Words
Remember when Steve Martin went all Cyrano de Bergerac to win the heart of Daryl Hannah in the movie Roxanne? Although he didn’t have the typical good looks required to woo a hot chick of her caliber, his strength lay in the love letters he wrote (but allowed a foxy fireman to read to his crush in his stead). Following are a few Valentine’s Day-related events happening locally that will help both the coupled and the uncoupled learn how to use words to both find, and keep, love. (Don’t forget, Cyrano and Steve both got their girls in the end.)
While it’s true that those reading poetry at the “Love Uncensored” SpeakEasy happening Feb. 12 at the Amadeus Project probably won’t be handing out their numbers to adoring fans after the show, the nearly 20 couples who’ve signed up to read poems—both their own and their personal favorites—are sure to inspire twitterpation among those in the audience. “We’re not screening poems, so I have no idea what to expect,” organizer Luther Allen says. “We will probably hear about romance, attraction, passion, desire, gratitude, compromise, etc., from a variety of perspectives. Doing this requires some pizzazz and some vulnerability on the part of the readers. I hope the audience will be curious and receptive to the evening’s surprises.” The only stipulation Allen gave the participants, he says, is that both members of the couple must read during the five-minute slot each twosome is given to share their love with the masses. When: 7pm Sun., Feb. 12. Where: Amadeus Project, 1209 Cornwall Ave. Cost: Entry is by donation. Info: http://www.othermindpress.wordpress.com
When it comes to matters of passion, the French do just about everything better than, well, everyone else. Whether it’s the implicit romance suggested in the sultry dips and turns of their language or their hearty embrace of sensual pleasures (see French kiss and French toast), they’re the ones to look to concerning expressions of love. Those who come to the Valentine’s Day Adult Story Time at the Bellingham Public Library will be treated to words by one of the French masters, George Sand—also known as Lucile Aurore Dupin or the “romantic Baroness.” Although the 1800s-era author started her adulthood with marriage and kids, she departed from the norm by separating from her husband, entering into a string of affairs with both men and women and, under a pseudonym, writing a series of novels (among other things). With memorable gems such as, “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved,” and “Life in common among people who love each other is the ideal of happiness,” Sand showed the world that those who found love—in whatever form, and for whatever duration—were lucky indeed. When: 1pm Tues., Feb. 14. Where: Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. Cost: Free. Info: 778-7323
In our modern age, it’s possible to have multiple conversations with potential dates without ever having to speak in person. Sometimes, though, exchanging real words is the only way to see if there’s a spark. That’s where Speed Dating comes in. With a Valentine’s Day iteration coming to Honey Moon, participants can spend short dates with a variety of potential candidates without having to commit to just one. “Find love fast” is the motto of the gathering, and, who knows, you just might. (This might also be the perfect opportunity to brush up on quotes by Cyrano and George Sands.) When: 5:30pm Tues., Feb. 14 Where: Honey Moon, 1053 N. State St. Cost: $20 (includes one drink). Info: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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