So it's Valentine's Day, and I'm a cynical thus-and-such on days like today. I feel the need to clarify--I'm not bitter or unhappy, I'm just a bit suspicious of any "holiday" that gives credence to the belief that one must buy stuff in order to denote love to someone. Don't get me wrong, I believe in love and even in grandiose gestures of love, but I firmly believe they should be heartfelt--not required. So on days like today, as I see people walking around with flowers they will soon desiccate and pin on a bulletin board, I tend to think that days like today debase the true signs of love.
Today has actually been a nice little day though. I often find that despite the focus on romantic love, Valentine's often reminds me of the blessings found in platonic and familial love. My roommate is a wonderful friend, and I woke up this morning to find a funny, sweet note on the counter. I started my day feeling loved!
This year's day of love kind of slipped up on me. I totally forgot what day it was when I made plans with a friend to congregate (I think that word actually needs a group instead of just two, but whatever) at a local coffee shop for a night of knitting. I can't wait. I did congregate with a group of other knitters for a night of charity knitting. We were making squares to make blankets for the rescue mission. The most exciting part of the evening? I can now knit in a pattern. I only know one, but it was a big moment for me. After a few mishaps with some oversized mittens, I tend to be a bit diffident about my knitting abilities. This diffidence was increased by the fact that I started my first adventure with double-pointed needles and, much to my consternation, the needles won the battle for dominance.
This has actually been a really good week for my vocabulary. My sophomore classes are reading Julius Caesar, which is full of demagogues. Between Antony and Cassius, they could get anyone to do just about anything. Then there is Brutus, who actually truly believes what he says. I must admit that I’m not really that fond of the play—it gets a bit wordy and, to be honest, boring at times. I think the only thing I find really interesting is the power play between the soon-to-be despot (Julius Caesar), and those planning to depose him. The first time I taught this play, I really spent most of my time trying to keep all of the characters straight. This time through, I’m actually starting to really appreciate the different characters’ motives and enjoy their speeches. Brutus is, of course, my favorite. He’s so focused on what’s right and honorable. He is so willing to sacrifice for the good of others that it compels me to look at my own motives.
Ha! Check it out! All ten words!
As a funny side note—I was reading You Suck: A Love Story this weekend, and I ran across the word decorous, and I knew what it meant. I was SO excited! My words are coming in handy. I’m now reading the modern version of Metamorphoses, and it’s going much better. I’ve also been reading Miss Julie Speaks Her Mind upon my mom’s recommendation, and it’s hilarious. It’s just the right humorous balance to Ovid’s poetry.
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