Over the last several months I’ve been reading historical novels about the English court, by British author, Philippa Gregory. Beginning with The Other Boleyn Girl about Mary Boleyn, sister of Anne, and now The Virgin’s Lover about Elizabeth I before she became the virgin queen. If you have not read these and have any interest in historical fiction (or historical smut, as R calls it), I highly recommend these books. Next on my list are The Constant Princess, The Queen’s Fool and The Boleyn Inheritance.

Last month, I saw a great, big billboard advertising a new tv program on Showtime called The Tudors, which is about Henry VIII just before he becomes infatuated with Anne Boleyn. I was so excited, but so disappointed that nobody I know has Showtime. But right here in Texas, in my little hotel room, there is Showtime and The Tudors premiered tonight! Needless to say, I was so excited. I camped out on my bed, waiting for it to begin. It stars [URL=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001667/]Johnathan Rhys Meyers[/url] as Henry VIII. He and the show are yummy…

Here’s to historical soap operas!

I used to think that Valentine’s Day was a big deal. I felt that it was the day of all days of romance. I thought it was a day for couples to show their appreciation for each other with cards, or flowers, or candy, or presents.

Then I spent a couple (or a few, but who’s counting?) Valentine’s Days as a single gal and I fell out of love with the day. I started to see it as a commercialized, contrived, capitalist celebration. I always hated the feeling of having to go over the top or stuck on the idea that someone should go over the top for me. It felt like an obligation to create romance.

I realized I would rather be in a relationship where it’s always Valentine’s Day. Where two people appreciate each other often and are sweet to each other every day. Where little gifts are random and surprising.

Two weeks ago, the boy and I were driving in the car and had this conversation:

Me: “Hey honey.”
Him: “Yeah?”
Me: “You don’t have to do anything crazy for Valentine’s Day, ’cause I have to work anyway, and it’s not my favorite holiday, so, you know, you don’t have to get me anything.”
Him: “Ok, baby. That’s cool. I don’t need a specific day to let you know how much I love you. I like to let you know every day.”

Then, since I have to work tonight, we decided to have a little Valentine celebration last night instead. He told me he’d pick me up at 8:15pm.

And he took me to [URL=http://www.memphishollywood.com/]Memphis[/url]…

The (2nd) location of our first date.

They serve comfort food and I had ribs.

And that’s why I love my boyfriend yesterday, today, and every day.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
(still not my favorite holiday…)

You know those people who are really good at finding the perfect gift? Perhaps you are even one of those people…

You know what I mean. The person who thinks of something really creative and unique that delights and suits the person wonderfully. These people don’t seem to need any help, either. No hints. No suggestions. No lists. Just the perfect gift.

I am not one of these people. I stress out. I worry. I draw a blank. And then when I do come up with a fabulous idea, it’s usually 2 minutes before I have to have the gift all ready to go…

Where does one learn the art of giving the perfect gift? Do tell.

My brother has been drawing…and I adore his new set of pictures entitled “What is love?”
Here’s where I am:

“full of warm, overwhelming, passionate, mixed-up, compassionate, and terrifying love”
by S. Jones

Where are you? [URL=http://flickr.com/photos/fernando_graphicos/sets/72157594408052357/]Click here to find out…[/url]