Love-stained
Originally published: February 15, 2020
What is love?
Yes, this is your cue to bob your head to the left in a rhythmic tempo. If you cannot read this question without the booming bass of Haddaway ringing in your ears, then I know you have a good sense of humour, or at least good taste for 90s music.
When I asked my students this question in class this week, I received a variety of different answers (although not one of them proclaimed “Baby, don’t hurt me!”).
They’re reading Romeo and Juliet, so the question was meant to address the play, however, coincidently the conversation fell on the week of San Valentino.
Some said love makes you do crazy things and that it’s the best feeling in the world.
True.
Others said it’s painful and an unstable force.
Also true.
As I listened to them attempt to describe the thing that is so difficult to put into words, I thought, “They have no idea what type of ride they are in for!”
Funny enough, they are the same age as the star-crossed lovers in the Shakespearean play, but their thoughtfulness about the topic was overwhelming and impressive.
All their answers reminded me that everyone experiences love differently, but the one thing that is for certain; there is no denying love’s presence and impact.
Yummy Fish Tacos
This February 14th was spent at home, cooking up yummy food and watching movies. There is nothing like being able to whip up a delicious meal and truly enjoying it with great company. The menu was fish tacos and beet soup, and let me tell you, it definitely beat eating out at a fancy restaurant. Imagine a corn tortilla topped with spiced shrimp and cod fish, tangy coleslaw, with creamy avocado and Sriracha mayo. To me, it was a double-chef’s kiss, and it takes a lot for me to hand out two.
Love-stained Films
I have always been a romantic. It might be from all the Disney as a kid, or perhaps I just choose to choose love because I am a lover, not a fighter. The power of love can really overcome all obstacles, in my opinion, and I’d rather love and get hurt, than to have never loved at all.
On that note, I have complied a short list of my top 5 movies that are stained with love and the deepness to crack your heart open in the best way.
One More Chance…actually any movie with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo…actually any Filipino movie. SWOON. What is with Cathy Garcia-Molina making me cry every movie she makes. She has a literal gift when it comes to storytelling and I am here for every moment; the good, the bad, and the ugly. The thing about her movies, or most Filipino movies for that matter, is they have such a realness that you feel like they're telling your life, despite if you've been through the same situations or not. Some may disagree that some storylines may border on fantastical or to-good-to-be-true, but the romantic in me says no. These are glimpses into people’s lives and sometimes I think she is spying on me because of how deep I can relate to the rollercoaster ride her characters are on. If you’ve never watch a Filipino romance film, you are missing out, my friend. They are my go-to movies and they never fail to teach me something new about connection.
Romeo and Juliet, but obviously the one with Leonardo Di Caprio and Claire Danes. First of all, it’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes!!! Need I say more? I had to include this because as I recently showed it at school, I was brought back to my time in grade 9 when I watched the movie at Ontario Place. I had already kinda-sorta liked the play when we read it in class, but the modernized version (and Leo, a literal heartthrob), had me rethinking just how cool the play actually is. Totally recommend.
Call Me By Your Name: I watched this on the plane to Las Vegas last year and I was so concern people would think I was watching something inappropriate (the peach scene), but then I realized I was headed to Sin City. This is totally the type of movie I would want to make; a whirlwind romance topped with the rawness of an open heart, first love, and it takes place in my gorgeous county of Italy. It has every element you would want in this type of film. Does anyone else like movies where you just end up sobbing? And yes, I was on the plane crying silently, however, the good thing about movies like this is you can appreciate anything remotely funny after your cathartic release.
Paris Can Wait: A cute and unexpected film found on Netflix one night. Watched it with my mother and we laughed the whole time. I do consider this a type of rom-com, but not your typical cheesy one. It’s an interesting story with great visuals and music. Definitely more on the light-hearted side if you’re not feeling like watching something too emotional.
A Walk To Remember: Okay, but how could I not include this classic? I vividly recall being in elementary school and watching this movie with my friends, all of us googly-eyed for Shane West. I’m pretty sure I’ve watched this movie over 50 times and continued belted out the words to ‘Only Hope’ long after my obsession with this movie slowed down. I haven’t watched it in years, but that might be because I just know that it is SUPER sad. So I’m including it, but I’d say brace yourself if you’ve never watched it before. As much as I love a good cry, I think this movie really did a number on me as a 13 year old. I truly expect someone to build me a telescope one day.
Chopping Chocolate
When I think of San Valentino, I first think of cinnamon hearts, and then I think…hmm…chocolate covered strawberries! At $3.00 a piece at some local chocolatiers, I prefer to make them myself because I love working with tempered chocolate and I can make more for less. They are a great treat to enjoy yourself, (strawberries are fruit, fruit is healthy, ergo this is healthy a dessert!), but they make a thoughtful gift if you are stuck on what to get your sweetheart. It’s a labour of love. And here’s a tip from me to you: you can use the left over chocolate that is coating your bowl to dip the “less aesthetically-pleasing strawberries” into, just like fondue. No one has to know. Why waste perfectly good ingredients?
Giving Love
If all of this love-talk is making you roll your eyes, then you may need a little something to shift your perspective. I do believe that Valentine’s Day (as with most other major holidays) is heavily marketed to us and sometimes it all just feels like hype for nothing. The price of roses goes up, people are tying a 6-foot stuffed bear to the roof of their car, and if you are single, or without family and friends to celebrate, it may feel like love is the one to blame. But I want to remind you that love is available to you at all times. It is within and without you. You are love.
The first and most important person to give love to is you. Once you are able to fully love and accept yourself, you can begin to spread this love to others freely and without condition. The second thing I want to mention is that love is active. If you feel like you are not receiving, then try giving…trust me, it works. You could be down in the dumps, but reaching out and connecting to others, anyone, a stranger, a person in need, will fill your heart with the BEST feeling in the world. When you crack your heart open, it becomes easier to love and anything is possible. So try calling up a family member or friend and tell them “I love and appreciate you!” Try volunteering in your community. Most importantly, give with no expectation and watch the love pour in!
Baci e abbracci :)
Basha
