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.
I always felt so bad for those couples–they would seem so nervous! And how often do you hear of couples getting into fights on Valentine's? Expectations are tricky things.
The door knocker is of a style that was fairly prevalant here during the 19th century, although this is the prettiest one that I have seen–I wish that the photo did it justice. Still getting to know my camera and the setting wasn't quite right!
Beautifully written post – and love the images of the door and knockers. Hope you had a lovely holiday!
well written!
What a beautiful story dahhling.. loved the image of you trampling through the snow to reach the mecca of Tiffany's, and your beautiful tour in images of this charming town. Simply charming…
Heather the images and especially the door knocker are amazing.
I love your account of your evening in NYC and Tiffany's!
Visit soon, I miss your comments…
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hear hear Heather! The saddest thing on Valentine's Day is seeing the try-hard couples, desperately trying to make it the most romantic of days. To me, romance is a dish best served with surprise and spontaneity, to avoid being contrived. Who can possibly decree that it should happen on cue?
That door knocker, tell me more.. there seems to be a story attached. Spooky or no, it is impossibly beautiful. x
Trust me, the door knocker is even spookier in person–she has a delicate ring and a frilly cuff–shiver me timbers. And yep, we all have our no-go zones and they can come in surprising places. Certainly there is something about NYC where everything is possible to such an extent that one can be willing to throw everything out the window, just because. Glad it didn't stick. And happily, there are plenty of other phenomenal world cities to get lost in…like Rome. Kyoto. Rio…
What? I am heading right over for lefovers (true, they will be mighty cold when I get there) because that must have been one amazing dinner!
Is that hand a door knocker? So spooky!
Every time I've been in NYC with a boyfriend we've split up, I even left the hubs high and dry there once, I just can't go there, it makes me so stressed and prone to lunacy.
I love how you tracked across to TIFFANYS in a billzard!Love how you found an item to purchase.Love how you would rub it on occasion.LOVE LOVE LOVE reading the comments before mine finding out your sister is popping over for a visit!I want photos together of the two of you!Okey-Dokey?Put Remi on that mission PLEASE!
We had a gorgeous meal last night at friends and I kept thinking why didn't I bring my camera!
The menu!
Radishes&Beef Tonque (I didnt partake in tonque!)
Oro Blanco, Avocado,Crab&Chervil
Spagettini with Lobster,Creme Fraiche and Saffron
Fresh Monterrey Spot Prawns in Orange Dust with Artichoke Hearts and Frisee
Tangerines,Dates,Pears & Chocolates.
A feast that was truley beautiful.