Cawing & Pawing

I think I'm about done with all the Valentine's fluff & stuff. I've just about gagged myself, which I take as a fairly clear sign to cease and desist. Maybe I can take just a leeeetle bit more. Then I'll stop.

In the Middle Ages, lovers began to celebrate St. Valentine's Day by exchanging love notes and simple gifts such as flowers. The idea of linking Valentine's Day with love during the Middle Ages was strengthened by the notion that birds began to look for mates during this time.

It was commonly believed in France and England that birds' mating season began on or about February 14th. This popular notion contributed to the idea that Valentine's Day be celebrated as a day of love and romance.

Geoffrey Chaucer, in the 14th century “Parlement of Foules," wrote:
"For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day,
Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”

These popular verses further helped to create a festive and romantic image of Valentine's Day during the Middle Ages. Lovers, therefore, began to celebrate Valentine's Day by expressing love to their sweethearts with an exchange of love notes and gifts.

The first known Valentine is said to have been written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.

Historians also say that Saint Valentine of Rome sent a letter signed “From your Valentine” to his sweetheart who was the jailer's daughter a day before he was to be executed. This phrase is still popular amongst lovers.

Aren't you glad we don't live in the Middle Ages?Y

There's a line of off-the-wall greeting cards called Uncooked, which you can see for yourself at

http://www.uncookedland.com

These are not your mother's greeting cards. There are weird cards, and cynical ones, albeit the cynicism is countered by "an overwhelming sweetness that comes out sort of unexpectedly," according to the two women who own the company. One of the more out-there Valentine's cards reads, "It's Valentine's Day and I'm so happy we're together. But if you ever leave me I'll kill you. Like, literally, I'll stab you." One would-be customer likened that one to "cards for serial killers."

All righty, then.

There was this bit of weirdness at my house this morning. I was in my bathroom getting ready for work when I heard the dog bark. I went to see what she was barking at, and she was just sitting on the stairs, watching the front door. She'll do that if there's somebody at the door. I hadn't heard the doorbell ring, but I went to see anyway -- and I didn't see a thing. I went back upstairs, and the dog remained on the stairs -- letting out a little bark every few seconds. I went back down to the door and opened it to take a look outside, because something was getting her all stirred up. I didn't see a thing but a bunch of crows (technically called a murder of crows; I don't know why a crow pack is called that, but no wonder they're damn scary birds). They were cawing and making a lot of noise and the dog doesn't usually bark at birds, but that had to have been what it was. Weird.

In Twisted Linguistics today, we find these Words Gone Wild.

I am so greatfull – Much greater than when I am empty.

Very plesant – A better attitude than very meen, I’m sure.

Hubble, hard working bunch – Ever vigilant astronomers.

banes and noble – Cursed but still trying to sell good books.

Everyone else ack like – They’re all gagging, just like me.

dispertly need - Longing for something desperately disparate.

subgestions – Advice for planning subversive activities.

her ascent to the marriage – Wedding requiring the bride to climb a mountain.


What’s your Love Profile?

Caveat: This one lies big-time. For example, I have never scuba dived in my life.

Gemini - Your Love Profile

Your positive traits: Your lively, outgoing attitude attracts people to you everywhere you go. You can talk your way into - and out of - any situation you desire. You're adaptable enough to flirt with anyone - and people tend to fight over you. Your negative traits: You get easily bored in relationships, and tend to jump from person to person. You tend to be a bit of a player - and have a high tolerance for drama in relationships. Not the most empathetic person, you tend to tell lovers to "get over" their problems. Your ideal partner: Is intelligent and quick witted enough to keep you interested. Is a bit of a shape shifter, providing you with the variety you crave. An open minded person, who's willing to have a non-traditional relationship. Your dating style: Exciting. If your date shows you a new experience (like Egyptian food or scuba diving), you're very happy. Your seduction style: Experimental: it's rare that you try the same thing twice. Ultra kinky - you do stuff that's not even in books yet. Hot and cold... sometimes you're just not into the whole sex thing. Tips for the future: Settle down a little. Sometimes good things come with time - so don't let people go so fast. Acknowledge that you're a player and flirt. If your mate can't live with this, find someone who can. Give your partner a little more attention. You don't have to be a social butterfly all the time. Best color to attract mate: Sunny yellow Best day for a date: Wednesday

What's Your Love Profile?