It might be best if I leave St. Valentine’s Day alone. Not that I am bitter, my no. True, there were many that I spent single in NYC, some while waiting tables on couples that were frankly a little too eager to have the perfect evening. Even as a child in chilly Mid-western classrooms, I wasn’t the one that would receive valentines, although I would collect those candy hearts and make up stories in my head.
Actually one of the best memories I have for this particular holiday is that of me marching (literally) across midtown Manhattan during a blizzard to Tiffany’s. Yes, you read right. What I thought I would find there I didn’t know. My funds were quite feeble. And yet Tiffany’s never disappoints.
As someone who has spent her fair time at the altar of Audrey Hepburn, I should probably blush at the obvious reference but I certainly didn’t then. Like Holly GoLightly, I would often stroll around the quiet of the store when well enough dressed to do so, just to peer into the cases and feel the curious glances of the salesclerks from behind their upholstered perches.
I actually did find something that day. An Elsa Peretti pendant on the thinnest silver chain. A square rectangle with an indent the size of a thumb print. One that I would later pass over and over again like a rosary to keep my courage high. I couldn’t really afford it but then again, I couldn’t really afford not to. Not on that day.
Not all of us fit in to just the right places at just the right time. I felt that also while walking around Sisteron not long ago. What is appreciated, what is put by the wayside? As I mentioned recently, Remi and I spent a few days in the northern Luberon with Sisteron as our base. The town is for many just the first break of sunshine after a long journey from the North. It surprised me to see that so little of its Centre Historique had been renovated and yet how incredible to see the swaths of time untouched.
The gorgeously sculpted door in the first photo is absolutely the most beautiful that I have ever seen in Provence. And just about anywhere, I would garner. And yet it is the entry to an unremarkable building, forgotten perhaps save for the carving at its entry that is too beautiful to not be remarked upon. The bombshell of Sisteron, so to speak.
There is beauty all around us. Sometimes someone sees it and appreciates it for what it is, whether it is perfect or no. Today, I am sending out my best to the single women and men who happen to read this blog. I can never begin to understand the timing of the world and yet today is just a holiday. Celebrate it as you see fit.
As for me, well Remi and I did find each other, both of us carrying all of the patina of the last door. It is never easy nor a fairy tale. I am grateful for him and Ben and the rest of my family everyday. And not just on St. Valentine’s.
Love is love.
Natalie, your story is so beautiful. There is something so especially wonderful about a touch of the unexpected for such a romantic evening! How lovely and yes, how smart to keep that evening in mind when others are less so. Something I need to do myself! Bisous.
It is so true, Jackie. Actually, your recipe for a romantic getaway sounds just about perfect to me right now! I think Seattle is amazing but I don't know how you handle the gray. The last time I visited, it had been overcast for 111 days in a row!
Perfectly, perfectly said Jeanne! As always and I loved your post too. Thank you so much for the kind wishes and the warmth of your sentiments, they really made me smile. So happy you found the right door too.
Sister, you know I am surrounded by single ladies this year–each, like yourself, totally beautiful, smart and amazing. It is a mystery to me! And I can't wait to see you!!!
Thank you so much Helen and I agree. They are challenging holidays both of them. Sending you joy for today!
So wonderful, Judith. How amazing to be able to say that you have been lucky in love and to know that. And 30 years…that is amazing. We can forgive a good man a little Costco for that.
You look way too young to have a 12 year old but what a thoughtful gift your sweetie gave you. I love that!
Debra, I love that you hid a card in your honey's truck! I used to do that with Remi's photobag when he was going off on assignment without me. Sometimes it would take him a really long time to find the notes too. And hooray for Dylan dog! Fine company if ever there was. 🙂
You know I did cave and buy a rose for my honey yesterday Mary. It just made me happy to do it. But I agree, the little things…
Thanks Wyn-cheers right back at ya!