to walk. If I’m lucky, sometimes those walks happen when the sun is putting on a show. In case it is cloudy where you are on Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing some of my favorite sunrise/sunset photos with you.
I’m also sharing a sunset-related excerpt from Jigsaw, A Black Raven Novel. The scene takes place in Paris, France. Black Raven Agent Jesus (“Zeus”) Hernandez is carrying Samantha (“Sam”) Dixon from a bombing. She was injured, but not gravely. The scene is told in Zeus’s point of view. He is attempting to distract Sam from her injuries by telling her, at her request, about his view of a sunset.
“Zeus.” Sam’s voice was muffled. She was leaning into him and her face was pressed into his overcoat. She didn’t attempt to look up.
“Yeah?”
“Need to think about something pleasant. Tell me about the sunset from your Keys house.”
“What?”
“Your Keys house. Sunset.”
“How’d you know I got it?” Five yards from the edge of the bridge. Deal, Jenkins, and Miles were in step with him, moving at a fast jog. The road wasn’t blocked.
“Seven years ago it was a dream.” She buried her face deeper. “I know you well enough to know you made it happen.”
Turning right on Quais des Grand Augustins, eyes moving to spot danger, he said, “It’s on Islamorada. On the Florida Bay, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a raised house. Sits on an acre and a half. I was lucky to get the property.”
“The sunset, Hernandez.”
He thought through words that would give her a visual of the specialness of the place. “It faces west. Sunsets are spectacular from the deck, which I’ve set up like a kitchen and living room, with a giant outdoor television.”
Gripping his coat tighter, she shook her head. “Sunset. Colors. Tell me.”
“Patience, Sam.” He chuckled. “I’m getting to it. No matter what I’m doing there, whether I’m working or doing things with Ana, I settle in about fifteen minutes before and wait for the show. I’ve got these chairs—I swear time stands still when I sit in one.” He drew a deep breath. “The sunsets are wonderful.”
“The colors. Tell me about the colors.”
“Zeus. Take your first left,” Ragno said, providing instruction through his ear mic. “Small side street. Rue Git-le-Coeur. Vehicles are waiting for you in the first block.”
He exhaled, having to think hard about the colors. Describing a sunset while running from a bombing was a new one for him. Hell. Describing a sunset was a new one for him. “When the sun first touches the horizon, pinks, oranges, and reds shoot through the sky. The colors reflect off the rippling water. It’s one of the prettiest sights I’ve ever seen.”
Aside from you.
5. Valentine’s Day Dog Toys.
If all else fails for getting into the spirit of the holiday, buy some cute, Valentine-themed toys for your pups. These photos are my canine-inspired Happy Valentine’s Day wish to you.
If you have nontraditional ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day and would like to share them, please leave a comment below. Also – click here to read about Carnival Season in New Orleans, which is also happening now.
With love,
Stella Barcelona