Shot of Love

Valentine's Day has never been a huge deal to me. I'd much rather celebrate my birthday or a friend or loved one's birthday or an anniversary of a special occasion.

Scott and I have always done small, sweet things for each other on Valentine's Day, the grand gestures reserved for occasions unique to us and our relationship. Like last year, when on the 10th anniversary of the day we met, he recorded a version of my favorite Beatles' song, Michelle, and gave it to me.

On our first Valentine's Day, when we'd been dating slightly less than one month, Scott brought me three yellow roses in a small vase along with a mixed tape of music he felt passionately about: Allen Toussaint on one side and Blind Willie McTell on the other. I loved it! It stands out for me more than any other Valentine's Day gift I've ever received or given. In fact, I can't really remember any others even though I know lots of other sweet things have been done for me on Valentine's Day along the way.

Still, music is so much a part of our relationship and when he shares music with me, it's...well, it's the thing I love most. It makes me feel a part of him because music is not merely a part of Scott's life or somethign he does, it is simply who he is...an amazingly gifted musician.

He's been in various bands for a long, long time, singing and writing really great songs the whole time. Right now he's working on an album and it's really great.

Anyway, my plans for sharing music with him this Valentine's Day got shot down, but I hope the fact that I don't have a gift for him is made up for by this...

Yesterday, I took a CD to a local coffee house that has music on the weekends and now Scott is booked to play there next month. I'm excited! Obviously, this isn't a gift. It is something Scott earned by virtue of his talent and the work he has put into creating new music. It was also something I wanted to do to be a part of this exciting, creative process. It took me way too long to get around to doing it, but I'm glad I did.

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all! I hope everyone feels loved today! I love you all!