#its not an anti valentine's tradition | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

cto10121 · 3 months

Text

How Romance in Fiction Works

For this Valentine’s Day I dedicate this to all the “Romeo and Juliet/Twilight/[insert X] isn’t a romance!!1!1” clownery out there, because now I have to contend with the depressing fact that people—and not just illiterate randos, actual bookish people perhaps too used to the Hero’s Journey template—have no clue what romance in fiction (as the main plot) works. And no, it has nothing to do with ~fantasy or ~wish fulfillment or ~everyone is nice and in love and nobody’s mean or cheats ever!!!1!1 It has to do with the goals of a romance. I’ll be focusing largely on literature, but technically this can also apply to TV, movies, and other dramatic mediums.

(Disclaimer: I will not be talking about romance as a genre, either the knight/damsel tradition or the HEA conventions of modern American romance fiction. The former has nothing to do with romantic love and the latter has nothing to do with the art of fiction but what sells, so don’t @me. It should also go without saying that I won’t be talking about romance as a subplot to the main plot. You lot already know too much about that already.)

Romance IRL vs. Fiction

So romance in real life can be literally anything and occur anywhere and at any time. No duh. That is true for *waves hand vaguely* everything in reality. Fiction, however, is a different story. It must, in short, make sense. There is plot, character, tone, as well as your literary techniques and devices. Otherwise the romance will not work or be implausible. So far, the same as most any other fiction.

Where romance differs from most fiction, however, lies in its purpose. I like it to call it The Romance Novel Paradox. To whit: Romance in fiction functions on the premise that the couple cannot be together because of X reasons. As soon as the couple resolve all of their issues and be together fully, that’s when the romantic story is over.

Thus, the task of the romance writer is to prevent the couple from getting together before the point where they absolutely need to be. So in a way, writing a romance…is fundamentally writing an anti-romance.

Sounds crazy and weird and hard? It is. That’s exactly why writing romance is so hard in the first place. You have to juggle these two separate and opposite tensions tugging and tearing at the work. You literally have to do two things at the same time along with all the other things required of writing a romance.

The Goals

So with all this in mind, the goals of the romance is as follows:

That the couple meet and fall in love

That the couple enjoy and even consummate their love

That the couple overcome any obstacles that threaten their relationship

That the couple be successful in being true to their love and the first 3 goals.

The Plot(s)

Romances actually have two kinds of plot. I’ll just call them the Courtship Plot and the Love Story Plot respectfully.

The Courtship Plot essentially deals with the inner conflicts/obstacles that prevent the couple from being in love or falling for each other. This could be as short as a scene or two or as long as a whole book/movie/TV show, depending on the medium and intentions.

Beginning/Set Up: Establishes both the world, its stakes, and/or the romantic couple. Oftentimes, though, a romance does start with a different character(s) entirely who talk about the couple before they appear.

Inciting Incident: This is when the couple first meet. This could range anywhere from love at first sight (instalove) to absolute abhorrence (rivals/enemies to lovers).

Courtship/Investigation: Even if the couple does do instalove, they must first get an understanding of each other’s intentions, the depth of love/attraction, personality, etc. This time also includes Proofs of Love, in which the lovers each provide proof of their love for each other through words, acts of service, etc.

Internal Conflicts/Obstacles: These relate to the couple’s inner conflicts/hangups that prevent them from entering a relationship and what they must do to overcome those. In this type of plot they will mostly be internal but there can be some external obstacles as well.

Separation of the Lovers: Most often because of misunderstandings/internal hangups, but it can also be because of actual external shit beyond their control.

Resolution: These inner conflicts are resolved and the couple can get together properly. Traditionally this is shown through marriage (Cheers, bells, and Hymen the God of Marriage arrives to officiate your wedding. Congrats!). Or simply living together/dating.

This is more or less the plot of a romantic comedy, but this can be the plot of romantic drama as well, especially if those internal conflicts are truly heavy. There may also be some external conflict happening, but it’s usually not as significant as the internal ones.

The Love Plot, or Love Story, is concerned with the the love/relationship of a couple as well. However, it is less focused on the courtship side and more on the external conflicts/obstacles that threaten their love. To whit:

Courtship (Abridged): Some Love Plots may include this, but it is not strictly necessary. If they, it’s mostly in abridged form, quick montage, small flashback, or simply just as Proofs of Love.

Couple Is In Love (Status Quo): Most Love Plots begin with the lovers already together and in love.

External Conflicts/Obstacles: These include anything that prevents the lovers from getting together or keeps them apart. Family doesn’t approve, society doesn’t approve, natural events occur, personal enemies, other love interests, etc. Sometimes the couple has an internal conflict going on, but mostly not for this

Separation of the Lovers: Almost always temporarily and literally, due to above External Conflicts and, on occasion, Internal Conflicts. Very rarely metaphorically.

The Lovers Reunite: Almost always, although some media may skip this part.

Couple Triumphs (Or Not): The couple succeeds in vanquishing all obstacles and they come out stronger than ever, yay! Or they don’t and they die and/or their love dies, oh no! Yes, the latter is definitely an option and actually not an uncommon one with these plots.

The Love Story Plot does have its downside in that it can be harder for the audience to care very much for the couple if they haven’t spent at least some time getting to know them and their love. However, it is preferred traditionally if just because of the dramatic and much-clearer stakes involved. The lovers’ characters are also revealed/developed through adversity, which is always a plus.

So all romances are effectively love stories. However, not all romances are love stories. Most romances tend to have both, mostly in one or two books. In Epic Romance this is stretched to three or four at the most. Beyond four the book/TV show/thing turns from a romance into a full-blown soap opera (coughOutlandercough).

So here are a few examples of romances often classified as such and why they count as romances. I’ll start with two works people most insist are not romances: Romeo and Juliet and Twilight.

Example 1: Romeo and Juliet

Though tons of Internet clowns insist to this day that Romeo and Juliet is not a romance and is a comedy/satire/what have you, it skews closely to the Romance plot as outlined.

Romeo and Juliet:

Courtship Plot: Two families in a patriarchal, violent, and conservative society hate each other (Beginning/Set Up). They meet at a ball and fall in love (Inciting Incident). But of course they are heirs of two feuding families (Obstacle 1). However, Juliet is worried that Romeo is just playing with her (Internal Conflict) while Romeo is worried Juliet might choose to refuse him after all (Internal Conflict). As proof Juliet asks Romeo to arrange for their marriage and Romeo agrees right away (Resolution). Romeo pretends he is over Rosaline with Mercutio and Benvolio and meets with the Nurse to arrange the marriage (Proof of Love). They then get married and renew their commitment to each other (Couple Triumphs).

Love Story: This is the latter half of the play. Tybalt kills Mercutio, so Romeo kills Tybalt and gets banished (Obstacle 2), Juliet forgives him (Proof of Love), they make love (Proof of Love), and say goodbye to each other (Separation of the Lovers). Juliet is then forced to marry Paris by her parents (Obstacle 3) and so with the help of the Friar she fakes her death (Resolution). But Romeo doesn’t get the news in time due to plague (Obstacle 4), and so goes to her tomb and kills himself; Juliet wakes up and does the same (Couple Defeated…Triumphs?).

So obviously Romeo and Juliet is a love story in just plot alone. But is it also a romance? As you can see, they end up dead and do not succeed in having a full relationship.

That said. Romeo and Juliet do succeed in keeping their love for each other true and pure. They do not cheat each other, think about cheating on each other, or decide not to pursue their relationship. And that, I feel, is more important than the fact that they could not be together in life. So yes, I do think theirs is a romance too, and why most people consider it to be one.

Example 2: Twilight

Speaking of another work that gets a lot of hate for no good reason, Twilight! And of course you have the antis insist this isn’t a romance either. Unfortunately for them the plot hews even more closer to the romance plot and even has more of a Courtship Arc. To whit:

Twilight:

Courtship Plot: Bella goes to Forks to please her narcissistic mother and worries about fitting in (Beginning/Set Up). She meets Edward on the first day of her new school (Inciting Incident). Unfortunately Edward wants to eat her (Obstacle 1) and leaves for three days later. They meet again and talk about each other (Courtship). Edward then saves Bella from the van the next day (Obstacle 2). This, however, does not bring them together and they don’t speak for one month until Edward gets jealous of Mike Newton (Obstacle 3). Edward and Bella become tentative friends and Edward takes Bella to the nurse’s office when she gets dizzy smelling blood (Obstacle 4). He insists on driving her home and they talk (Courtship). Bella and Edward spend the weekend apart but still thinking about each other; Bella learns what he is (Courtship). Bella then goes to Port Angeles with friends and Edward rescues her from rapists (Obstacle 4). They then talk (Courtship) and Edward admits he is a vampire. The next day Bella and Edward go public about their situation (Courtship) and they talk at lunch, clarifying their feelings for each other; Edward invites Bella to the meadow on the weekend. Billy Black learns of their relationship and tries to warn Bella (Obstacle 5). Edward and Bella meet in the meadow and confess their love for each other (Courtship). Edward successfully resists his bloodlust all for his love for Bella (Resolution of Obstacle 1).

Love Story: This is basically the latter half of Twilight and the rest of the series. Edward saves Bella from James (Obstacle 1) and the lovers are together again (Lovers Triumph).

New Moon:

Love Story: Bella and Edward are in love (Status Quo), but then Jasper tries to eat her and Edward’s self-loathing and desire for Bella to have a regular human life kicks in (Obstacle 2). Edward lies to Bella and tells her he doesn’t want to be with her and she accepts it (Separation of the Couple). For six months the two are barely functional. Eventually Bella’s need for adrenaline leads her to a friendship with Jacob (Obstacle 3–yes, this counts) and starts to love him despite herself. Laurent arrives and tries to eat Bella (Obstacle 4) and tells her that Victoria is out there trying to hunt her as revenge (Obstacle 5). But then Alice comes and Jacob unintentionally tells Edward that Bella is dead; Edward decides to commit suicide (Obstacle 6). Bella saves Edward from the Volturi (Obstacle 7) and they are reunited (Reunion of the Lovers).

Eclipse:

Love Story: Bella and Edward are in love (Status Quo), but Bella wants to keep her friendship with Jacob (Obstacle 3). Jacob is also opposed to Bella being with Edward for both ethical and personal reasons (Obstacle 3 again). Victoria is still hunting Bella but now she is making a whole new army (Obstacle 5 again). Bella realizes she loves Jacob in a potential-love-interest-way (Obstacle 3) but still chooses Edward (Resolution). The lovers decide to get marries (Couple Triumphs).

Breaking Dawn:

Bella and Edward get married (Status Quo). Bella and Edward make love, leaving Bella happy but bruised, which pains Edward so much he refuses to make love to her again (Obstacle 1). Bella seduces him successfully (Resolution) but then falls pregnant (Obstacle 2). The pregnancy is high risk, causing dissension between the two (Obstacle 3) but Bella convinces Edward to go along with her plan (Resolution). Bella delivers her baby and turns into a vampire (Resolution). She learns the ropes of vampirism (Obstacle 4) and harbors no romantic feelings for Jacob anymore; Jacob imprinted on Renesmee so he has no more love for Bella (Resolution). Irina finds out about Renesmee and think she is an immortal child, and tells the Volturi (Obstacle 5). This leads the Cullens to call their friends and prepare for any eventuality, and Bella learns to use her power (Obstacle 6). The Volturi come and try various excuses to execute the Cullens (Obstacle 7) but they are able to defend themselves aptly. The Volturi leave and Bella and Edward can finally be together with their little family (Couple Triumphs).

As you can see, a lot of Twilight's Obstacles double as Proofs of Love what with Edward and Bella saving each other constantly. That is perfectly acceptable and in fact a very common doubling in romance.

What Is Not A Romance?

Romances do have to have some provisos, a couple of quid pro quos. Again, though, there are some exceptions and writers can and will break the rules successfully.

They must be requited. Unrequited love on either side does not a main romance plot make. Unrequited love is mostly a romance subplot if that or as part of a love triangle.

They cannot be abusive (to each other). The lovers of a romance do not have to be good people at all. In fact, they (yes, it has to be both) can be bad or villainous…to other people. That said, their love must be actually mutual and good for each other, even redemptive. A couple who is bad for the world and each other defeats the point of a romance. Mutual enmity does not count (see: Enemies to Lovers).

Their love must be main plot. If the couple is not the focus of the plot, then it’s not a romance but a romance subplot. Subplots can be as complete or incomplete as they like, developed or underdeveloped, but they are subplots for a reason.

Can a romance focus on a beta couple as well? Generally no. In American romance novels, authors do set up the couple for the next installment, but that is not quite the same as page time and development. Romances focus on one couple at a time—once that couple’s love story is done, writers can move on to another couple’s romance. Stories that have more than one couple tend to be something else entirely.

What about second chance romance? Second chance romance is essentially the same as the Courtship Plot, since the work very rarely talks about the lovers’ relationship before they separated. So in plotwise it’s basically just like meeting each other for the first time.

What about love triangles? Unless Character C is framed as an obstacle in the overarching narrative, then love triangles do not really count; they are more for coming-of-age or slice-of-life fodder. Polyamorous couples, however, should count in theory if their story has the romance plot. But of course, that is the rarest kind of all.

Keep Calm and Love On

There are some unconventional romances out there, for sure. But they are ultimately rare; the standard romance plot should fit most works accepted as such. As always, romantic tropes and dynamics are neither good or bad—they all largely depend on the the execution.

The only plot that may be confusable with the romance is the marriage plot, which is something different. Marriage Plots are essentially comedies of manners and they may or may not include romantic love or attraction as a major plot element. They are less about the couple’s erotic compatibility and more about their social compatibility. Austen’s works come the readiest to mind; a contemporary example would probably be Crazy Rich Asians. Otherwise Marriage Plots have much of the same beats as a romance.

So if you’re not sure if X is a romance, see how it fits within this plot. Nine times out of ten, you should get your answer.

#romance #fiction #literature #valentine’s day #love stories #i swear i didn’t plan on publishing it this valentine’s day #i was just writing it when i suddenly realized #sometimes the forces of the universe are in my favor #romeo and juliet #twilight #should i have talked about bodice rippers?#those are basically rom coms with actual sex

15 notes · View notes

rabbitcruiser · 1 year

Photo

Valentine’s Day

Love and romance. Candy and flowers. Cards and gifts. Dinner and dancing.

Valentine’s Day comes along with a whole host of plans and accoutrements that are meant to all boil down to one thing: Love. And it all comes in the name of one man, St. Valentine, who was an interesting (and perhaps slightly misunderstood) character in history.

It’s time to learn about and celebrate Valentine’s Day!

History of Valentine’s Day

While some people believe that the history of this day is pretty clear, the reality is that the story behind St. Valentine’s Day is covered in a great deal of mystery. Tradition hails February 14 (and perhaps even the whole month of February!) as a time for love and romance, with both ancient Roman and Christian backgrounds.

But when the life of St. Valentine, the patron saint of this day, is considered, that’s when things tend to get a bit more murky. Some people don’t realize that the Catholic church actually has record of three of its own saints who went by the name of Valentine (or Valentinus) and all three died as martyrs.

Valentine’s Day Timeline

270 AD St. Valentine is martyred

Defying anti-marriage instructions given by Emperor Claudius II in order to build up the army, Valentine secretly supports and marries young couples which eventually leads to him being put to death. His death is said to have taken place on February 14.

496 AD First Valentine’s Day is recognized

Pope Gelasius decides to get rid of the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival of love, and chooses to replace it with a celebration in honor of St. Valentine, who was martyred a couple hundred years prior.

1382 Chaucer’s Poem, Parlement of Foules, is written

This poem contains the first known literature reference connecting romantic love with Valentine’s Day. In the text of the poem, Chaucer writes of birds who would pair off with a mate, but some people refute the idea that it is connected to Valentine’s Day because February is too early and cold for birds to be mating.

1700 Americans begin exchanging Valentines

During this century, the inspiration for romance and love on Valentine’s Day turns into the specific gesture of exchanging notes, poems and love letters which may have been delivered by hand or by the US Postal Service.

2010 Valentine’s Day is released in theaters

This romantic comedy has a star-studded cast with big names like Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper and even Kathy Bates, and tells the story of several different romances between couples that happen all in one day. However, at the box office, the film doesn’t really get the greatest reviews from critics.

Valentine Promotes Marriage

Perhaps the most commonly held tradition around St. Valentine is related to the year 270 AD when Claudius II was the emperor of Rome. Known as “Claudius the Cruel”, the emperor who wanted to build a strong army but was having trouble because of the attachment the men had to their wives and families. His solution? Just ban engagement and marriage, of course!

The story goes that Valentine, a priest in Rome, disagreed with the decree from Claudius and decided to go ahead and perform marriages anyway, allowing young lovers to marry each other in secret. When discovered, Claudius ordered the public beating and beheading of Valentine, which took place on February 14. The church later honored him by naming him as a saint.

This same Valentine is rumored to have become friends with the daughter of his jailer. He is said to have left her a note signed, “From Your Valentine”. This may explain the idea of asking someone “Will You Be My Valentine?”.

Less common are the other two saints also called Valentine, one who was a bishop in what is now Terni, Italy, and another who was martyred in a Roman province of Africa.

Feast of Lupercalia

It’s possible that even before Valentine, the priest, was martyred on February 14, the Feast of Lupercalia, a pagan feast of love, was celebrated around the same time. One tradition that went along with this festival is that the names of women were put into a box and drawn out by the men that they would be matched up with, letting chance (or fate!) take the lead.

By 496 AD, Pope Gelasius was tired of such pagan celebrations, so he declared that the Feast of Lupercalia would be canceled and, instead, St. Valentine’s Day would be celebrated on February 14. As time passed, this day became one where lovers would exchange poems, cards, notes and flowers, singing songs and performing other romantic gestures.

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day comes with all sorts of inherited romantic traditions which can certainly be fun and bring lots of joy! But this is also a great way to get creative with showing people how much they are loved–even if it isn’t a romantic relationship.

Try out some of these ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day:

Make a Card or Gift for Someone

Whether it’s a romantic partner or just a friend, Valentine’s Day is a great day to say “I Love You”. Hand made cards and gifts are especially welcome when it comes to showing someone how much they are cared for. January is a dark and quiet month anyway, so there’s plenty of time to prepare homemade gifts from a hobby like knitting a scarf, braiding a friendship bracelet, embroidering a towel, painting a picture or simply making a card.

Send Roses for Valentine’s Day

With delivery services abounding in almost every town, getting flowers delivered has never been easier! Choose to send red roses that stand for passion; yellow for friendship; pink for sweetness; peach for sincerity or gratefulness; white for purity or loyalty; ivory for perfection; and lavender for a crush (or love at first sight!).

Make Dinner Reservations

It’s likely that a last minute idea for going out to dinner will result in ordering takeout to eat at home, because restaurants are basically always full on Valentine’s Day. But, think ahead (sometimes months ahead, depending on the popularity of the restaurant) and make a reservation for two at a romantic place.

Enjoy a Story About Love

Head over to a local bookstore or library and browse the selection of novels or biographies that might feature stories about love. Or, it might even be interesting to read a biography about the guys named Valentine!

Those who don’t have as much time to read could put on their favorite drama or rom-com movie and see what hijinx the main characters get into. Try out some of these films about love to get started:

Valentine’s Day (2010). Okay, maybe this one is obvious. And perhaps it’s not even a great film, but it would be remiss to leave out this one with an all-star cast including Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Ashton Kutcher.

The Notebook (2004). This quintessential romance by Nicholas Sparks can be read as a novel or watched in the film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

Pride and Prejudice (2005). This delightful take on the Jane Austen’s novel of the same name stars Keira Knightly, Rosamund Pike and Matthew Macfayden.

Think Like a Man (2012). Based on Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, this rom-com features Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart and Meagan Good.

Get Creative for Valentine’s Day

This day doesn’t have to be the same as it’s always been. In fact, it’s a great day to try something new. Go on a mountain hike, visit a museum together, go whitewater rafting or learn how to play chess. Whatever would be fun and can be done in the spirit of love is the perfect activity for this day!

Valentine’s Day FAQs

When is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day takes place every year on February 14. It started on this day in AD 496 when the pope established the holiday in Rome in honor of the martyred Saint Valentine, who was killed on February 14.

What to do on Valentine’s Day?

This day can be filled with opportunities to show people how much they are loved. Exchange cards, send someone flowers, make breakfast for family members or write a poem.

When was the first Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is not actually a modern holiday, but has been celebrated in the middle of the month of February for more than 1500 years. The first Valentine’s Day was established by Pope Gelasius.

Is Valentine’s Day a global holiday?

Yes! Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various capacities in countries all over the world. From sharing a bottle of wine to giving gifts, from school children in America exchanging Valentines cards to people in Wales exchanging carved wooden spoons, this day is one that shows how people simply love the idea of love.

Who was Saint Valentine?

There is a bit of overlap in the stories as it seems there were at least three martyred saints with the name Valentine. However, the one most notably celebrated was a priest in Rome who defied the emperor’s anti-love commands and married young couples anyway.

Source

3 notes · View notes

soft-spooks · 1 year

Note

💝🎃🕯️

OH MY GOD. I NEVER SAW THE NOTIF FOR THIS. ANON YOU ARE A GODSEND I WAS JUST THINKING ABT HOW MUCH I WANTED 2 RAMBLE ABT STUFF TONIGHT. LOVE U KING <3

ok im doing these for anti as per usual

💝 My Bloody Valentine: What's your f/o's favorite holiday? How do they celebrate it?

halloween obviously. carving pumpkins is a Tradition because of course it is, but other than that i think hes relatively chill about it. its more of an . excuse to let himself be more scary i think . also horror movie marathon

that being said. unpopular opinion but i also think he really unabashedly enjoys christmas. gets all excited about it and everything. full jim carrey grinch ugly sweater outfit. <3 he likes to make things (which i will get into later in the post) so i think he would do all handmade gifts which i for one find REALLY cute

🎃 Halloween: How talkative is your f/o? Do they like to make small talk or would they rather skip straight to the deep stuff?

oh he is. very talkative once he gets going abt something. i think hes ok with comfortable silence, but if he gets too fidgety or something is bothering him he'll just start Going Off for a bit (see: 90% of his big videos are just. villain monologues. yes i know thats the nature of the medium but STILL. hes dramatic. he monologues. and i am just sitting there like 🙂 listening to him)

🕯House of Wax: How creative is your f/o? What sort of creative medium do they prefer?

VERY CREATIVE !!!!! it doesnt seem very in character for him on a surface level but as soon as you think abt him for more than 2 seconds ur like. yeah this guy Makes Things. im. mostly influenced by a short one-off fic i read YEARS ago about him picking up crochet but it stuck in my brain so now its canon to me. he likes 2 make dolls. (aha puppet joke etc etc). marketable plushies. i think he does a lot of needle and thread type stuff- crochet + sewing especially. i think it maybe started a little bit more on the darker side, making. Literal puppets/voodoo dolls for evil/intimidation purposes. which, side note, is REALLY funny 2 think about him in full. angry unstoppable murder villain mode but then sitting down and carefully sewing together dolls about it. but after he kinda. mellows out a bit i think he ventures more into the 'creepy but cute' zone of things

#anti doing stuff with his hands is so important to me ok. hes got twitchy glitchy hands hes gotta keep em busy #<< that. is such a cute phrase thank u my brain im gonna cry #anyway. yes. i love him so much #i drew a thing one time of him sitting on a gamer chair like a throne with puppets of all the others hanging from his fingers and.#god i gotta redraw that one day.#like. that was 2017 mac who was bad at a lot of things and mostly did traditional art... just IMAGINE what i could do with that now .#blushy emoji. hot .#on. todays episode of mac ghostiezone has an extremely complicated relationship with puppet metaphors-#ok my tags r getting long. thank u anon im kissing u onthe forehead and tucking u into bed #asks #ask game #🔪

1 note · View note

thescribbleddiaries · 3 months

Text

Unleashing Cupids Arrow: Embracing the Magic of February

February is widely recognized as the month of love, thanks to the annual celebration of Valentine's Day on the 14th. This month-long celebration of romance and affection has deep historical roots and cultural significance around the world. From traditional customs to modern trends, February offers a plethora of ways to express love and appreciation for loved ones. In this article, we will delve into the history and origins of Valentine's Day, explore how different cultures celebrate love, examine romantic traditions and symbols, and discuss the evolving trends that shape the way we celebrate love in the 21st century.

History and Origins of Valentine's Day

Historical Background of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has a history as colorful as a box of assorted chocolates. Dating back to ancient Rome, where Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage because he thought single soldiers fought better (talk about being committed to your job!). Cue Saint Valentine, a rebellious romantic who kept marrying couples in secret, only to be martyred by Claudius. Fast forward to Geoffrey Chaucer's time in the 14th century when he linked February 14th with lovebirds in his poetry. And voilà, the modern Valentine's Day was born.

Evolution of Valentine's Day Celebrations

From handwritten love notes and poems to extravagant gifts and grand gestures, Valentine's Day celebrations have evolved like a relationship status on Facebook. The tradition of exchanging tokens of affection has blossomed into a commercialized holiday, complete with heart-shaped everything and a surge in flower and chocolate sales. So, whether you're a fan of candlelit dinners or anti-Valentine's Day parties, this holiday has a little something for everyone.

Celebrating Love Around the World

Unique Valentine's Day Celebrations in Different Countries

Love knows no bounds, and neither do Valentine's Day celebrations around the globe. In Japan, it's the ladies who spoil their men with chocolates on February 14th, while the favor is returned a month later on White Day. In South Korea, lovebirds mark the 14th of every month with a unique romantic gesture, including the quirky Black Day for singles to drown their sorrows in noodles. From the heart-shaped balloons in China to the love locks in France, love truly speaks a universal language.

Cultural Variations in Expressing Love

While some countries go all out with lavish gifts and public displays of affection, others prefer a more understated approach to love. Whether it's the intimate exchange of handmade cards in the UK or the emphasis on spending quality time together in Italy, each culture puts its own spin on expressing love on Valentine's Day. So, whether you're shouting declarations of love from the rooftops or whispering sweet nothings over a candlelit dinner, there's no wrong way to celebrate love.

Romantic Traditions and Customs

Traditional Valentine's Day Practices

While modern celebrations often involve fancy dinners and extravagant gifts, the roots of Valentine's Day lie in simpler traditions. From sending handwritten love letters to indulging in sweet treats, these timeless practices remind us that love is all about the little gestures. So, whether you're baking heart-shaped cookies or watching a cheesy rom-com together, remember that it's the thought and effort that count the most.

Popular Ways to Celebrate Love on February 14th

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love in all its forms, whether it's romantic love, friendship, or self-love. While some choose to go the traditional route with red roses and heart-shaped chocolates, others opt for unique experiences like stargazing picnics or DIY craft nights. Whether you're planning a surprise date night or a cozy evening in, the key is to show your loved ones how much they mean to you in a way that's personal and heartfelt.

Valentine's Day Symbols and their Meanings

The Significance of Roses, Chocolates, and Cards

Roses are red, violets are blue, and Valentine's Day wouldn't be the same without these classic symbols of love. From the passionate red rose to the indulgent box of chocolates, each gift carries its own message of affection. And let's not forget the power of a heartfelt card, where words penned with love can speak volumes. So, whether you're expressing your feelings with a bouquet of roses or a handwritten note, these timeless symbols help convey the language of love.

Exploring the History Behind Cupid and Heart Symbols

Cupid, the mischievous Roman god of desire, has been stirring up love connections since ancient times with his enchanted arrows. As for the iconic heart symbol, its origins are as intriguing as a love triangle. Some say it resembles silphium, an extinct plant believed to have contraceptive properties in ancient times. Others trace its shape back to the human heart or the seed of the silphium plant. No matter its origin, the heart symbol has become synonymous with love and passion, making it a staple in Valentine's Day decorations and expressions of affection.

Modern Trends in Celebrating February as the Month of Love

Ah, February, the month of love where even Cupid gets busier than a squirrel in a nut factory. But hey, times are changing faster than your grandma's bingo numbers being called. Let's dive into how we're celebrating love in the modern era, where swiping right on Tinder might just lead you to your perfect Valentine’s match.

Digital Age Celebrations: Social Media, E-Cards, and Virtual Gifts

In this digital age, we're all about that virtual love, baby! Social media is the new town square for professing your affections, where hashtags like #LoveIsInTheAir and #HeartEyesEmoji reign supreme. Sending e-cards quicker than you can say "Be mine," and virtual gifts that say "I care enough to click a few buttons" are all the rage. Who needs a bouquet of roses when you can send a digital rose emoji bouquet, am I right?

Alternative Ways to Celebrate Love in the 21st Century

Forget traditional candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach. In the 21st century, we're getting creative with our love celebrations. How about a virtual cooking class for two, where you both attempt to make spaghetti carbonara via Zoom? Or perhaps a joint meditation session to align your chakras and bond over inner peace. Hey, love comes in all forms, even if it's in the shape of a pixelated heart emoticon.As we bid farewell to the month of love, February leaves behind a trail of cherished memories and heartfelt expressions of affection. Whether through traditional customs or modern innovations, the spirit of love remains a timeless and universal sentiment that unites people across borders and cultures. As we look forward to the next February, may the essence of love continue to inspire us to celebrate and cherish the special bonds that enrich our lives.

#desi teen #music #lovers #love #love quotes #relationship #i love him #i love you #feeling #connection #valentines day #happy valentines #february

1 note · View note

biglisbonnews · 1 year

Photo

Dive Into the Cuddle Pit at Marshall Columbia and Club Carry's 'Femme Fantasy' Last month, the tristate area's femme talent, audience and lovers emerged from February's frosty winter hibernation, threw on their skimpiest mesh, fishnet and threadbare rave gear and listened to bewitching DJ sets in a pillowy cuddle pit on the floor of NYC's Knockdown Center. If you were there, you know it wasn't a fever dream — it was an artful Valentine's Day-themed celebration called "Femme Fantasy," hosted by Brooklyn-based party collective Club Carry and Brooklyn-based designer Marshall Columbia.Taking over the spacious Knockdown Center in Queens for a seven-hour party with two stages, "Femme Fantasy" celebrated feminine energy by featuring a stacked lineup of 18 trans and femme performers, with buzzy headliners Bbyafricka, Goth Jafar, Memphy and Club Eat. The diverse lineup ranged from Nola bounce and Baile funk to techno and house."Trans and femme DJs and performers are nightlife," designer Marshall Columbia tells PAPER. "They are the blueprint, and, without them, nightlife would not exist. These are the powerful people who inspire my work." Marshall Columbia, designer of his whimsical, namesake brand (whose designs you've probably seen on Instagram or carried by big-name celebrities like Dua Lipa or Doja Cat) opted for an experiential fashion week show that honored his shared community — and not solely his collection — during the otherwise downtown-obsessed craze of NYFW. Related | The Queer Designer Making Trippy Neon Clothes and Plush Bags"The Brooklyn queer community will always be at the center of the Marshall Columbia brand," Columbia explains. His eccentric designs that tap into zeitgeist trends are playful both in their architecture and in how seriously they're meant to be taken. And just like his designs, which play with social fads with an ironic twist, his move away from the traditional NYFW structure is equally intentional in its cheekiness. Instead of using the classic runway model, Marshall Columbia dressed the performers and DJs in head-to-toe Marshall Columbia looks while they took the stage at the Knockdown Center. Related | KRATER Brings Anti-Fashion to Bushwick for NYFWCo-hosted by Club Carry, a rave-based collective started by Brooklyn DJs Antpuke and Memphy, the event was one of a growing series from the depths of the Club Carry girls' imaginations. Their itinerant party series is flamboyant and highly produced, with the intention of building safer spaces within nightlife for queer people by encouraging community care, radical self-love and harm reduction."We realize that having an accessible platform and community within the nightlife community for queer and trans folk is extremely important and generally lacking within the rave and techno community in the US," says Memphy, a recognized presence in the downtown scene as a rising model and DJ. She continues: "We recognize that the mainstream nightlife scene often prioritizes cisgender and heterosexual individuals, and we are tired of the same old headlining acts."Nightlife and queerness have always existed in tandem with one another, with event spaces playing a critical role in queer and femme communities. These spaces have not only served as safe atmospheres for queer people to congregate and express themselves freely but also offer a place of play and experimentation, birthing diverse music genres, styles of dress and bending expectations and standards of dominant cultures. The events that Club Carry curates are "specifically for queer, trans, POC and anyone who wants to have fun," Memphy explains. "Most importantly, it's a reminder that no one is alone, that there are others out there who share their experiences and understand what they're going through."The party, which raged through the night of February 17th, was set with purple mood lighting, a teddy bear-encrusted DJ booth and a massive cuddle pit filled with mattresses, pillows, pink satin sheets and cushions thanks to set designer Evan Jean. "The cuddle pit was definitely the cutest moment of the party," Marshall Columbia confesses. "Seeing all the different groups of people lying there together was a wholesome moment for sure.""Femme Fantasy" was a night to remember for friends and guests who attended, and the Club Carry girls assure PAPER there will be many more events to come. Photography by Jean Toir https://www.papermag.com/marshall-columbia-club-carry-femme-2659557854.html

#Femme fantasy #Marshall columbia #Memphy #Queer nightlife #Trans rights #Club carry #Alessandra Schade #PAPER

0 notes

alexsfictionaddiction · 1 year

Text

5 Anti-Valentine’s Reads

While I hope you all have a lovely Valentine’s Day full of cosy, warm vibes, I know that it isn’t always a happy day for everyone. For some of us, it can be a time to plunge into the dark depths of toxic relationships and delight in the twisted side of love. It’s a time for gloomy, strange reads that will give your mind a workout and may even have you screaming in rage as you throw its pretty cover across the room. Here are some rather thrilling reads dressed in cute covers but beware -they aren’t quite as cute on the inside!

-Love, Alex x

The One by John Marrs.

With just a simple mouth swab, Match Your DNA can find your soulmate and ten years on, everyone is using it to find love. But it’s not all sunshine and wedding bells, as the app has caused thousands of relationships to end and the dating scene is almost non-existent. As five different people receive their matches, they’re about to find out whether true love is really about to fall into their lap. I was blown away by this twisty thriller, full of shocking reveals and characters that I really cared about. I honestly couldn’t put it down!

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala.

Mars’ twin sister Caroline died in horrible circumstances after running away from the summer camp that she attended every year and Mars is desperate to know what happened to her. Returning to Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy, where he shook things up a few years before, genderfluid Mars uncovers the outdated, dangerous toxicity lurking beneath the sunny, fun-filled surface. Mars’ focus is on The Honeys, Caroline’s friends who he is certain is behind her death but there is something much older festering in the camp that threatens to destroy everything. This heady YA horror had me very unsettled and convinced I had it all worked out. Hint: I didn’t!

Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild.

Ruby is a killer but ironically, she didn’t do the murder that she is now being accused of. Sadly, neither the police nor the public believe her. Now it’s time for Ruby to reflect on how her life has brought her to this point and how she can possibly prove her innocence this time. I love a protagonist who is undoubtedly severely flawed but is somehow very easy to root for and that’s exactly how I felt about Ruby. This deliciously dark, sugar-free treat will have you turning pages like crazy!

Sweet Pea by C. J. Skuse.

Rhiannon’s past contains a horrific crime but she has now moved on. While her job isn’t the most satisfying, she does have a lovely boyfriend, a dog and a completely normal life. Oh, and a second life as a serial killer. I adore this series of thrillers, following one of the most relatable murderers of all time. With so much dark humour and a healthy dose of eye-watering kills, the Sweet Pea books are an absolute must for lovers of dark fiction.

So Happy For You by Celia Laskey.

Robin and Ellie have been best friends forever but Robin is vehemently against anything to do with traditional weddings. So, when Ellie asks Robin to be her maid of honour, Robin reluctantly agrees out of loyalty. However, as the wedding approaches, some strange things start happening and Robin is convinced that the whole bridal party has something against her. This dark comedy casts a scathing eye over the wedding industry and illustrates the messiness of female friendship while being covered in campy larks. You can’t get more anti-Valentine’s than this!

#anti-valentine's books #thrillers #horror #valentine's day #book recommendations #recommendations #books #bookworm

1 note · View note

teezado1 · 1 year

Text

Graphic t-shirts "Anti Valentine Day Shirt" best gift idea for couples. Explore our collection of couple t-shirts and customize them online. Look no further than Anti Valentine Day Shirt, Valentine's Day Tee Tops Long Sleeve! Made from high-quality materials, this T-shirt is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a gift for your mom or dad, or simply want to treat yourself, Anti Valentine Day Shirt, Valentine's Day Tee Tops Long Sleeve is a perfect choice. [thien_display_title] Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. Do you hiss at lovers holding hands? Are you harboring a grudge against your last love-filled venture? No worries, rather than sit and wallow, we've got an Anti Valentine Shirt, perfect for those who would rather drink and dance than schmooze over the dinner table. Whether you're celebrating your singleness or treating it like another day in the life, we're breaking down the best Anti-Valentine's Day Shirt At present, this garment is trendy and popular among people. It's not only the quality but also its affordable that makes it a top seller for its buyers. We have a great selection of Anti Valentine Day Shirt in stock right now. They are some of the most popular new styles that we get! Get with us today and order your Anti Valentine Day Shirt with Shipping Worldwide. Don’t miss the chance! Come and grab one gift for you or your friend. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you want another color or a different style, you can visit Teezado. Product detail T Shirt: 5.3-ounce, 100% cotton (99/1 cotton/poly (Ash) & 90/10 cotton/poly (Sport Grey) Heavyweight classic unisex tee Taped neck and shoulders; Tearaway label Made with sustainably & fairly grown USA cotton Decoration Type: DTG Size Chart Hoodie: Anti Valentine Day Shirt, Single Taken Shirt, Funny Valentine Shirt, Hello Valentine Shirt, Heart Single Af Shirt, Be Mine Shirt 8 oz; 50% cotton, 50% polyester Air jet yarn creates a smooth, low-pill surface Double needle stitching; Pouch pocket; Unisex sizing Care: Machine wash cold; Tumble dry low Size Chart Sweatshirt: 8 oz; 50% cotton, 50% polyester Air jet yarn for a softer feel & no pilling 1×1 athletic rib cuffs & waistband with spandex; Double-needle stitching Care: Machine wash cold; Tumble dry low Size Chart Long Sleeve T Shirt: 5.3 oz, 100% cotton preshrunk jersey knit, Sport Grey 90% cotton/10% polyester Seamless double-needle 7/8 inch collar Taped neck and shoulders with double-needle bottom hem Size Chart V Neck T Shirt: 4.2 oz., 100% combed ringspun cotton; 30 singles Dark Grey Heather is 52/48 cotton/polyester Side seams, Unisex sizing; Coverstitched v-neck and hemmed sleeves; Shoulder-to-shoulder taping Size Chart Tank Top: 3.8-ounce, 100% polyester Ultra breathable & moisture-wicking Removable tag for comfort Athletic, sleeveless, crewneck Size Chart Specification Processing Time: 3 – 5 working days average after payment and all designs updated correctly Shipping Time: 7 – 15 working days average (US) Packaging: 1x Faux Wool Sweater [thien_display_attachment_images] *** Thank you very much ! *** Don’t miss the chance! Come and grab one gift for you or your friend. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. If you want another color or a different style, you can visit Teezado.

0 notes

fandom-monium · 3 years

Note

I JUST READ KITCHEN CATASTROPHES OMG ITS SOOO CUTE UGH MY HEART SO SOFT CAN YOU PLSSS DO A PART 2? THANK YOU KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO

AN: thank you, anon! i dont plan to make a sequel to KC. But if i did:

For Valentine’s Day

Summary: In which you throw a wrench in Spencer’s plans: you don’t like Valentine’s Day. “If it’s with you, I guess it’s not so bad.”

WC: 2.9k (whoops)

Tags/Warnings: Spencer Reid x GN!Reader, fluff, cussing, semi anti-valentines day, Spencer tears up but dont worry were there to fix that, established relationships (blegh), Garvez if you squint, post-For the Holidays

Fuck cooking, Spencer thinks one day.

It's an irrational thought. The kind that strikes through his mind in a flash of irritation like a scrape of the knee as he is perusing the internet. Yes, he is using a computer willingly. He has to because he's desperate.

Cooking is stupid. Who really needs it, right?

…

He needs it. God, he needs it so bad.

His need to learn cooking wasn't as incessant until recently. Until you came along.

Spencer is a meticulous person and a romantic if you'd ever met one. Makes sense considering how he grew up, reading the classics and all that. He's read all the gooey literary shit old people write and while he never understood those meanings it all dawned on him one day. Quotes written like 'the stars in their eyes' and 'sunshine glowing off them like a halo', suddenly makes sense once he meets you. Or at least, after coming to know you, months into your newfound friendship.

It's because of this he plans accordingly the weeks leading up to Valentine's day! Because again he's meticulous and a romantic and a genius so he plans every step and makes a back up plan in case A, B, and C fall through.

Is he going overboard?

… Nah. No way. Not when it comes to you.

But fuck with a capital F, man.

It's your third date. Or what is supposed to be your third date if you would just stop being you for a second.

Then again, he loves you a lot and he wouldn't love you if you weren't, well, you.

Although—pardon his french—what the fuck.

Spencer knows he needs to learn to cook. You've tried plenty of times to teach him and he loves learning and he especially loves it when you are the teacher (wait, does he have a teacher/student fantasy? Maybe. That’s something he'll look into later. Preferably with you).

Unfortunately, he's terrible at it.

He's made progress and he knows it's true because you said so but the miniscule progress he's made is. Not. Enough. And it's all your fault! Because he gets so distracted by you during your lessons, like when you put your hands over his to show him proper slicing techniques—holy fuck, he wanted to combust right there—or just watching your deft hands at work, lips and brow scrunched in concentration in that adorable way. And you smell like cooking oil or whatever you're making and you're hot.

He's so into you it physically hurts. Ugh. How is he so lucky?

You're also the first person he's been this into since Maeve. And everyone knows how well that turned out.

So he tries to dial it down for Valentine’s Day. Morgan told him once he tends to throw himself into everything he does, including love. And when you two got together, he promised the universe he will not fuck this up. He ends up combining Morgan’s advice with Luke’s, trying to be casual like Luke says because apparently you're just as into him as he is of you.

The thought makes him grin uncontrollably. Luke says it makes him look like a clown but a lovesick clown. A lovefool, Luke hehs.

Spencer doesn’t get the joke, but it does nothing to deter him.

As Luke advised, Spencer does “not” make a dozen back up plans and does “not" plan weeks in advance. Because that wouldn't be casual, would it?

But now the day’s come and as Valentine’s Day turns to Valentine’s Night, Spencer wants to pull his hair, rub his frustratedly stinging eyes but he can't because he's in the middle of work, in the middle of the bullpen, in the middle of his desk and he refuses to be that guy. Not again.

Why does he feel like sobbing? Like a loser?

Because you don't like Valentine’s Day. No, you abhor it.

It happens in the middle of the work day. It's like he tried to open a door only for a bucket of ice water to be dumped on him and now he looks like a drowned rat. He definitely feels like one.

You're talking with Garcia about her Valentine’s Day plans as you multitask, switching between putting together packets and stacking them aside. Then taking them under the hole-puncher and stapling them together because the BAU isn't all kicking down doors and catching freaks.

It makes sense that you’re chatting with Garcia during your break. The two of you have become two peas in a pod after you came out of your shell. Now you're inseparable. Only you make Garcia leave her batcave as much as she does now.

Out of sight, he catches tidbits of your conversation when he hears distinctively: Fuck Valentine’s Day.

Okay, you didn't say that verbatim but you might as well have, grimacing as you three hole-punch a packet and his heart. Then a nail on his coffin only it’s with a stapler.

Thump. Chick.

Spencer winces; there goes your his Valentine’s Day plans.

It shouldn't sting as much as it does. You've been dating for over a month and Valentine’s Day is definitely not his favorite holiday either. It's not even top 3. And as you rant he can’t help but silently nod in agreement, all the facts straight: yes, it's an eyesore. Yes, it's a capitalistic holiday. Yes, people should do nice things for their significant others no matter the time and not because it's expected on a specific day. Yes, it doesn't compare to Halloween—

The thing is, you two aren't that “couple-y”, at least in a traditional sense. Not like Will and JJ who got a babysitter so they could go out or like Luke and Garcia as they plan to go to a special Valentine’s Day event she wants to check out (she vehemently denies anything going on between them but he doesn't need to be a genius to see the affection they have for one another. Just kiss already, damn).

So yeah, Spencer hoped to spend the romantic holiday with you. For once, he'd have Valentine’s Day plans, aside from exchanging cards with the team and his mother.

But apparently you hate Valentine’s Day! So there goes plan A, B, C, and D!

Spencer feels the tears spring at the corner of his eyes. He sniffs as subtly as he can, raising an open case file to his face. Of all the plans he hadn't thought through this was not one of them. IQ 187, his ass.

He should've known. Or at least ask your thoughts on Valentine’s Day. That was inconsiderate on his part. He blinks back tears, withdrawing into himself despite his hurt because he is a lovefool and only for you. He just wants to impress you, make you happy even if that means canceling your first Valentine’s Day together.

Now if you'll excuse him, he has to call off a few reservations and make some returns. Several actually.

Can you return a dozen donuts in the shape of hearts?

… Yeah, he better ask Emily for the rest of the day off.

—

"Hey Newb, have you seen Spencer? I haven't seen him since his break," You ask, resting your chin in your hand as you squint at another form. Your eyes are beginning to tire.

Spencer asked you several times over the course of the last week, checking to see if you were free today. You are, so you planned to hang with him after work, but he hasn't returned from his break and he wasn't answering your calls or texts. Not unusual but still odd for your boyfriend (you still can’t believe you get to say that).

Luke sighs, his smooth voice reaching over your shared divider, "You know at some point I'm just not going to respond. You guys can’t call me Newbie forever."

"Keep telling yourself that," You snort without looking up.

Another sigh and you smirk: you win.

"For your information," Luke grumbles, words punctuated with sass, "Doc went home."

You pause. "Home?" He didn't tell you.

"Yeah, probably to get ready for your date."

"Our date?" You frown and stand up, leaning over the divider to see if Luke’s fucking with you.

He isn't. Luke shrugs, humming wistfully as he rests his cheek in his hand, "You should've seen how excited he was, being it your first Valentine's Day and all. I told him to chill out because you'll love whatever it is no matter what but I'm sure he ignored that and planned something spectacular for you guys." Sitting back, he twirls around in his chair.

You grimace, recalling your earlier conversation with Garcia.

Shit.

"Meanwhile, I have to spend Galentine's Day with Garcia because all the ladies of the BAU are taken and I have nothing better to do—" Luke comes to a full 720, catching the tail end of your coat as you whip it on and make for the door. "—um, excuse you?"

"If Emily asks, I had an emergency!" You manage to call back, throwing open the glass door.

"Okay?"

"Thanks, Newb!"

As the elevator door dings shut with you inside, leg jumping because you have a sneaking suspicion you fucked up, Luke slouches in his chair and grumbles.

He's not a newb. Or a newbie.

—

You rush over to Spencer's, catching your breath as you stumble to his front door. There's shuffling from inside, the faint sound of clanking and crashing and your heart swells because this is the man you’ve fallen for, the first one you've ever felt this way for. Here he is, being all considerate and romantic. And here you are, fucking it up when your relationship’s barely even started.

God, you're an asshole, you berate yourself as you turn the doorknob and push open the door. You're an asshole you're an asshole you’re an asshole—

Then your eyes widen and your jaw goes slack.

Immediately, you slap a hand over your mouth and nose as your favorite scented candles hit you like someone shoved a bouquet in your face. The description isn't too far off considering there's a lovely bouquet of your favorite flowers still in its wrapping, haphazardly set next to a dozen donuts on the coffee table like no one's business. Its petals are strewn across the floor, a few in tiny piles like they were hastily swept to the side. Red and pink and dark green fill your vision.

Who gutted Cupid and tossed his organs around, holy fu-

"(Your name)?"

Startled, you crane your head to find Spencer, beautiful hair askew and his tie hanging loosely around his neck. His sleeves are pushed up to his elbows as he clutches flowers to his chest. In his other hand, he grips the colored strings of several shiny red and pink balloons in the shape of hearts and—fuck—your heart might actually float up from your chest and into your eyes.

This is your man. Your partner. Your boyfriend.

Your boyfriend panics, fumbling for a second before stuffing the balloons and trimmed flowers back into the room behind him and slamming the door shut. He turns back to you, eyes wide.

"What-what are you doing here?" Spencer stammers, wringing his hands together.

You blink at him, dumbly holding up your phone. "You-uh-you left early and didn't return my calls."

"I'm sorry. I think I left my phone at work," Probably because he left in such a rush, Spencer groans, looking anywhere but you. The petals scattered over his floor are quite pretty in this light. "And I was a bit busy."

"I'm sure you were," You gawk openly at the strings of fairy lights hung around his living room. It's a clash of aesthetics. Spencer always rocked dark academia, but despite how ugly the combination of red and pink decorations with his nature green walls and dark wood is, it leaves his apartment a little brighter, a little cozier, and you love it.

You love everything about this.

But as you take in the ugly beauty of it all, Spencer fidgets at the doorway, mistaking your awe as shock and disgust. Wiping sweaty palms on his trousers, his eyes dart around, trying to focus on something, but every place he lays his eyes on makes him cringe. He catches all the things he couldn't clean up or put away in time. No doubt you do too. All the leftover flower petals, the donuts he can’t return, candles that haven’t blown out because he has the lungs of an 8-year old asthmatic.

Spencer can't imagine how appalled you are.

And the longer your silence stretches on, the more nervous he gets so he blurts out, "I'm so sorry, (Your Name)!"

Your brow shoots up as he begins to ramble.

"You must hate this. I'll put everything away."

"You really don't have to—" You stop him, and your heart nearly crumbles as Spencer's does when he finally meets your worried gaze.

His eyes gleam with unshed tears. He swallows, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"

"Doc—"

"At least not without asking you—"

"Doctor—"

"I understand if you want to break up—" His voice cracks, as if the idea itself will destroy him (it definitely will).

"Spencer—" His voice, wobbly and dripping with unnecessary guilt, draws you to him.

"But I want you to know that I—"

With an exasperated sigh, you grab his hand as yours finds the nape of his neck, pulling him into a soft kiss.

For a second, Spencer doesn't respond because who kisses the person they're about to break up with? Strange, really. But then he kisses you back. His hands remain frozen, unsure of where he stands, but he tilts his head to deepen the kiss. He figures this is a new social cue he has yet to learn. And if this is the last time you kiss him, he'll treasure every second of it, take whatever you'll give him because again he's a lovefool for you.

And when you pull back, he's too dazed he nearly misses the look you give him. Suddenly, he can’t breathe.

You look at him like he hung the stars instead of cheap fairy lights around his apartment.

Spencer’s confused. "I-I... Wha—"

"I'm not breaking up with you," You chuckle, and you nearly burst out laughing as genuine puzzlement takes over his face. You tug him behind you, plopping yourselves on his couch. You smile, appreciating the way he organized the cushions and throw-pillows; there's now space for two people to lay down.

You take a breath. "You wanna know why I don't like Valentine’s Day?"

Spencer slouches, though his body is angled towards you so you suppose that's good. He sighs, "Because it's a capitalistic holiday that reinforces the idea of doing the bare minimum…"

He begins listing your reasons, and your eyes soften. Of course he listened and remembered even if you mentioned it offhandedly.

You nod once he finishes. "Yes but before that—and I can't believe I'm telling you this—back when I was a little kid, I didn’t get any Valentines."

Spencer's brow furrows at the newfound information. You continue, "I'd get some from my friends and stuff but that's not what Valentine's Day is about. At least not when you're a kid. When you’re a dumb kid, it’s about couples and romantic shit, and I didn't really have any of that growing up." You purse your lips and glance away, face flushed with embarrassment. It's really not that big a deal, but putting it into words makes the idea seem more intimate and personal.

It takes a moment for your words to sink in as Spencer can't believe his ears. How could you not have been showered with love and affection and presents on Valentines Day? It's like water doesn't make things wet or fire doesn't produce heat; it just doesn't make sense. Because you deserve that much and more.

"So every Valentine's Day, I lowered my expectations and eventually I stopped caring. I'd tell myself those things and I started to believe them," You bite your lip, eyes crinkling as you give Spencer a sheepish smile. "But now I have you."

At that, Spencer returns your smile, letting you take his hand. Any tears he had seem to evaporate instantly.

“So, I'm sorry that I hurt you. I stand by what I said before, Valentine’s Day sucks. But if it’s with you,” Blushing deeply, you play with Spencer's hand, large and veins defined compared to yours, shrugging, “I guess it’s not so bad.”

Spencer’s smile broadens, and he intertwines your fingers together. "So what you’re saying is, you don’t hate this?” He looks around his living room.

You shake your head, unable to stop the grin crossing your lips. “No. In fact, very much the opposite. Honestly, thank you for this, it’s beautiful. I have no words.” You breathe it all in; the candles, the flowers, the— Your nose wrinkles and you snort, “Did you burn something?”

Bashfully looking down, he scratches his chin. “I-uh-tried to make your favorite dishes. Though, I was hoping the candles and flowers would mask it.”

You giggle and pull him into you, snuggling into his side. “That’s okay. I’d much rather have you anyway.”

With Spencer a blushing, stuttering mess in your arms, head resting on your chest, you press a kiss to his hair and conclude; yeah, you don’t like Valentine’s Day.

But you sure as hell love Spencer more.

—

AN: FtH status: finished - 7/5. yes 7.

I realize this was not what anon requested but oh well i wrote this at 2 am

I’m not that anti v day but i stand by the capitalistic aspect.

yes this takes place after For the Holidays.

also included luke bc hes my bro and i honestly think he deserves so much more than what the show gave also garvez ftw

happy post valentine’s day!!

Song: Lovefool by The Cardigans

#spencer reid x reader #mgg x reader #matthew gray gubler x reader #criminal minds x reader #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid #mgg imagine #mgg fic #mgg x y/n #mgg fanfiction #mgg #matthew gray gubler x oc #matthew gray gubler imagine #criminal minds x y/n #criminal minds x oc #criminal minds

257 notes · View notes

glitching-desert-snake · 2 years

Text

Anti valentines day in the zones:

Per the fact that everything is seasonal and calendars are a loose convention in the zones most traditions about love are on a person to person basis (think first dates, commitment ceremonies ect) but usually after the rainy season/el niños there's a day or two where a lot of allo killjoys will go on dates because it's finally stopped raining.

About a week after this there's two big concerts that happen: one a the fuck you house and one at the zone four amphitheater so that there's something close by enough to everyone. Technically anyone can show up but theres a strict 'all dancing no dates' rule. There are no partner dances or slow songs its just a rave pretty much. People eb and flow in and out of the concert as they please. There's people trading outside and vending food and of course Hyperthrust is open.

On the dance floor most people are enjoying the music and a few people come with friend groups. There's usually a mosh pit forming at the fuck you house vs if you're at the amphitheater there's a lot more turfing and spur of the moment dance battles. Off to the outskirts of the dancing are usually some killjoys who had a blow out or rejection or break up from the previous weekend's dating spur but most people are not here to sulk.

At Hyperthrust things are, as usual, somewhat more R rated. The bartenders are pretty insistent about herding people getting handsy upstairs. There's a separate restroom for not having sex in so everyone is acomidated for.

#aromantic #snakes hcs

5 notes · View notes

carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory · 3 years

Text

Do plants have lips? No, but one genus sure looks like it does!

Pucker up! Hot lips, Palicourea elata, is a tropical tree found in the rain forests of Central and South America with bright red lips, I mean bright red bracts – modified or specialized leaves at the base of the flower. The bright red bracts evolved to attract pollinators, including hummingbirds and butterflies, and they will eventually spread open to reveal the plant’s flowers. Interestingly, this plant’s flower does not give off a scent, and relies on visual cues to attract its pollinators.

Palicourea elata is part of an important group of plants in the coffee family (Rubiaceae), and it has more to offer than what the eye can see. Species in the Palicourea and the related Psychotria genus have also been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and psychedelic properties. It is also used as traditional medicine among the Amazon peoples to treat aches, arthritis, infertility, and impotency.

Let’s revisit a “Collected on this Day” specimen from February 14th, 2005.

Though this mounted specimen doesn’t show off its striking flower, it was collected on Valentine’s Day, so that’s pretty romantic! As one of more than half a million specimens in the Carnegie Museum herbarium, this preserved plant is notable for being collected as part of the PhD research at the nearby University of Pittsburgh by John Paul, now a professor at the University of California, San Francisco.

P. elata has become endangered due to deforestation in its native range, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, has reported that one-tenth of all the Psychotria species are considered threatened.

How can you help species of concern? Log your plant and animal observations into a community-based science platform, such as iNaturalist (like Hot Lips’ page). While you might not have Hot Lips in your backyard, iNaturalist can help you monitor plant and wildlife species, common or endangered. Your observations inform conservation practitioners on changes to a species range, population, behavior, phenology, etc.

Log your observations on iNaturalist the next time you’re in nature!

Heather Hulton VanTassel is Assistant Director of Science and Research at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Mason Heberling is Assistant Curator of Botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Museum employees are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

#Carnegie Museum of Natural History #Valentines Day #Psychotria elata #Plants #Botany #Hot Lips Plant #South American plants #Rubiaceae

47 notes · View notes

rabbitcruiser · 3 months

Text

Valentine’s Day

Love and romance. Candy and flowers. Cards and gifts. Dinner and dancing.

It’s time to learn about and celebrate Valentine’s Day!

History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Timeline

270 AD St. Valentine is martyred

496 AD First Valentine’s Day is recognized

1382 Chaucer’s Poem, Parlement of Foules, is written

1700 Americans begin exchanging Valentines

2010 Valentine’s Day is released in theaters

Valentine Promotes Marriage

Less common are the other two saints also called Valentine, one who was a bishop in what is now Terni, Italy, and another who was martyred in a Roman province of Africa.

Feast of Lupercalia

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Try out some of these ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day:

Make a Card or Gift for Someone

Send Roses for Valentine’s Day

Make Dinner Reservations

Enjoy a Story About Love

Those who don’t have as much time to read could put on their favorite drama or rom-com movie and see what hijinx the main characters get into. Try out some of these films about love to get started:

The Notebook (2004). This quintessential romance by Nicholas Sparks can be read as a novel or watched in the film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

Pride and Prejudice (2005). This delightful take on the Jane Austen’s novel of the same name stars Keira Knightly, Rosamund Pike and Matthew Macfayden.

Think Like a Man (2012). Based on Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, this rom-com features Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart and Meagan Good.

Get Creative for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day FAQs

When is Valentine’s Day?

What to do on Valentine’s Day?

This day can be filled with opportunities to show people how much they are loved. Exchange cards, send someone flowers, make breakfast for family members or write a poem.

When was the first Valentine’s Day?

Is Valentine’s Day a global holiday?

Who was Saint Valentine?

Source

0 notes

goodbysunball · 3 years

Text

Ten weeks away, six beats off

Been a whirlwind year so far but I'm back in the saddle. I'm busting at the seams with drivel on records and the best way to unleash it is in these grouped posts. Small plates, quick bites - bon apétit.

Bobby Would, World Wide World (Low Company)

Can Low Company just come back as a label and a record store already? These releases trickling out after its demise are cruel reminders of how essential those self-effacing tastemakers were. The Anti-Clock LP is a doozy, and this second Bobby Would record sounds like a classic right off the bat. Mr. Would sticks to the same stuff that made Baby so damn good: dusty loops, barely discernible vocals with a catchy melody, bright spindly guitar lines for days. Songs like "Natural Killer" and "Walk Away" are the immediate favorites, upbeat on the exterior but bleary-eyed upon close inspection. Repeated listens have revealed that the hungover haze of "Maybe You Should" and the last call sway of "Raft," which might be my favorite, are where he really shines, tempos slowed to a crawl to make room for the rich warmth of his reverb'd mumble and his sparkling guitar. Yeah, I'm crushin' on Bobby Would, but so's everyone I've forced this record upon. Sharp but unassuming, and endlessly listenable, World Wide World is the balm until better days arrive. Top notch, highest recommendation, all the fixin's.

The Begotten, Temidden Laaghangende Wolken (Aguirre)

I'm a new dad and that means I'm searching for music that I can listen to with my daughter without disturbing her, and music that isn't Raffi. Typically that means a lot of drone, and a lot more quiet, introspective music, like the reissue of Lol Coxhill & Morgan Fisher's Slow Music that Aguirre did. Because the reissue job on that record is so good, I decided to roll the dice on a contemporary offering from Aguirre that also sounded like it fit my needs. My initial reaction to hearing the Begotten's music online was that this trio was approaching zones tread upon by Fabulous Diamonds circa Commercial Music, but subsequent listens have decidedly not taken me that far out. While it's clear the band is made up of exceptionally talented musicians, the music tends to be pretty safe and stays close to the shore. The B-side's a bit better: "Eiland Zonder Oceaan" and "60 Manen" are as close as this record gets to the "dub with tears" descriptor from the label, and the gossamer drone of closer "Klauwzeer" is cool, but nothing really sticks once it's over. Seems like these guys could probably freak out the crowd at a traditional jazz club, but Temidden Laaghangende Wolken keeps the listener at arms' length, simmering but ultimately tepid once you're beneath the surface.

Cube, Drug of Choice (Alter)

Fave record of the year so far! I caught Cube (aka Adam Keith) burning down the Pilot Light what seems like an eternity ago, touring on his last LP, Decoy Street. Nothing on that LP approached the fiery performance I saw, but he's definitely harnessed that energy on Drug of Choice. The record flows seamlessly, corroded breakcore flooding into all corners, causing machines to gasp and whirr and burst, and Keith's intermittent vocalizations are as sinister and biting as they are introspective and philosophical. "Natural Selector" has all of the above, but for my money it's the closing duo - the frenzy of "Moderator" and the terrifying strobelight beatdown of "Cusp" - that really show the piledriving exterior/groaning interior dichotomy that makes the record so magnetic. The label said it best: Drug of Choice "deliver[s] something that feels as much focused on artful constructions of private experiences as it does the cathartic qualities of noise." Alter's quietly releasing some of the best contemporary records, but Cube's Drug of Choice has all the right stuff to justifiably blow up their profile. Wildly intense and devious record; grip a copy and lose your mind with me. While you're at it, check out Adam Keith's amazing Baited Area zine - some of the most engaging arts 'n culture writing/interviews this side of Demystification.

The Gagmen, s/t (iDEAL)

Aaron Dilloway, Nate Young, Joachim Nordwall and apparently Andrew W.K. teamed up as the Gagmen for a performance a few years ago, captured here and put to wax by Nordwall himself for his iDEAL label. I was expecting a pretty blistering assault given the clientele, but what you get is the opposite: slow loops, spare instrumentation, Young's sleepy vocals, all stark and creepy and forcing you to lean into it. The end of the second track gets a little intense, with some wailing loop and white noise combining to tickle your ear hairs, but aside from those couple of minutes, the bulk of The Gagmen is like a black breezy night forcing things to move that usually don't. Puts a knot in your stomach, it does. Hey, it's not for everyone, but if you loved the Komare LP from last year like me, you're gonna find a lot to enjoy here.

Monokultur, Ormens Väg (ever/never)

Glad to see Monokultur continuing their relationship with ever/never, not least of all because those overseas shipping costs hurt. Ormens Väg is the Swedish duo's second LP, and right from the jump they're seemingly headed in a more accessible pop direction. It's a good look for them: opener "Decennium" features big warm keyboards and probably the most exposed vocals from the band yet, kinda coming across like the Knife covering Berlin. It's followed by my favorite track, "För sent," which has a bass line that melts and soothes your ears, topped by JJ Ulius' forlorn (I'm assuming) spoke-sung vocals. The band nods at an earlier incantation of themselves on the buzzed descent of "Kanske blir det sämre", but for the most part the rest of Ormens Väg continues in this gorgeous, warm and spare mode. Take the beautiful instrumental "Vårdagjämning," which almost sounds like it was lifted from the xx's cutting floor until the tape loops emerge like swirling smoke to cloud the proceedings. By the track's end the band somehow ends up on Robert Turman's turf but everything feels cohesive, all of it delicately presented. Shit, even the snippet of "Silent Night" emerging at the end of the title track doesn't take the record off course. Pretty much perfect little record, and yet another early favorite from this year.

Nina Harker, s/t (Animal Biscuit/La République des Granges/Le Syndicat des Scorpions)

This record came out in the middle of 2020, but I missed it then and it's a current obsession now. Shoutout to @dustedandsocial, Yellow Green Red, Fuckin' Record Reviews and everyone else who pointed me in its direction, late as I may be. I don't have a whole lot of info on Nina Harker but it appears that it's the work of one Valentin Noiret, some mad multilingual genius working between the lines connecting Dome, La Grande Triple Alliance and Enhet För Fri Musik. "L'affreuse" is pretty illustrative of how Nina Harker condenses genres into bite-size packets: the woozy, seasick synth topped by Xasthur-like vocals, which are then joined by what sounds like despairing Japanese, the shuffling song slowly building up to this terribly simple guitar part that just levels you when it hits. Not everything is so busy: "Müssen Wir Noch Aufblühen⁇" is a fantastic slice of minimal synth, and the two late night strummers "το κορίτσι γα��γίζει" and "Muto" are disarming in their stripped-down simplicity. The hum that overwhelms "Muto" razes the field to make way for the robotic waltz and maniacal ravings on "Du Schaffst es Nicht," one of many catchy, totally bizarre moments on the record. Nina Harker is riddled with anxiety, moving from frenzied to haunting without batting an eye, but it's also an absolutely singular approach to the dread and restlessness lurking in the corners. Perhaps more prescient than they would've guessed when they made this record. Stunning, hits the spot every time, track down a copy posthaste.

#Bobby Would #The Begotten #Cube #The Gagmen #Monokultur #Nina Harker #Low Company #Alter #ever/never records

10 notes · View notes

unprettybutwellpolished · 3 years

Text

HAPPY GALENTINE’S DAY TO YOU ! ~

*The movie Valentine’s Day on so the mood is set to talk about my (valentine’s day?) nail art*

So yay I’m not really a Valentine’s Day person but I’m definitely a cheesy movie kind of girl.

This is really funny to me how dramatic this nail art is like me I guess lol ? As if anyone has ever broke my heart lol. This is the second time that I draw broken hearts on my nails for Valentine’s Day. I first did it 2 years ago, the result was pretty shitty. I didn’t keep the mani really long lol. I prefer this one way better!

Since 2019, it’s kinda my tradition to do like an Anti Valentine’s Day nail art like yay for obvious reasons lol. My rule is I can do Valentine’s Day nail art whenever I want except on the 14 of February lol. Last year, I did a candy hearts inspired nail art but instead of the traditional “love you” messages, I wrote “LOL” or “NO”, stuff like that and my co-workers didn’t get it at all lol. It pisses me off when people don’t get my nail art lol. Some of them didn’t understand that it was an Anti Valentine’s Day nail art, others didn’t get why I wrote “LOL”.

So as you probably understood it, I don’t relate to this celebration for its principal definition I guess but I always feel the need to put my twist on it lol. Valentine’s Day should not make us feel bad for being single, for not knowing what being in a relationship is like, for not wanting to mingle or for not talking to anyone. All of it is ok unlike what the society or social medias want us to believe. We’re complete on our own and it’s way more important to work on ourselves because *me, myself and I is all I got in the end* as Queen B would say.

Instead of celebrating the love we would give to a significant other, maybe we should celebrate self-love and body positivity because the relationship that we have with ourselves is so important. In this race of finding the “good one”, we sometimes forget to be good with ourselves first.

Polishes I used :

Essie : Set In Stones

Essie : Après-Chic

Maybelline : Lilac Wine

Maybelline : So So Fresh

Sinful Colors : Yolo Yellow

Formula X : Incandescent

D’Jonna : n°10

Black Polish

Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

8 notes · View notes

heirloomseedsolutions · 3 years

Text

Buy Vegetable Seeds @ heirloomseedsolutions.com

All Sweet Watermelon : All Sweet Watermelon - Stands in the field for an extended period without over ripening. Elongated, striped fruits, 25-30 pounds each.

american spinach seeds : Spinach America Seeds Is A long standing bloomsdale type spinach, fine quality, heavy yields. All American Selections winner in 1952.

anaheim chili pepper : Anaheim Chili Peppers are very popular in Mexican dishes of all types, especially chile rellenos. - 6" long - for grinding into powder

arnica herb : Arnica Herb - When brewed as a tea, this amazing herb has been used for stress, sleeping problems, and emotional trauma. - (Arnica montana

Baby Roma : Baby Roma Tomatoes are Great for garden snacking, salads and growing for market. Incredibly heavy sets of grape-type tomato fruits.

besweet soybean : Besweet Soybean is an Upright, 2' tall plant that bears an early crop of bright green beans for edamame, fresh shelling, or drying.

herb black cohosh : Herb Black Cohosh - A traditional Native American discovery from the root of the cohosh plant known for relieving menstrual cramps

Blacktail Mountain Watermelon : Blacktail Mountain Watermelon is a consistent high quality producer of dark green fruits with sweet, candy red flesh.

black valentine beans : Black Valentine Bean - Straight slender dark-green, nearly round pods, stringless at all stages. Strong vigor. 60-70 days.

bloomsdale long standing spinach seeds: Bloomsdale long standing spinach seeds - one of the first crops to be sown in spring. This quick-growing variety is a heavy yielder.

boneset herb : Boneset herb is a great remedy for treating the symptoms of influenza, and helpful for treating aches and pains and fever.

heirloom boston pickling cucumber : Heirloom Boston Pickling Cucumber is a Reliable old variety that was first listed as early as 1880 by D. M. Ferry and Company.

Brandywine Tomato : Brandywine tomato found its way into the seed savers exchange in collection in 1982 founded by Ben Quisenberry - The Heirloom tomato standard

bronze beauty lettuce : Bronze Beauty Lettuce Is Hailed as the finest, most colorful and most delicious leaf lettuce for the home garden. - [Bronze Arrowhead]

bull's blood beets : Bull’s Blood Beets is the darkest leaved strain of beet available to gardeners and very popular for adding to cutting green mixtures.

buttercrunch lettuce seeds : Buttercrunch lettuce Seeds - All American Selections winner from 1966, bred by Dr. Raleigh at Cornell. Well known with growers and consumers.

Calendula : Calendula is one of the most widely used herbs for relieving an upset stomach, ulcers, menstrual cramps and is known for having anti..

california giant zinnia : California Giant Zinnia - A garden classic. Every garden should have a long row for endless colorful bouquets. Extensive color range.

california wonder pepper : California Wonder Pepper is one of the best for the home gardener, long known as a great canning and freezing variety.

Calypso Beans: Calypso Beans was hailed by many as the all-time greatest bean for baking - productive 15” plants grow well in almost any climate.

Catnip Herb : Catnip herb has a long history of being used as a digestive aid. It’s a natural sedative that helps to ease digestion, colic and diarrhea.

Cherokee Purple Tomato Seeds : Cherokee Purple tomato seeds produce plants with large crops of 12 oz. fruits that rival Brandywine tomatoes for flavor.

chicory seed for sale: Chicory Seeds For Sale - Traditionally used as an additive to coffee, or as a substitute for coffee. Helps with wound healing

christmas lima beans : The Christmas Lima Bean is a Large quarter dollar-sized flat beans can be used either as a green shelled bean or a dry bean.

Cilantro Seeds : Cilantro is one of the most widely used culinary herbs in the whole world. The fresh greens are called Cilantro and the dried seeds are...

Copenhagen cabbage seeds : Copenhagen Cabbage Seeds Are Popular for home gardens and also for shipping, will also store well. Plants Tend To Mature At The Same Time.

cylindra beets : Cylindra Beet Is an Uniquely shaped beet that resembles a carrot and produces uniform round slices for eating and processing. 6-8 inches

detroit dark red beets : Detroit Dark Red: the standard for beets, originally developed in 1892 from Early Blood Turnip Beet. - Heirloom Seed Solutions

double yield cucumber : Double Yield Cucumber was Introduced by the Joseph Harris Seed Company in Coldwater, New York in 1924. Ideal for pickling and fresh eating.

dragon tongue bush bean : Dragons Tongue Bush Bean - he primary use of this bean is for snap beans when the pods are young and covered with thin purple stripes.

Dwarf Blue Curled Kale : Dwarf Blue Curled Kale is a hardy biennial and a real show stopper as an ornamental, but its also extremely delicious and high in vitamin A.

early jalapeno pepper seeds : Early Jalapeno Pepper Seeds - does well even in cool areas. Sturdy 24 plants are loaded with 3 fruits that ripen from green to red.

early scarlet globe radish : Early Scarlet Globe Radish is a well known home and market variety. Globe shaped, bright scarlet color, excellent for bunching.

early summer crookneck squash : Early Summer Crookneck Squash - Ships Well. Delicious Flavor And Fine Texture. Best Eaten When 4-6s Long, Before They Turn Bumpy.

Evening Primrose Seeds : Evening Primrose Seeds are one of the few herbs that can help with nerve problems. Great for eczema, dermatitis and skin allergies.

fennel herb : Fennel herb - Used by the Chinese for centuries to treat hernia, indigestion and abdominal pain. can prevent the digestive upset.

feverfew herb : Feverfew Herb - Native to southeastern Europe, feverfew is now widespread throughout Europe, North America, and Australia.

German butterball potato : German Butterball Potato is an excellent all-purpose variety, good for roasting, frying and especially for mashed potatoes.

german extra hardy garlic : German Extra Hardy Garlic AKA German White. Our best performing garlic for northern gardeners. 4 – 6 large cloves.

german pink tomato : German Pink Tomato - One of the original two Bavarian varieties that started The Seed Savers Exchange. full sweet flavor and tender skin.

giant musselburgh leek : giant musselburg leek - This Scottish heirloom leek was introduced near Edinburgh in the 1830's. Highly adaptable.

golden zucchini : Golden Zucchini - Originally introduced by W. Atlee Burpee from material they received from Dr. Shifress of Rutgers University.

gourmet slicing tomatoes : Gourmet Slicing Tomatoes - are a fabulous, rainbow mix of slicing tomatoes. An easy way to try them all. - 12,000 seeds per ounce.

green arrow peas : Green Arrow Pea has set the standard for home and market production. Great for canning, freezing, and for dehydrating. reliable production.

hale's best 45 melon : Hale`s Best Melon - A reliable early melon with heavy netting and firm salmon colored flesh. Good, old-fashioned melon flavor and drought tolerant.

heirloom lettuce mix : The Heirloom Lettuce Mix is a must for every garden and an easy way to try all of the lettuces that we offer in our catalog.

hungarian heart tomato : Hungarian Heart Tomatos Are Large reddish-pink oxheart-type fruits are meaty and juicy. Very few seeds and almost no cracking.

ice queen lettuce : Ice Queen Lettuce Is A Wonderful crisp and sweet leaves, top of the class for iceberg-types. Can be used as a leaf lettuce.

Jacobs cattle beans :

lacinato kale : Lacinato Kale is a rather primitive open kale with 3" wide strapped leaves that are 10 inches long on 2-3 inches tall plants. (aka Dinosaur)

late flat dutch cabbage : Late Flat Dutch Cabbage Is The best choice for a slow growing, late season cabbage. - Brought to America by German immigrants in the 1840’s

lavender plant : Lavender Plant - Popular in soaps, shampoos and fragrances, but is also a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety, depression.

Lemon Balm Herb : Lemon Balm Herb (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family which is used to help treat sleep disorders when brewed as a tea.

Lemon Cucumber : Lemon cucumber - A real treat, they are much easier to digest than normal cucumbers. - First listed in America by Samuel Wilson

lemon drop pepper : Lemon Drop Pepper - Robust plants are about 2' tall and covered with 2 inches long fruits that ripen to bright yellow - 100 days from transplant

Little Marvel Peas : Little Marvel Peas are a dependable variety introduced in 1908, known for fine quality and excellent yields. Can be sown in spring or fall.

Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts : Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts are a strain of brussels sprouts that predates modern hybrid varieties. A light frost or two will...

cayenne long slim pepper : Cayenne Long Slim Peppers are a powerful pain reliever when applied topically, and is used to treat osteoarthritis. - (Capscium annuum)

red of florence onion seeds : red of florence onion seeds - Excellent mild flavor, for fresh eating or short term storage. fresh eating variety from the Mediterranean.

Marketmore Cucumber : Marketmore Cucumber Dr. Henry Munger from Cornell University originally bred and it found its way to U.S. gardeners in 1976.

marshmallow seeds : Marshmallow Seeds - The root of this plant traditionally used to treat asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, cough and even the common cold.

mexican midget tomato : Mexican Midget Tomato - No hybrid comes close to this variety for huge tomato flavor in small package. ½ dark red fruits.

Minnesota Midget Melon : The Minnesota Midget Melon produces round, 4-5" fruits that have thick, sugary, golden-flesh which is edible right down to the rind.

muncher cucumbers : Muncher Cucumber - Very tender variety that is excellent for fresh eating right out of the garden. pick when the fruits are 4-6 inches long.

Orange Bell Pepper : The Orange Bell Pepper is a real beauty that's excellent for fresh eating, canning or freezing. It also has a great sweet flavor.

Oregano Herb seed : Oregano Herb Seed is An essential Italian herb for any garden. Great for tomato sauces. Flavor is best if picked prior to flowering.

oregon sugar pod peas : Oregon Sugar Pod Peas should be harvested before the seeds form for best flavor. Good disease resistance - can be enjoyed raw

parsley herb : Parsley Herb is a Large bushy plant that provides a constant supply of fresh parsley. Prized by Italian chefs. Excess can be dried or frozen.

Triple Curled Parsley : Triple Curled Parley has highly frilled and curled leaves will hold in the garden at a usable state for months. - (Petroselinum crispum)

peppermint herb : Peppermint Herb - Classic culinary herb, strongly aromatic. Great for cooking, drying, drinks, salads, teas, baking or in potpourri.

pink lady slipper radish : Pink Lady Slipper Radish - One of the mildest radishes. Light pink, oblong shaped roots, mild white flesh. 4 weeks after harvesting

Pride Of Wisconsin : When you think of the big melons with great taste, Pride Of Wisconsin is the standard that all others should be judged by.

provider bush beans : Provider Bush Beans - Introduced in 1965 in South Carolina by horticulturist, Dr. Hoffman. 48-55 days - High Germination Heirloom Seeds

Prudens Purple Tomato : Prudens Purple Tomato produces plants loaded with 10-16 ounce, dark pink fruits. It's a real contender for the best beefsteak heirloom.

purple coneflower seeds : Purple Coneflower Seeds - One of the most popular herbal medicines today. It has been used for more than 400 years to treat infections.

purple top white globe turnip : Purple Top White Globe Turnip was first noted in the 1800’s and still the most widely used variety for home and market.

red acre cabbage : Red Acre Cabbage is One Of The most reliable red variety, resists splitting, nice uniform color and a good keeper. 3-4 pounds.

Red Russian Kale : Red Russian Kale is a beautiful Siberian Kale that came to Canada in the 1800’s by way of Russian traders. It has dark blue-green leaves...

Romanesco Broccoli : First recorded in Italy in the 16th century, Romanesco Broccoli is sometimes referred to as Broccoflower, Roman Cauliflower or Coral...

rosemary seeds : Rosemary Seeds are used for indigestion, to treat muscle pain and arthritis, and to improve circulation. - Rosmarinus officinalis

Round Zucchini : This is a top quality open-pollinated strain of round zucchini. Its compact plants produce an endless stream of baseball sized...

ruby king pepper : Ruby King Pepper - Super sturdy 24" plants are uniform and support heavy crops of 4 lobed peppers that ripen from green to red..

sage herb seeds : Sage Herb Seeds Are Widely used for flavoring meat, cheese and bean dishes. Plants can grow 18-24 inches and are very attractive

Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds : Scarlet Nantes carrot seeds are widely adapted and good for storage, freezing and for juice. They are also extremely high in antioxidants.

slobolt lettuce : Slobolt Lettuce Has A Nice pleasant flavor, never bitter. A great cut and come again variety. - A great cut and come again variety.

cauliflower snowball seeds : Cauliflower Snowball Seeds - Reliable sure-heading strain. Large, solid, snowy white 6-7 inches diameter heads, well protected by the outer wrapper leaves.

stowell's evergreen sweet corn : Stowell's Evergreen Sweet Corn - First introduced to the seed trade in 1856 from a cross made by Nathaniel Newman Stowell in New Jersey

Straight Eight Cucumber : Straight Eight Cucumber was an All American Selections winner in 1935. A real superstar, most likely the most recognized cucumber variety...

strawberry watermelon seeds : Strawberry Watermelon Seeds Are Well-known old heirloom. Dark green with lighter green stripes. Long green fruits average 20 pounds

sweet genovese basil : Sweet Genovese Basil is the classic Italian sweet basil, prized for its large leaves, wonderful aroma and spicy flavor...

sugar snap peas : Sugar Snap Pea is an all American Selections winner in 1979. Vigorous 48-72, vines need support, but yield huge amounts of snap peas.

thyme herb plant : Thyme Herb Plant - Extremely versatile culinary herb used extensively for seasoning meats and vegetables. - (Thymus vulgaris)

Tiger Eye Beans : Tiger Eye beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are some of the most beautiful of all the dry beans, originally from either Chile or Argentina.

titan sunflower : One of the tallest, largest seeded and largest headed varieties. Sure to be a hit with children, great for roasting, expect heavy yields.

tommy toe tomato : Tommy Toe Tomato - This humble cherry tomato, Tommy Toe, has won many blue ribbons and taste tests around the world.

valerian seeds : Valerian seeds have been used as far back as the 2nd century A.D. to treat insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, seizures and epilepsy.

spaghetti squash vegetable : Spaghetti Squash Vegetable - Fruits range in color from ivory to yellow to orange. - (Cucurbita pepo) - (aka Noodle Squash)

waltham butternut squash : Waltham Butternut Squash - Developed and introduced by Bob Young of Waltham, Massachusetts. Most popular variety of butternut

yellow indian woman beans : Yellow Indian Woman Beans - Originally brought to Montana by European immigrants, a rare heirloom that is now found in Native America.

#All Sweet Watermelon spinach american seeds anaheim chili pepper arnica herb Baby Roma besweet soybean herb black cohosh Blacktail Mountain

2 notes · View notes