So. I've been asked to write about Valentines Day. I'm not the greatest person to give an opinion on this subject as a) I'm single (no cats) and b) I don't have a great track record with the whole romance scene! Still, got a good fifty years in me yet mind :p 
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First thing's first: Who invented Valentines Day?

Nobody really knows. There are a few theories though. One of them is about a fella called Valentine. He was a priest in Rome back in 270 AD. At the time, the Emperor, Claudious II was trying to round men up for his army but found that those with wives and children were no good as soldiers. So, he did what any decent emperor would do and outlawed marriage. Now, Valentine was pretty miffed about the whole thing, just did not agree with it AT ALL and so he continued to marry young lovers in secret. Claudious found out, went ballistic....and killed him....on the 14th February. Shocking eh?

Like I said, there are quite a few theories out there but this one  is most often mentioned by historians.

While we're on the whole romance history trip, it would be wrong not to mention Casanova, the greatest lover of all time! Some people assume that he was a total rat, but actually, he truly loved women and was a giver not a taker. He was also a philosopher and poet and loved the whole romance side of things. Here is a quote from Casanova himself (obviously, not himself standing in my shop as I type) 'I don't conquer, I submit' (I don't actually know why I chose that quote really...it's short and sweet though).  I'll leave Casanova there for now otherwise I'll go off on a tangent.

Another fact about Valentine's Day - is that the 14th of February is commonly known as the beginning of the mating season for birds. So, if you are single and want to feel even more bitter on this day - just get the old binoculars out and perv on the birds getting it on outside your window.

For all of you that are loved up and wish to show your soul mate/other half/partner in crime/knight in shining armour/little princess (delete as appropriate) just how special they are to you, I have a few suggestions:

You could write a love letter and then get it printed onto a canvas - how romantic is that? Or do you have a photo of when you first met? Or a place that is 'your special place'?

My boss said we're going to do five 16 x 16 canvases (which are usually £40) for half price. BARGAIN! So, twenty quid to give the love of your life something special that will last for seventy five years (other than a child ha). Who needs jewels when you have Redcar Urban Arts man?

Also, you know we do t-shirts? Well how about your lovers favourite band, quote or lyrics on a one? You could have a secret inscription printed on the inside too (which costs a mere £5.50).

Valentines Day doesn't have to be about your partner though. What about someone you secretly admire? Or what about your parents or grandparents? Might be nice to dig out an old photo of them.

All in all. Just spread the love.

And...If you're single and shy - I say treat yourself! One time, I was single and living in a different city, I took myself on a Valentines Day shopping spree and then went to a nice cafe for some dinner. I felt pretty smug until I poured the lot of my drink over myself :-( Ah well. A good looking Italian bloke helped me dry myself off so it wasn't all that bad :-)

On that note...Happy (nearly) Valentines Day.

If you want something personal and a bit different for a prezzie...we're your people.

Tata for now

Kerry x