The first girl I ever "liked" was named Whitney. She was a member of a terrorizing trio dubbed ‘the kissy girls’. They would frequently chase me at recess, and two would try to grab my arms while the third would try and kiss my face. These were the mean streets of a Methodist preschool. Whitney participated in this weekly hazing, but would always stay behind to check if I was ok after the other two ran off laughing.
I've said in the past that the first girl I pursued was Selena Sullivan. That was second grade. But my first relationship, brief as it was, was in middle school. Her name was Ines. I can't recall how the relationship started or for how long we "went out" but I do know it ended shortly after Valentine's Day. There was, if not pressure, at least some expectations now on this day, of how best to express appropriate levels of affection. She gave me a Hallmark card that said I was 'out of this world' and had her mom purchase a small bottle of Brut cologne for me. "It's what my older brother uses", she said. Which is super weird thinking back on it. I, on the other hand, had saved up money over the winter break doing yard work for Ms. Pridmore, the choir director. I used it to buy earrings at a fancy looking store called Zales in the mall. I wrapped and presented them to my Valentine. She was mortified. Her ears weren't pierced. She said if I really cared about her I would have noticed. It was hard to argue with that logic at the time.
TONIGHT: Thursday Night Flights. New love is right here waiting for you. All new and unusual varieties tasting this evening! Cabernet doesn't care enough. Pinot takes your for granted. Dynamic and unique varieties await your affection. Moschofilero, Gutedel, Xarel-lo! Trepat, Aglianico, Xinomavro! New delights here from 5-9pm. Wines by the glass all night as always!
FEBRUARY 13th & 14th: Valentines Bouquets from Flower & Forage here at OAKLAND YARD! Skip the earrings or cologne - and dazzle a friend or a loved one with stunning local, wild and gorgeous arrangements by Alyson Vitt (Flower & Forage). Will update on IG when sold out!
SATURDAY 2/15: Sparkling Flights from around the globe. Let's keep the sparkle going! New bubbly flights from France, Italy, and Spain. Flights $15 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 9pm.
SUNDAY 2/16: Wines of Piedmont. Four wines, four favorites from the north. Aromatic and alluring. All dry, delicate and delicious. Italian Flights $15 from 2-6 and wines by the glass until 8pm.
See all you lovers soon,
Daniel