Being relatively young, I still have the energy to ask the bland questions: Why should Valentine’s Day matter to us? In this, I mean the Valentine’s Day of you and me—the general, stodgy adults—since I think we can agree that children could never have any objection to candies and little cards and fun days at school.
As it’s a time to acknowledge and reward Romance, let’s also give some thought to love-in-actuality and what endures. Now being in a position to look back some, I can say that I’ve forgotten nearly all of my Valentine’s Day gifts through the years. I’ve certainly forgotten all the flowers and candies and trinkets. I’ve forgotten most of the books and records.
However, I do remember a breakfast that my boyfriend made for me on an otherwise unremarkable day. I remember that once, when I was very sick and fevered, he drove me to the hospital even though I stubbornly objected the whole way. I remember that he waits (semi)patiently while I rifle through things at Goodwill for just five more minutes. I remember that he rescues my nice yarn from the cat.
You’ve heard this all before, but it’s worth recalling that today is not the serious and ultimate expression of your love; it’s just fun and distracting. It is, as children’s infinite wisdom dictates, mainly an excuse to eat candy. With this spirit in mind, here’s what I’ve made for a Valentine’s Day present:
A little crocheted beer bottle cozy—easy, sweet and destined to be forgotten. The body is City Tweed, in Tahitian Pearl, with random stash-scraps for the accents. As with most things I’ve crocheted lately, the cozy pattern is a mental amalgamation. However, if you need crocheted heart instructions,this is hands-down the easiest I’ve found.
Anyway, I’d love to hear all about your romantic crafting this year. Or lack thereof. Or just about all the steak and lobster and chocolate you’re eating tonight.
PS: My present this year was a collection of obscure (see also: “just plain unpopular”) Alfred Hitchcock movies, purchased from a grocery store bin. Ivor Novello as The Lodger, be still my beating heart.
