|
Now that
the solstice and its kaleidoscope of significances has faded to
midwinter’s meager light, the first turn of the calendar’s page
brings us to St. Valentine’s Day. While the exact origins of
the Holiday and its patron saint remain shrouded in the twin veils
of history and mystery, the most commonly accepted Christian and
Roman legends harmonize in painting the martyred Valentine, or
Valentinus as an heroic, sympathetic, romantic figure. In any case,
whether you like your history and mystery served in a classical,
baroque, romantic or modern vessel, in the post-post-modern world
Valentine’s Day is made for merchandising. It offers ready-to-wear
imagery with an irresistible “hook”, an appeal to melt even the
coldest of hearts—Love. Valentine’s Day. Love. It’s so
charming and cute, with Cupid, hearts and arrows and everything all
pink and red. But in order to punch your love ticket and pr ove
your mettle as a worthy one-day-a year romantic, ya gotta buy stuff.
Because everybody knows that Valentine’s Day is about red roses,
Champagne, chocolate, lavish gifts of every stripe and hue and
special romantic dinners—just the two of you in that special place
with everybody else and their special someone in their special
place. All of which seems about as real as Venice in the Nevada
desert.
I have a better idea. Give your wallet a rest. Stay home
(you’ll have the place all to yourselves), cook up a nice little
something for dinner, then just hang out. To hell with the TV, try
something really “Euro”, something retro, like conversation.
Be sure to drink wine. You want to think in terms of hearts and
flowers? Think about yours and your beloved’s hearts—in the flower
of health. There’s nothing quite like red wine to make both heart
and soul happy. Ergo, open a bottle of something soulful, passionate
and lovingly crafted. Repeat on the 15th, the next day, and the next
day, and the next. Mens sana in corpore sano.* Be good to
yourself—live, love and drink well, everyday. Make Valentine’s Day
just another day in a calendar bursting with love.
*Sound mind in a sound body. 
Jeff Cox is the Beer and
Wine Merchandiser for PCC Natural Market
|
|
By