Friday, March 26, 2004
Stealth Romance or Why I Love Car Detailing
Having a recently detailed car is almost better than sex. There, I said it. In fact, it is better simply because that warm glow lasts a lot longer.
Car detailing is the ultimate in car pampering. Peter heard me complain one too many times that my little Subaru was a mess, so he did what any good guy would do. He fixed my problem. He got me a gift certificate to Mr. Detail as a holiday gift. Sadly, I wasn't totally overjoyed and didn't see the true meaning and value of this wonderful gift.
I stand before you a changed woman. Detailing rules. It is one of THE most romantic gifts in my opinion. When I picked it up, my beautiful red car shone in the sun with a gleam I hadn't seen since I left the showroom a year ago. Every single surface had been thoroughly cleaned. Even the sticky, brown clementine stain was gone. The car glowed (and so did I). I felt totally spoiled in a vicarious way. The care and thought behind the gift snuck up on me just like a stealth airplane. Hence, the term: stealth romance.
Why not 'go stealth' on your partner. Try this short list;or, create your own.
Your sweetie will feel like a million bucks. Mission accomplished...ciao, Dina
Having a recently detailed car is almost better than sex. There, I said it. In fact, it is better simply because that warm glow lasts a lot longer.
Car detailing is the ultimate in car pampering. Peter heard me complain one too many times that my little Subaru was a mess, so he did what any good guy would do. He fixed my problem. He got me a gift certificate to Mr. Detail as a holiday gift. Sadly, I wasn't totally overjoyed and didn't see the true meaning and value of this wonderful gift.
I stand before you a changed woman. Detailing rules. It is one of THE most romantic gifts in my opinion. When I picked it up, my beautiful red car shone in the sun with a gleam I hadn't seen since I left the showroom a year ago. Every single surface had been thoroughly cleaned. Even the sticky, brown clementine stain was gone. The car glowed (and so did I). I felt totally spoiled in a vicarious way. The care and thought behind the gift snuck up on me just like a stealth airplane. Hence, the term: stealth romance.
Why not 'go stealth' on your partner. Try this short list;or, create your own.
- Take the clothes to the dry cleaners
- Hire a housecleaner for one day
- Buy a useful appliance to make life easier
- Get the car detailed!
Your sweetie will feel like a million bucks. Mission accomplished...ciao, Dina
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Today is a Red Letter, er, Cover Day!
Authoring a book is a doubt-filled, arduous, satisfying, liberating process. And, I say authoring instead of writing because that captures the full extent of it. It's not just putting pen to paper, although that part has its own challenges; it's the myriad of seemingly endless and ultimately important decisions to make that can really get an author down. What author knows from typography and dpi? Often I get that sinking feeling of regret like when I wear business casual only to discover that everyone else wore a suit. I made a decision, but it turned out to be the wrong one. One author's perfection is another's remainder pile, you know.
Today, we made the right decision. Pete and I selected the cover for Ideas for the Romantically Challenged- and oh, what a marvelous cover it is. It's simply beautiful, genius, delightful... (First books, like babies, are much adored.) Let me describe it. The cover is cherry red. On it sits the cutest, mischievous Cupid riding a flowing white cloud while checking his laptop. He's irresistible and knowing. If HE doesn't have the right gift on his laptop, who does?!
I guess my lesson is that whether its a mate or a book cover, it's best to follow your intuition if you truly want to be satisfied. I loved Pete and the book cover from the start and I couldn't be happier.
We're thinking of having a contest to name our little Cupid...We'll keep you posted. Ciao, Dina
Authoring a book is a doubt-filled, arduous, satisfying, liberating process. And, I say authoring instead of writing because that captures the full extent of it. It's not just putting pen to paper, although that part has its own challenges; it's the myriad of seemingly endless and ultimately important decisions to make that can really get an author down. What author knows from typography and dpi? Often I get that sinking feeling of regret like when I wear business casual only to discover that everyone else wore a suit. I made a decision, but it turned out to be the wrong one. One author's perfection is another's remainder pile, you know.
Today, we made the right decision. Pete and I selected the cover for Ideas for the Romantically Challenged- and oh, what a marvelous cover it is. It's simply beautiful, genius, delightful... (First books, like babies, are much adored.) Let me describe it. The cover is cherry red. On it sits the cutest, mischievous Cupid riding a flowing white cloud while checking his laptop. He's irresistible and knowing. If HE doesn't have the right gift on his laptop, who does?!
I guess my lesson is that whether its a mate or a book cover, it's best to follow your intuition if you truly want to be satisfied. I loved Pete and the book cover from the start and I couldn't be happier.
We're thinking of having a contest to name our little Cupid...We'll keep you posted. Ciao, Dina
Monday, March 22, 2004
The Devil Is In the Details
Growing up, my father often said to me, "The Devil is in the details" as a reminder of how the even the best intentions can go astray if one forgets the little things. You know, the little things. They're those time consuming and unimportant tasks that aren't likely to cause harm if you don't do them.
Little things, like calling the voicemail before your next meeting;or, taking the time to actually book the movie tickets online instead of only checking the showing times; or wiping the jelly stains off the kitchen counter, can make a big difference.
This week I'm buried in completing the details for our book, Ideas for the Romantically Challenged. Did I fax back the revised contract? Did I send our contact information to the new association? Did I find the supply the tiff needed? Sure, all details, but if I miss one it can threaten the success of the entire project. These days the same can be true for relationships. The details of tending a relationship are important and need constant attention.
Right now, today, do that small thing to make your mate feel your love. Make a gesture. Be silly. Be brave. Do whatever little thing you can to express your feelings. Take action. Because the devil may be in the details, but there's also alot of love in there too.
Ciao, Dina
Growing up, my father often said to me, "The Devil is in the details" as a reminder of how the even the best intentions can go astray if one forgets the little things. You know, the little things. They're those time consuming and unimportant tasks that aren't likely to cause harm if you don't do them.
Little things, like calling the voicemail before your next meeting;or, taking the time to actually book the movie tickets online instead of only checking the showing times; or wiping the jelly stains off the kitchen counter, can make a big difference.
This week I'm buried in completing the details for our book, Ideas for the Romantically Challenged. Did I fax back the revised contract? Did I send our contact information to the new association? Did I find the supply the tiff needed? Sure, all details, but if I miss one it can threaten the success of the entire project. These days the same can be true for relationships. The details of tending a relationship are important and need constant attention.
Right now, today, do that small thing to make your mate feel your love. Make a gesture. Be silly. Be brave. Do whatever little thing you can to express your feelings. Take action. Because the devil may be in the details, but there's also alot of love in there too.
Ciao, Dina
Friday, March 19, 2004
One is the loveliest Number
I know, I know. The song title is 'One is the loneliest Number', but you know, I think that notion is outdated. It can be quite lovely to be single.
Singularly Spectacular!
Heaven bless Oprah Winfrey. Besides single-handedly bringing reading back into vogue, she reminds us all that being single can be downright fabulous. Being single presents an opportunity for one to know yourself, to explore the dreams, desires, expectations and boundaries that make up your life. Do you know about you? If not, what will you have to share?
What's Romance Got to Do with It?
Plenty! Singles need romance too. And, maybe it's time for us to start romancing ourselves, time to do all the little things that we'd normally wait for a lover to do. Imagine that!
When I was married, my former husband brought me fresh flowers every week as a token of his love. Those flowers made me feel cherished and special. After we divorced, I brought my own flowers- a token of my love. I romanced myself and it felt good.
Self-Loving is Good
And, it paid off. I grew so confident and loving that I attracted the right partner for me. Peter knows who I am and appreciates me for it. I appreciate me and think he got a good catch! Now, I don't mean to imply it's simple but romancing you seems like a good place to start.
To paraphrase Roslind Russell, the best cosmetic for any woman is happiness.
Ciao! Dina
I know, I know. The song title is 'One is the loneliest Number', but you know, I think that notion is outdated. It can be quite lovely to be single.
Singularly Spectacular!
Heaven bless Oprah Winfrey. Besides single-handedly bringing reading back into vogue, she reminds us all that being single can be downright fabulous. Being single presents an opportunity for one to know yourself, to explore the dreams, desires, expectations and boundaries that make up your life. Do you know about you? If not, what will you have to share?
What's Romance Got to Do with It?
Plenty! Singles need romance too. And, maybe it's time for us to start romancing ourselves, time to do all the little things that we'd normally wait for a lover to do. Imagine that!
When I was married, my former husband brought me fresh flowers every week as a token of his love. Those flowers made me feel cherished and special. After we divorced, I brought my own flowers- a token of my love. I romanced myself and it felt good.
Self-Loving is Good
And, it paid off. I grew so confident and loving that I attracted the right partner for me. Peter knows who I am and appreciates me for it. I appreciate me and think he got a good catch! Now, I don't mean to imply it's simple but romancing you seems like a good place to start.
To paraphrase Roslind Russell, the best cosmetic for any woman is happiness.
Ciao! Dina
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Seasons
The snow is coming down heavy here in Boston and it is quite clear that winter is still with us. While I daydream about walking on the beach under a hot sun, I am reminded of something that many of my friends and relatives have told me upon moving back to Boston from some warmer climate. It always seems to be the same reply "I moved back because I missed the change of seasons."
Hmmm, they moved back from a beautiful sunny location so they could watch the leaves fall off the trees?
To many people this just doesn't seem logical. Why move back to the Northeast when you have to put up with 6 months of winter? (OK, maybe it's not 6 months but sometimes it feels that way). The fact is that a great many people find the change of seasons to be very romantic, yes romantic.
Let's break it down:
Springtime brings flowers and plants of all colors that help to decorate the landscape and it is often said that spring is the time for love.
Summer is glorious as the warm weather comes in and we all want to get outside and walk in the sunshine. It is a time for picnics and beaches and for going on vacations. It is a time for passion.
Autumn is noble and beautiful. It is the season of the harvest. A time to go hiking and pick fruit. The fall is a time for reflection and a time for listening and communicating.
Winter is solemn and peaceful. Snow gently covers the ground as we curl up together underneath a down comforter or perhaps in front of a fireplace. It is a time for closeness, a time for intimacy.
So maybe some of us up here in Boston are jealous of those that can go outside in shorts all year round but, the truth be known, most of us like our seasons.
The snow is coming down heavy here in Boston and it is quite clear that winter is still with us. While I daydream about walking on the beach under a hot sun, I am reminded of something that many of my friends and relatives have told me upon moving back to Boston from some warmer climate. It always seems to be the same reply "I moved back because I missed the change of seasons."
Hmmm, they moved back from a beautiful sunny location so they could watch the leaves fall off the trees?
To many people this just doesn't seem logical. Why move back to the Northeast when you have to put up with 6 months of winter? (OK, maybe it's not 6 months but sometimes it feels that way). The fact is that a great many people find the change of seasons to be very romantic, yes romantic.
Let's break it down:
Springtime brings flowers and plants of all colors that help to decorate the landscape and it is often said that spring is the time for love.
Summer is glorious as the warm weather comes in and we all want to get outside and walk in the sunshine. It is a time for picnics and beaches and for going on vacations. It is a time for passion.
Autumn is noble and beautiful. It is the season of the harvest. A time to go hiking and pick fruit. The fall is a time for reflection and a time for listening and communicating.
Winter is solemn and peaceful. Snow gently covers the ground as we curl up together underneath a down comforter or perhaps in front of a fireplace. It is a time for closeness, a time for intimacy.
So maybe some of us up here in Boston are jealous of those that can go outside in shorts all year round but, the truth be known, most of us like our seasons.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Spring Fever comes Early
IS IT SPRING YET???? I am in the bowels of a deep, dark, I-hate-winter funk. The weather in Boston was wonderfully warm, hinting at long days to come, when out of nowhere we got a small storm. Nothing fancy- less than 2 inches of snow, but it had the effect of a deep freeze on my psyche. And, I bet yours, too.
Beating Back Winter
I've put together a few ideas to tide myself and you over until the sweet smells and warm breezes of spring arrive.
I'd love to hear your favorite ideas for hurrying, eh, welcoming spring. Drop me a note. Ciao, Dina
IS IT SPRING YET???? I am in the bowels of a deep, dark, I-hate-winter funk. The weather in Boston was wonderfully warm, hinting at long days to come, when out of nowhere we got a small storm. Nothing fancy- less than 2 inches of snow, but it had the effect of a deep freeze on my psyche. And, I bet yours, too.
Beating Back Winter
I've put together a few ideas to tide myself and you over until the sweet smells and warm breezes of spring arrive.
- Go the a Flower Show. Run to the nearest flower show in your area. The New England Flower Show is a dazzling affair bursting with sights, smells that fan my hopes for spring and summer. Buy some bulbs. Imagine your own little patch of heaven. Breathe in deeply and be invigorated.
- Have a barbecue. Nothing says summer better than the smell of the roasting coals. Pete barbecues all through the winter, only the coldest weather keeps him from his duties as grillmaster. Why not get a head start by grilling some sausages or ribs tonight!
- Take a Walk. Wouldn't it be great to take a long walk after being cooped up all winter? Grab the opportunity to stretch your legs and your spirit and watch as Mother Nature changes her 'dress'.
I'd love to hear your favorite ideas for hurrying, eh, welcoming spring. Drop me a note. Ciao, Dina
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
The Answer at Last
Remember how I was struggling with the eternal chicken-egg question: are love and romance interchangeable? Well, the universe is a pretty wonderful place. Lo and behold, right after I posed that question to you and the Cosmos, a portion of the answer arrives, in the form of an ABC news article.
As it turns out, romance, love and sex are ALL separate things, according to a new book, Why We Love, and a research study done by Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in New York. Surprisingly, at least to me, ROMANCE beats SEX!
Men Are Romantic. Way!
In fact, men are more geared for romance, even if their behavior sometimes indicates otherwise. (My jury is still out on this one). It seems that men fall in love faster because of their visual nature and that they are THREE times more likely to kill themselves for love. Men are romantic!
Now if you're like me, you're thinking so, what gives? Why don't they stay romantic? Seems that evolution created an adaptive response to all that intense romantic loving (meaning, the feeling fades) so we could do other things like leave the house, work, you know, have a life. Otherwise, we'd all be very exhausted all the time.
The Science of Romance
How to keep that wonderful, intense romantic feeling? Dr. Fisher suggests doing new things together (she must have peeked at some of the tips from our book!). Doing new things together actually stimulates some of the same brain chemicals associated with romantic love. Just like chocolate.
Book Update
We are working furiously on the book and making tremendous progress. If you've got a haunting question that you think we should discuss in the book write to us. Ciao, Dina
PS If you want to read the full ABC article on romance and sex, click here.
Remember how I was struggling with the eternal chicken-egg question: are love and romance interchangeable? Well, the universe is a pretty wonderful place. Lo and behold, right after I posed that question to you and the Cosmos, a portion of the answer arrives, in the form of an ABC news article.
As it turns out, romance, love and sex are ALL separate things, according to a new book, Why We Love, and a research study done by Helen Fisher of Rutgers University in New York. Surprisingly, at least to me, ROMANCE beats SEX!
Men Are Romantic. Way!
In fact, men are more geared for romance, even if their behavior sometimes indicates otherwise. (My jury is still out on this one). It seems that men fall in love faster because of their visual nature and that they are THREE times more likely to kill themselves for love. Men are romantic!
Now if you're like me, you're thinking so, what gives? Why don't they stay romantic? Seems that evolution created an adaptive response to all that intense romantic loving (meaning, the feeling fades) so we could do other things like leave the house, work, you know, have a life. Otherwise, we'd all be very exhausted all the time.
The Science of Romance
How to keep that wonderful, intense romantic feeling? Dr. Fisher suggests doing new things together (she must have peeked at some of the tips from our book!). Doing new things together actually stimulates some of the same brain chemicals associated with romantic love. Just like chocolate.
Book Update
We are working furiously on the book and making tremendous progress. If you've got a haunting question that you think we should discuss in the book write to us. Ciao, Dina
PS If you want to read the full ABC article on romance and sex, click here.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Are Romance and Love interchangeable?
This question haunts me. I'm stumped and I'd really like the answer. Are love and romance the same thing? If not, what's the difference?
Pete and I were conversing with another guy who agreed with Pete that big gestures weren't really romantic. That everyday romance, the small things like taking out the trash or buying their favorite brand of cookies or yielding the TV set, were all much more romantic. To me, everyday romance is a consistent demonstration of love. So, maybe the two are the same.
But society has a different standard for what's romantic. Candlelight and fine dining have always been hallmarks of romance. Flowers and candy are on the list. Does that mean if a first date features all that and more, your date loves you? Not!
Magazine headlines encourage couples to Bring Romance Back into Your Life or find 10 Ways to Keep the Fires Burning. If these folks are in love, why do they need romance, too?
Of course, in the scope of things this is a minor question. Yet, it seems important as we write the book. Maybe a deeper understanding would help everyone be happier in love. Why don't you weigh in on this one? Jot me a note at info@whatsromantic.com. Ciao, Dina
This question haunts me. I'm stumped and I'd really like the answer. Are love and romance the same thing? If not, what's the difference?
Pete and I were conversing with another guy who agreed with Pete that big gestures weren't really romantic. That everyday romance, the small things like taking out the trash or buying their favorite brand of cookies or yielding the TV set, were all much more romantic. To me, everyday romance is a consistent demonstration of love. So, maybe the two are the same.
But society has a different standard for what's romantic. Candlelight and fine dining have always been hallmarks of romance. Flowers and candy are on the list. Does that mean if a first date features all that and more, your date loves you? Not!
Magazine headlines encourage couples to Bring Romance Back into Your Life or find 10 Ways to Keep the Fires Burning. If these folks are in love, why do they need romance, too?
Of course, in the scope of things this is a minor question. Yet, it seems important as we write the book. Maybe a deeper understanding would help everyone be happier in love. Why don't you weigh in on this one? Jot me a note at info@whatsromantic.com. Ciao, Dina
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Putting the pieces together
One step at a time we are getting closer to our goal. This week we put some of the important operational pieces to our business in place. We opened a bank acct, rented a PO box and got a business license.
We continue to survey people on their ideas about romance and if you haven't taken the survey please do,it's very short and your input will be of great value to us. Take the survey If you have a good romance or marriage proposal story we might include it in the book.
We also continue to write, I just posted a new article entitled Learning about romance that you can find on the articles page of the site. Additionally we are looking for complementary sites to link with. Some of the sites we are looking to include are dating sites, a wide range of gift sites (jewelry, food, perfume...), travel sites, flower delivery, greeting cards and more. Are there any sites that you would like to see included? Let us know what you'd like to see. Email
One step at a time we are getting closer to our goal. This week we put some of the important operational pieces to our business in place. We opened a bank acct, rented a PO box and got a business license.
We continue to survey people on their ideas about romance and if you haven't taken the survey please do,it's very short and your input will be of great value to us. Take the survey If you have a good romance or marriage proposal story we might include it in the book.
We also continue to write, I just posted a new article entitled Learning about romance that you can find on the articles page of the site. Additionally we are looking for complementary sites to link with. Some of the sites we are looking to include are dating sites, a wide range of gift sites (jewelry, food, perfume...), travel sites, flower delivery, greeting cards and more. Are there any sites that you would like to see included? Let us know what you'd like to see. Email
Monday, March 01, 2004
Going the extra mile
OK, I've had a long day and I'm a bit tired and cranky at the moment, but I realize that I'm overdue for a post here. What I can tell you tonight is that much like writing, publishing and marketing a book, relationships can be a lot of hard work. The important thing is that you give your best concerted effort.
When writing a book you might find yourself up late in the evening working to meet a deadline. In a loving relationship you need to use that same energy to show your partner that you care. Instead of writing you may find yourself just listening and supporting your mate when they most need it.
What I'm trying to get at here is that love and romance are a full time job, and require time and thoughtfulness. So even when you might not feel like it, try to remember to be there for your partner. Go on, give them a hug and a kiss and show them that you care right now!
OK, I've had a long day and I'm a bit tired and cranky at the moment, but I realize that I'm overdue for a post here. What I can tell you tonight is that much like writing, publishing and marketing a book, relationships can be a lot of hard work. The important thing is that you give your best concerted effort.
When writing a book you might find yourself up late in the evening working to meet a deadline. In a loving relationship you need to use that same energy to show your partner that you care. Instead of writing you may find yourself just listening and supporting your mate when they most need it.
What I'm trying to get at here is that love and romance are a full time job, and require time and thoughtfulness. So even when you might not feel like it, try to remember to be there for your partner. Go on, give them a hug and a kiss and show them that you care right now!
