Love me, touch me, kiss me....

I've been on a major romance kick the past week and a half. Maybe it's because Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Or maybe it's because I'll be celebrating my wedding anniversary to my soul mate this month. Regardless of the reason, it has given me a lot of romantic inspiration for my writing. Which, of course, got me thinking about my romance song list.

So, for your listening - and viewing - enjoyment, and in no specific order, here are some of the most romantic songs for which to write to, make love to, or just snuggle to. Enjoy!

Kissing You by Des'Ree. I first heard this song while watching Romeo + Juliet. The the music alone makes me crave hands moving through my hair, fingers brushing down my cheek.

My Love by Sia. Any Twihard knows this song. This is played during the infamous, extremely romantic and sensual make-out scene in Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Can't you picture Edward's hands moving so gently over Bella's face?

Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. Ahhhh. I can picture every single action as the song plays out. You can feel the way Eric loves his woman in this song.

Can't Take My Eyes Off You  by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. A little indulgent and cute, sure, but I so badly want this song sung to me!

Make A Memory by Bon Jovi. This band can sing just about anything and it makes me think of snuggling...or more!

I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi. You can't think of romantic and Bon Jovi without this one. *sigh*

I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith. The lyrics, the movie, the moments. What woman doesn't want to think their man loves every single thing about them?

What songs bring love to mind? What really makes you crave your significant other's touch, their lips?

The story of Drexel: She was more than just a dog...

Everyone means well when they say they know where I am, they had to put their dog down. But, I think I need to explain my relationship with you. Drexel was more than just a dog to me.

I adopted Drex from the Humane Society on June 1, 2000 as a four month old puppy. In the beginning, she annoyed the piss out of me. I've never been one to enjoy puppies, kittens, or even babies. Oh, I know that sounds bad. It's not that I don't like them, I just prefer to enjoy them and give them back to their moms. Drex chewed up everything; my shoes, my clothes, my furniture, everything. She couldn't seem to get housebroken, nor trained.

One day, while she was in heat, she got out and I found her mating with a male dog from the neighborhood. The next day I called the Humane Society and asked what would happen if they received a pregnant dog. At this point, she was about six months old. They told me they would put her to sleep if she was indeed pregnant. I hung up and bawled.

I called my mom and told her "she doesn't even know how to sit," to my surprise she sat. Within the next few days she was suddenly housebroken and listened to commands. From that day on she went everywhere with me. If I wasn't going to be in a store more than twenty minutes, she came along. If she was allowed in the store, she came in. She went on camping trips, canoe trips, and family trips with me. I was unable to conceive a baby, so she was my child. I embroidered her stocking with her name, bought and wrapped Christmas gifts, and stuffed her stocking. She had a bandana for every holiday, every special event.

I even kept the first puppy tooth she lost. (Yes, I still have it packed away somewhere)

I was in an abusive marriage; she was my protector. I was always alone; she was my friend and companion. Even after becoming a mother to my three awesome kids, she was still considered my first born. She was always in our holiday portraits, and I talked about her as if she was one of my kids.

Drexel was in my life for almost twelve years, and I will never stop loving her. I will never forget her. I will always hurt for the loss of my baby girl.

I love you, Drexel. Forever and ever!!!!

Ah, the month for lovers...

Or at least for the merchandisers and sellers of all things Valentine's Day. We don't celebrate V-Day in our house. When I say 'we' I mean my husband and myself. I still buy hearts and such for the kids, but our wedding anniversary is six days later, and I find that much more romantic.

'Well, if you don't want to celebrate Valentine's Day, then why did you get married so close to it?' You ask. It wasn't exactly planned like that. We were in love, he took a day off, and we ran off to the Courthouse. Some may find that not-so-romantic, but I loved it. There was no stress leading up to the day, no huge budget set aside, no fights amongst the in-laws, and no overly drunk guests. Just me, Mike, my mom, siblings, and his best friend. Perfect! The only people missing were my kids, and they were in school.

This year there are so many options for lovers to celebrate. There's the usual dinner and a movie, of course, but today I heard a twist. Dinner and a movie at the same time! This weekend through Monday you can go to The Galaxy, dish out $70 and you and your honey get dinner, movie, and endless popcorn and soda. Another of my favorites is the White Castle Valentine Dinner. Yep, you read that right. You can actually make reservations at White Castle and they will come to your table to take your order while you gaze across the table at your loved one lit up by candlelight. This has become quite a trendy thing through the years. Now, I've yet to go for the dinner, but, hey, when your husband is in a band, you tend to eat a lot Whities at 3am.

So, this year, I wondered...how does the rest of America celebrate the love holiday? Are you traditional with roses and chocolates? Do you go a little risque and put on a strip tease for your honey? Or, like us, do you just skip the holiday all together?