As St. Valentine's Day approaches, I've been thinking about the art of writing letters, romance, and love. When I met my sweetheart over 30 years ago, we used to write each other all the time. Even if it was a one line "I missed you today" or "I am so in love with you". As the years passed, those heartfelt gestures wore off and we lost the art of writing romance to each other. How I miss his notes. Although we don't write any more, he does often tell me sweet words - whispered in my ear. I do know he loves me as much today as he did then. Still, a girl always wants to be romanced.
Gone are the days when men wrote prosy love letters. Can you imagine being the recipient of such a letter? No wonder those ladies clutched those letters to their chests.
Here's an example from Ludwig von Beethoven"
"My angel, my all, my very self
We shall surely see each other soon; moreover, today I cannot share with you the thoughts I have had during these last few days touching my own life -
If our hearts were always close together, I would have none of these.My heart is full of so many things to say to you - ah - there are moments when I feel that speech amounts to nothing at all –Cheer up - remain my true, my only treasure, my all as I am yours.
Ah, wherever I am, there you are also –Much as you love me - I love you more –Oh God - so near! so far!Is not our love truly a heavenly structure, and also as firm as the vault of heaven?my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us -
I can live only wholly with you or not at all –No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never
-Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves.Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together
-Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell.
Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.ever thineever mineever ours
Your faithful Ludwig"
As far as the holiday Valentine's Day, I am the ultimate romantic (which is why I write romances). However, I feel romance should be shared more than once a year and men should remember that chilvarly goes a long way to winning and keeping a girl's heart. But how do we inspire our men to keep up that romance?
A good question, huh? This eludes me right now. I suppose I should practice what I preech and be romantic myself. By writing a sweet note, whispering words to him, doing small romantic things might rub off on him. Will the gestures be returned? We'll see.
For now, we must keep on be romantic.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fondly,
Kara Griffin
