Somebunny Loves You!

My Significant Otter

Every now and then, even though this little card (above) is firmly in the hands of this blind stuffed toy, the greeting card will fall off the shelf, and hit me as I pass by. 

It's a sign Donald is thinking of me from the beyond. 

Why do I think that?

Well, the card isn't teetering on the shelf. There isn't wind or a draft in my house. I don't disturb the card in any way. I don't pick it up to jostle it loose. It's my favorite gift from my beloved, and he knew it when he was alive. It's one of the myriad of things he gave me that I keep in plain sight. I'm not crazy. It means something to me. The inside of the card is simple and says, "Love, Donald". 

It doesn't slip often. But, when it does, the card hits me on my ass. Each time I hear Donald quoting Jayne Cobb from Firefly, "I like smacking 'um."

You might not get the reference. Firefly fans will. And of course I have to respond with... "I swear by my pretty blue bonnet, I will end you."

It's funnier when Nathan Fillion in drag says it. Again, Firefly fans will "get" me.  

The card didn't ever fall the five years I'd had it while Donald was alive. Since his death it's fallen a few times this past year, always when I can see it. The message is clear. Love, Donald.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was a fun day for us. Not because of the "commercialness" but because we took time on this day to be together and do something we love. Descanso Garden's was a favorite of ours to go through the Japanese garden, the climbing roses over the arched trellis, and buy a tchotchke from the little shop.

Another favorite was the Huntington Library and the tea room with limited access. We would take the day off, or go home early, reserve a table for that discreet cottage, and have tea at high noon. Sushi was another favorite. A few Valentine's were spent playing an MMO.

Such good times.  

I know some people would moan about the expense or the hassle, or how Hallmark has drilled Valentine's Day into our subconscious to buy, buy, buy for their money making scheme of a holiday. But I'd say, that little otter and card have been the little ways Donald let me know he cared. Not once did I care that it was a cheap card, a cheap gift, and mauled by our German Shepard. Or rather, maybe I love it more because Donald gave it to me and our GSD loved on that little guy as much as I did.  

Valentine's was about what we did together. We always had a good time. Consumerism of the holiday never came into play. It was simply an opportunity to stop and connect.

Just like when that little card hit me on the butt, I simply stopped and thought about my beloved. I never looked on the back of the card for the price. 

Be Mine!

On these two significant days, (the 13th) one year after Donald died, and the following day (the 14th) of our third favorite holiday, I'll be thinking of the one I love and who shared so many wonderful memories with me. We continually showed each other that despite the commercial value, Valentine's Day was a special day for us. 

Have a wonderful Valentine's! 

Until next time...
...happy reading!

​~ Stephy