Finally, the day for lovers and my 5th and last story for the occasion. Happy Valentine’s Day and think about the idea I’ve offered here
Honestly, it’s never diamonds. Perfume, maybe, but not diamonds. Oh, there was a diamond engagement years ago and another one at our 25th, but that ‘streak’ ended there, years ago. Nowadays, prudence, practicality and pocketbook influence my choices..
So, this Valentine’s Day I gave a gift that satisfied all three criteria, the gift of color. I painted a bathroom for my wife, and, not surprisingly, it was one of the best gifts I’ve given over the years. She raved about it and appreciated my work and the new look. As pleasant as that sounds, it’s an unflattering commentary on my gift giving skills. I’m terrible at it.
However, I’m a good painter, it’s in the genes. My immigrant grandfather established himself as a ‘master’ painter. He begot three boys who continued the trade. The line of succession produced more sons, yet, who donned the white overalls, joined the union and called themselves ‘journeymen’.
You see, while ‘diamonds are forever’ (who wears out a diamond?), paint jobs are actually meant to be replaced. Colors fade or fall out of fashion. The painter gets the opportunity to ‘regive’ the paint job, a ‘do over’, if you will.
“Hey, honey, I repainted the bathroom. How’s it look? And, Happy Mother’s Day!”
“Looks great, dinner is ready”, she shouts from afar. “You slug…”, is the unspoken word you don’t hear because she has resigned herself to the age-old mantra, ‘it’s the thought that counts’. But we all know this about marriage, ‘what you do or don’t do now will be used against you later’.
As I was reminded recently, disagreements, arguments and shortcomings are all part of the bonding process in marriage, no matter how long the union, decades in our case.
But, I digress. There are more gift giving opportunities on the horizon. The bedroom sounds appropriate for our wedding anniversary. And the hallways for her birthday. Oh, I just know she’ll love it. Everyday will seem like a birthday as she walks through the house, admiring the colors, reminding her of just how old she is. Hmm, I should rethink that one. Then there’s Christmas, maybe a brightening up of the guest room would be a hit.
Yes, diamonds are pretty; pretty impressive and pretty expensive. So, gentlemen, heed my advice. When the time comes, give the gift that is bold and beautiful, that tells her how much you love her. Give the ‘gift that keeps on giving’ and is cheap, the gift of color…PAINT SOMETHING!
Steve
Originally February 2016
S'amusing 
The point where practical gestures outweigh expensive gifts is a good place to be in a relationship.
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Exactly. And it covers up my stinginess and tardiness when the special day is upon us. Approaching our 57th, I think that I have her conditioned not to have high expectations😂
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I’m at the point where a painted room is appreciated more than diamonds. I told hubby a few years ago to stop buying me jewellery. There is only so much you need! I do enjoy a nice meal out though.
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Well, it would have to out with me because I don’t cook. Need to learn it because my wife is getting tired of doing it. And I’m getting too old to paint. Boy, are we in trouble. 😂. I did buy some salmon this morning and the recipe is easy so we’ll have a VD dinner tonight and I’ll do the cleanup chores. Big of me, isn’t it😉😎🍺. Happy VD to you and your husband I always enjoy your comments. Thanks.
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We’re going out for dinner tomorrow night which I’m looking forward to. I made us a nice orange cake with whipped cream and a slice of Terry’s chocolate orange for our tea today. Every one was happy!!
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Wow, it all sounds delicious. Wish I was there. I’m salivating as I think about it. I could fill myself on cake with a nice cup of coffee, although I enjoy tea, as well. Then I’d go outside and work on shoveling our walk to our front door. We’re at 100 inches + of snowfall this winter season with a month, or more, to go before we’re out of the woods. Probably have 15 inches on the ground now but temps will moderate this week (by moderating I mean approaching mid 30sF. We look more like an Olympic venue than a small town in western New York State.
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Great advice except it is pretty hard to keep a paint job as a surprise
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It’s all about the gift of yourself rather than material things. I’ll bet your wife really appreciates having rooms in the house looking fresh. I painted for over 20 years in the summer, including our house. Ironically, the only accident I ever had was when I was painting it, and the ladder slipped. I earned a compression fracture in my back and a lot of pain, but I know it could have been worse.
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Big smiles here, Pete. Somehow Hubby never got the memo. 😍
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