For my Valentine

For B - 

You are not here for Valentine's day.  I was going to pack a card in your suitcase, but then couldn't find the card since it was probably shoved somewhere while we were moving.  But that is OK, because this isn't a holiday we have ever celebrated.  And I doubt we ever will.  Our mutual feeling of, "eh, it's another day",  was something we found we had in common when we first started dating. 

Having said that, let me send you a big 'ole smooshy Valentine anyway.  'Cause I know you'll be embarrassed by it, especially with it being on my blog.  But you'll love it all the same.  

You bought me the album Laundry Service  back when it first came out and we started dating.  By doing so you began my love of anything Shakira.   I am a sucker for her big voice and heartfelt lyrics.  And no, her "Hips Don't Lie", she is a fabulous performer.  She makes me want to take up bellydancing (but we both know I am a white girl through and through and that just isn't a good idea).  She makes me move and sing at the top of my voice.  You can't be still and silent when listening to Shakira.  And then I heard this song, "Underneath Your Clothes", and I just about wept.  Her voice is incredible but that isn't what gets me (well, ok, that gets me).  The best part of this song is the lyrics.  She just so powerfully sums it all up for me.  But you know that.  In fact, this song almost became our wedding song, as my tribute to you.  But I thought people would take the lyrics the wrong way.  I can understand why.  It has some lines that can be taken the wrong way...  But in it's simplest form this is just a song about a woman who loves her man more than anything else in the world  She loves him for everything he is and all that he has helped her become and what they can become together.  This song is all about the parts that make up a man.  A good man.  The things you can't see, but rather the parts that are underneath.  

And underneath your clothes I have found the man I love.  I found a man of integrity.  A man that is kind and compassionate and treats me like a queen, even when I don't deserve it.  A man who loves his family and cherishes the time we spend together, above all else.   I have found a man teeming with generosity, respect, loyalty and forgiveness. And yet there is also a side that is goofy and funny and always has the ability to laugh at himself.  With you, I have found a peace that eluded me for so long.  And I am so glad that you have chosen me to build your family, your life, with.  Happy Valentine's Day B.  I must have been a really good girl to deserve you!  ;)  

"Underneath Your Clothes" 

Shakira

You're a song

Written by the hands of God

Don't get me wrong 'cause

This might sound to you a bit odd

But you own the place

Where all my thoughts go hiding

And right under your clothes

Is where I find them

Underneath your clothes

There's an endless story

There's the man I chose

There's my territory

And all the things I deserve

For being such a good girl honey

Because of you

I forgot the smart ways to lie

Because of you

I'm running out of reasons to cry 

When the friends are gone

When the party's over

We will still belong to each other

Underneath your clothes

There's an endless story

There's the man I chose

There's my territory

And all the things I deserve

For being such a good girl honey

I love you more than all that's on the planet

Movin' talkin' walkin' breathing

You know it's true

Oh baby it's so funny

You almost don't believe it

As every voice is hanging from the silence

Lamps are hanging from the ceiling

Like a lady tied to her manners

I'm tied up to this feeling

Underneath your clothes

There's an endless story

There's the man I chose

There's my territory

And all the things I deserve

For being such a good girl honey