Saturday, February 11, 2012

Love Isn't About Presents. But A Gift Basket Might Help.

near the courtyard at Vroman's Bookstore

I thought I was going to post about something else today. Then I heard Vroman's Bookstore is doing a Valentine's Day promotion that almost makes me nostalgic for the misery of my single days. Almost. I mean, those were some bad days. The nights weren't so great, either.

At either Vroman's store, on Colorado Blvd. or Hastings Ranch, you can enter a "drawing to win a holiday basket...filled with books and gifts totaling up to $200," basically by tearing up a photo of the one that done you wrong.

If you kept the photos, that is.

I didn't. There's nothing left of those bad relationships except the emotional muscles I built from the steep learning curve I climbed. However, for single folks who deserve a happy Valentine's Day and who are sick of being left out (I dreaded February 14th for years), it might be more than satisfying to rip the schmuck's photo in half and have some nice tchotchkes and a few good books to show for it.

(There were good relationships, too. From those I kept the memories. I might even have the photos, but as they're not digital I have no idea where they are.)

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Love it.

Gunn said...

This is esthetically so pleasing!!
- Happy weekend to you!!

pasadenapio said...

That guy isn't worth the 200 clams worth of merchandise I might win if I tore up his photo!

Kate said...

The color of the building as well as the pots with the plants looks like a page out of Santa Fe!

Valentine's Day has always been sweet for me since it's only 3 days before my wedding anniversary. 50 years this year...who would have thought!!

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Gorgeous backdrop!... As far as your post- you are 'spot on' as my Brit friend would say... I have to admit the last relationship I had had its good moments, the bad moments were a life lesson. The more stable one which produced 3 kids will always have lasting memories- better life lessons....
How do u have the luck to find such great subjects to photograph? Pasadena is such a great place.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, Cliff. You too, Gunn, and happy weekend to you as well.

It's true, PIO, though if Vroman's tried to pay for all the damages I think it would shut them down!

What a great success story, Kate. And happy anniversary to you!

Kalei, 1) I always have a camera with me, 2) I go on foot as often as possible, 3) I have patient friends and 4) as you noted, I live in a photogenic town.

Unknown said...

Nice photo! :D

Virginia said...

Do me a fav. Run on over there and put my name in the hat for the drawing. I'm busy gathering all the schmucks' photos for the Big Tear. BTW, I'm pretty much dreading the 14th AGAIN.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thank you, Dindin MK!

Virginia, I'll see if I can find a picture of Brad Pitt to tear up in your name.

Anonymous said...

Funny idea, but I hope my photo doesn't show up in there.

TheChieftess said...

@Hiker...coffee on the computer screen!!!

Congratulations Kate!!!

As to Vroman's...WooHoo!!! An ingenious way for singles to celebrate!!! Love it!!! And love your photo too Petrea!!!

Bellis said...

Falling in love is exhilarating, giddy, crazy, can't eat, can't think - but is often followed by tears, comfort binging, low self-esteem, listening to Fleetwood Mac and yet more tears. Glad it's behind me, though now I'm sorry I don't have photos of those guys to tear up.

I love your beautiful photo, such lovely colors. Could you send it to Shutterfly (rather than RedBubble) so they can turn it into notecards? I'll buy several packs, please.

Bellis said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bellis said...

I deleted a post just now because I called Karin Krin. Just wanted to tell Karin (aka Krin) that I'll let her know if I see bits of her photo there.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yeah, Bellis, thanks for the suggestion. RedBubble's quality is okay but it's too expensive. They're out of touch.

Karin, just don't let 'em take your picture. That was always my policy.

Chieftess, you've got to get better drinking habits, you go through too many computer screens.

Susan Campisi said...

Funny post and comments. I'm sure I have photos of an ex somewhere, but I don't want to waste time looking for them.

I've never been big on Valentine's Day even when I was in a relationship, maybe because the guys I've been with have been too much like Margaret's fictional Brian. I'd rather be single!

Petrea Burchard said...

Ain't it the truth, Susan. I've known too many people who were willing to settle. Too much misery. Singlehood is better.

TheChieftess said...

That's the beauty of a Mac Petrea!!! My big beautiful Mac baby can withstand coffee, tea and wine!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

Don't I know it, Chieftess, I love my Mac.

Ms M said...

that's an interesting V-Day promotion. [I threw out "those" photos a while back.]

Love your photo of the courtyard!

Margaret said...

What a hoot. I can't believe Vroman's is doing that.

Petrea Burchard said...

I don't think you'll ever see a chain store doing anything like it. Independent stores have more leeway.