I have two boys at home: my husband Bruce and my dog Bennett. Valentine shopping for Bennett is easy – a bone to chew, a toy to dismember, and a snack to inhale – it’s all good. Bruce is more complex (and for that I am thankful), so I was making a mental what-he-would-like list as I entered hot diggity - the best dog store ever. (Check out their site. That is, or could be, Bennett’s picture on their home page – the white one on the left.)
Bennett’s shopping took me all of 3 minutes, but then I found the greeting card rack. Do you do that? Open and read every single one, looking for the perfect card? I found one that was so beyond perfect that even before I even purchased it, I was plotting of ways to take it back. This one was not going to be shoved in back of the junk drawer.
With bones and card in hand, I made my way over to the cash register. As I waited, I played with a nicely decorated ball jar (purples and puppy prints) with a sign that said, ” Keepin it Fresh.” The proprietor explained that the jar was filled with 60 things to do as a couple – many of the suggestions included dog friendly, inclusion dates. You alternate pulling (husband, wife, husband wi…) on alternate weeks (60 suggestions) for easy, Keepin-it-Fresh dates. How great is that? Bruce will be beyond happy – no more brain wracking for what to do on date night, and I was thrilled because my shopping was done.
So back to the card. I was so smitten with it, that upon seeing my husband, I waved it in his face, took it back, and put it in a frame. Then I sat down to google the artist, Sam Toft. Finding her site was as exciting as tasting carpaccio on arugula with shaved Parmesan and capers for the first time. How does all that sensory stimulation happen at one site or on one plate? Her work is quirky and clever, heartfelt and poignant, and I immediately knew that if we lived on the same continent, we would be best friends (or I would end up stalking her. I just LOVE her work).
And for all of my recycling friends who follow the rules EVEN FOR HOLIDAYS – you can send a friend a free Sam Toft e-card (I just sent myself another quick note): no extra or excess paper and/or purchases – just pure pleasure.
