Rachael Yamagata Wonders, "Valentine's Day, Why Do I Hate Thee So...?"

Singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata drops by with her perspective of this coming Valentine's Day this weekend.



It’s funny to me that as you get older birthdays become a lesser deal and yet Valentine’s day seems to get larger on the check in map of life. Blah I say. Blah. Two days away and if you haven’t yet ordered the flowers or made the dinner reservations, you’d best get on it now. This, yet again, is no concern of mine.


I do still believe in love whooooole heartedly and so, true to form, I’m writing this for anyone who might be in a similar state (dreading the big day and wishing it weren’t such a symbol of whatever it symbolizes), to offer a bit of comfort – a gung ho with your bad self even if you aren’t getting the chocolates or any kind of soul mate declaration this year. Do not begrudge the ones who have this, rather get inspired that your due is on the way.


And if you’re not in the mood, let me tell you about my past V days and we can commiserate together. I once was told by a boyfriend that it was a stupid holiday. No candy was served. I once got a book from another about a mass murderer with a happy valentine’s day inscription on the inside page. It was a good book. It wasn’t the best day to get it. Many a past time I’ve been serving sushi to the happy couples and gotten good pity tips so I’m thankful for that - *note – tip your server well, or karma will get you later.


This Valentine’s day I’m considering buying all the trinkets of love in the drugstore, all the Feb magazines with pink covers and gift suggestions, the flowers, the candy, the cards…. and burning them in a lovely ritual in the fireplace (safety first people). Perhaps a toast to the forthcoming romantic life in store for me would be a more positive thing, a gratitude journal started on such a day (ala Oprah) could be cathartic, a round table dinner with my cats might be nice… If you’re on the east coast, you’re snowed in and things are awfully cozy. Perfect if you are single or together really. And there are slews of things to be grateful for considering the state of world affairs.. I could go into that, but it would defeat the self absorbed nature/ humour of this blog, so I’ll hold off...but, you know what I mean.


Lately, I’ve been absorbed in movies and dvd series.. Sometimes you need a little kick of storytelling to start you off. I’m obsessed with "Six Feet Under" and think my love experiences are mirroring Claire’s. I’ve removed "Grey Gardens" from my house after watching it 4 times and thinking that I’m relating far too much. But what I’ve found helpful, for any questioning their enthusiasm for love, is to alternate the love stories with action movies and "end of the world" scenarios. Something about this seems to give the full spectrum of emotions that you might be feeling and hey – it’s working for me. Suggested titles are:


- "The Way We Were" – get it out of the way. It’s a must. Cry your eyes out and know that I’m right there with you – still wondering if I was named after their love child…


- "Domino" – a good follow up. She’s a bad ass. She don’t need no love and she looks awesome in leather and can kick the crap out of anyone.


- "Kill Bill" – I know, two action movies in a row, but you’ll need it after "The Way We Were" and this one will make you want to take self defense classes and work your way into a yellow leotard


- "Grey Gardens" – yeah yeah.. just don’t watch it 4 times. Great movie though. Drew Barrymore will inspire you. You’ll think of her mogul drive and stellar role and want to pick yourself up and takeover the world.


- "Something’s Got To Give" – get some swank hamptons back into your consciousness after the above. Plus it plugs into the guy falls for younger girl and yet ends up meeting his match and falling for her (thank god).


- "JAWS" - just because ok? It always makes me feel better.


- "Once" – channel your passions and frustration. Make beautiful music and be content in the love stories that aren’t realized.. could lead to an Oscar you know.


- "I Am Legend" - fuck self pity and get back to saving the world...eat your vegetables and kill some vampires.


- "Two For The Road" – maybe fighting all the time means you’re meant to be?


- "Star Trek" – cuz it’s badass. I know – I was never a trekkie, but it’s great. Save some planets.


- "Under The Tuscan Sun" – get back to saving yourself. She goes through the ringer and still gets love and a house in Italy. Happy happy.


- "The Secret" – stay with me here. It’s fluttery gooey, but hey – it’s Valentine’s day and all inspiration is welcome. Visuals not so great so you have permission to clean while it plays.


- "2012" – what if.. who knows/There’s something coming/ I don’t know/ what it is/ but I know (did you get the reference?) it’s gonna be….potentially catastrophic.. so use your time well…


- "The Goonies" – time to rediscover your childlike ambitions. Remember there are treasures everywhere just waiting to be found – adventures to be had! Whoo hooo….


And then start "LOST"...you’ll be so intrigued and confused that all previous thoughts of lost love, love gone wrong, love to be etc etc will fade away into the web of disappearing islands and potentially parallel universes…


Or just burn the chocolates. I’ll be thinking of you.


Xoxoox

r



Posted by Rachael Yamagata









Rachael's music has had a home on our playlists and in our hearts since her debut release. Be sure to pick up a copy of her first album, "Happenstance" and her recent sophomore double album release, "Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart". Rachael is currently topping our airplay chart with her song with Semisonic's Dan Wilson, "You Take My Troubles Away". You can get a sampling of what she's been up to lately at her website www.rachaelyamagata.com