Valentine's Day

Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton

Wherever I look, every article it seems, is about Valentine's day. 

So thinking back over past Valentine's celebrations - my most favourite ones ever were spent with my brother-in-law - Kitty, celebrating with champagne and food fit for the Gods!  No pressure, just happy!

At least in the USA the gifts and cards are not exclusive to perfect romantic couples, it includes your family and best friends.  That I like a lot! Probably commercially a lot more viable but at least it is realistic because our friends give us so much joy, support and love!  Like my friend who keeps all four hundred and thirty photos of my beloved Gabriella on her phone!

One of my male "besties" is a beautiful man whom I call my human Prozac. Seeing him instantly lifts my mood - even if it is just for five  minutes a day.    I don't think a boyfriend or husband will ever be able to sustain that human Prozac effect over a long period, because in relationships, you will always find there are strong feelings on some or another subject - be it negativity or a definite  opinion that will not budge. And always you carry that little bit of hurt or disappointment that lingers - women are romantics by nature, after all.  Whereas with a friend, you tend to not be affected with such strong feelings and opinions that come with romantic love.

We give our best to our friends – and for that reason I have decided not to hide in a cupboard this year but to celebrate the love I have for friends and family!  In the absence of Kitty it will have to be with handsome Harry and a bottle of champagne!

 Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall

The sight of famous people in the bloom of love has a way of prompting mixed emotions.  There they are: beautiful, enraptured, widely admired and endlessly photographed, inspiring images that will travel the world and roost in our memories.  But the tenderness stirred by such pictures is liable to be accompanied by a touch of skepticism. 

The Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson

The weight of tremendous responsibility rests upon their well-toned shoulders.  After all, they are expected to generate high drama with the simplest amorous exchanges, and the milestone events in their lives may have the staying power of history.  How can private passion ever measure up to demands like this?

 The Cow Artworks