Cupid: You won't believe in me but you would fancy leprechauns or groundhogs... no thank you Easter bunny... (Andre 3000)

This photograph was taken in 2005 at the Rijksmuseum - National Museum for Art and History in Amsterdamn, Nederlands.

I accept the fact that all of the hype surrounding the celebration of St. Valentine is wholly due to capitalistic greed... But, when you think about it, and whether you like it or not, the 14th of February is always eventful (to say the least)...

As today approached, I found myself wondering what was behind the sour feeling in my stomach behind the whole mess. V-day 2006 held no special event, and prior to that, I remember a few fond times. The most I could come up with was V-day 1997. At the time, I was a precocious high school freshman member of the dance line. My "boyfriend" played percussion in the band. The excitement around the holiday was heightened because it fell on a basketball Friday that year.

At some point, I remember the "boyfriend" being surrounded by his homeys. Shortly thereafter, he came to me with more holiday greetings and a little box... At 14, you can imagine how through I was. My Valentine's gift was a heart-shaped, filigree gold ring. (If someone pulled it out t-o-d-a-y I would immediately be equally as through).

If you're waiting for the downside, here it comes. Soon thereafter, this "boyfriend" indelibly earned his quotes. Even in retrospect, the things he did were painful, so at that age I was crushed. When I think about it, the ring ended up being the scapegoat for all of my pain about the entire thing. It is gone, and so should be the grudge I held on Valentine's Day because of pure association.

For the first time, and quite at the last minute, I propositioned a man to be my Valentine (elementary school y/n's aside). I had said it before I realized which assured me I'm cured. At the end of this day, I can say my venture was successful and resulted in a nice surprise followed by an endless day of smiling. (I love a man who steps up to the plate!)

To Cupid, I say... let it do what it do, baby, yeeeaaahhhh!!!