Thoughts on Valentine's Day - year 17

With today being Valentine's Day, obviously my mind wanders to MY valentine, Michael.

It's hard to believe that we've been together 17 Valentine's Days. Before we met, it looked like V Day was always going to be something to sing sad songs about.

Music is such a part of my life that I relate it to everything. Even the day Michael and I met, I explain that it was exactly as Oscar Hammerstein II wrote: "some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger; you may see a stranger across a crowded room; and somehow you know, you know even then, that somewhere you'll see him again and again." I know, it sounds oh so cheesy, but it was that black and white. It's just the best way to explain how I knew. There are days I can't believe he's in love with me.  Still.

Not that we have this flawless romance.  There are days I have to remind him I'm his favorite.  And believe me, I do.  :)

Soon after we met, we had "our song" - Laurie Beechman's 'Listen To My Heart'. Interestingly, when we got married, we didn't really have a song for the day because we were just so amazed that we were given the right to get married. Probably the only big event in my life that doesn't relate to a song. Just Michael.

Obviously, all day long today I've played various iterations of "My Funny Valentine." Barbra Streisand's version is still probably my favorite. But I also love Melinda Doolittle's live rendition from American Idol a few years ago - earthy, rich, jazzy, and she knew what she was singing about. Lucia Micarelli is a fantastic violinist who does a beautiful, romantic version of the song.  And then there's Ella Fitzgerald's version - perfection.  I recommend you get all of them, sit back and enjoy...

I think I relate Valentine's Day and romance to music is because music has rhythm, hills & valleys and texture; a lot like long-time love does. A lot like Michael and I do.

Michael is my valentine; he's the music that makes me dance.  I hope you all dance the way we do.  (that's a euphemism, kids...)  Hills & valleys, texture and a lot of rhythm… yeah, I think that's us.

I encourage everyone to pour a glass of wine, light some candles, turn out the lights, listen to some great music and enjoy. Whether alone or with your honey, it's a good day to remember to love someone. Someone else, or even if that someone is yourself. That might even be the best place to start.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone.