I like to think I can strike a fair balance when it comes to being sentimental.  Yes, you can tell me “It’s A Wonderful Life”.  But try to tell me about the bell-ringing = an angel getting his wings and I’m liable to hurl all over your bunny slippers.

As a romance author, I’m always looking for a great romance to read/watch.  I can smile my way through “Bull Durham”, and appreciate the subtle, sweet romance  in “The Mummy”—but I refuse to watch “Somewhere In Time” anymore.  The combination of that wonderful music and watching the late Chris Reeves is just a little too heartbreaking.

Likewise with tokens of romance in my own life.  With Valentine’s Day coming this week, I’m reminded that yes, I am an author of romance books.  But I also have sense enough to know that the “holiday” is little more than a marketing ploy for the candy/flower business.

Still…

I have one special little momento, one small token that I keep tucked away in a bedroom drawer.  It’s been there since I was in college, a gift to me from someone who was important to me at the time.  And I suppose it’ll stay there until they come and take me to the old folk’s home, lol.  It’s a bit of nothing, really.  No diamonds, no flash; it didn’t even come with candy.  A flat-size cardboard box, bright red in color.  And inside a rather plain, Victorian-style Valentine card, with lace-cut edges and plump little cherubs positioned around a simple “I Love You” message.  I’m not sure exactly why I still keep it.  But it does bring back a dreamy memory or two, and when I do happen to take a look at it now and then, I find it utterly charming.

What about you?  Any little keepsake or small token you’ve kept from a current or previous romance?  A letter?  Photo?  Button?  Something  that would mean nothing to anyone else, but has a special, personal meaning for you?