Better than Flowers

Rather than a bouquet and chocolates, my beau gave me a record for V-Day. While I love flowers and chocolates, I felt this gift was thoughtful and touching because of my love of the band and the many fond memories the music invokes.

I’d first heard of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings when I was living in San Francisco. Through work I was fortunate to make friends with Melissa and her husband, Matt. Matt is also known as DJ Max Wordlow, and he has the largest personal record collection I’ve ever seen. Seriously. At the time his records were insured for $40K, or some obscene amount. Melissa would bring CD’s to work that Matt had created, full of his favorite songs, always titled “New Music.” New Music Vols. 1 - 17+ were often the soundtrack to my life when I lived in the city, and through New Music I was introduced to Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. The first song I’d heard was “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You” and instantly fell in love.



Not long after I was introduced to the Sharon Jones, I was lucky enough to watch her and the Dap Kings perform at Bimbo’s 365 Club, one of SF’s classiest, classic, landmark clubs. It was one of the best shows I've seen live.

The record is a gift I will enjoy forever. What's your favorite record?
xo, Stace

*photos by Tim J. Benson

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Ahh, love.

Last month my love and I were enjoying a lazy early evening stroll through some local shops.  As we entered into Tabula Rasa, my pupils immediately dilated upon seeing a most incredible display of gourmet marshmallows, or better stated, a dream incarnate.  My hands floated forward, reaching out and attaining a beautiful bag of blush colored rose flavored marshmallows.  Bringing them close to me, I immediately found myself entertaining the different ways they could be enjoyed.  But alas, my budget was not open to the purchase, so I lovingly replaced them, walking away until I could bear to break my longing gaze.  Somehow just knowing they were there had put a spring in my step. 

Life moved forward without the marshmallows.  Little did I know, the delight I had experienced that evening had not gone unnoticed.  When it came time for Husband and me to exchange Valentine's gifts, the first thing I received was my bag of rose flavored marshmallows.  Heaven!  Along with my floral dessert, he gave me a book by one of my favorites, Edward Gorey.  Not to be overshadowed, he also surprised me with some gift certificates to the most amazing frame shop, Signed and Numbered.  The first thing I plan to have framed is the incredible aspen wood cut card he made for me.   

And what did Hubby receive?  Why a remote control helicopter, of course!  Happiness and love all around.

What did you get for Valentine's Day?

Love, H

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