Music. Flowers. Poetry. Candlelight. A sumptuous meal. Champagne. Experience it all in one evening and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable evening of romance - for Valentine’s Day - or just because it’s Thursday. But, as we’re about to turn our calendars to February, the worldwide day to celebrate love is Wednesday, Feb. 14 so ... If you haven’t started making plans – now’s the time!

Let’s start with flowers. Did you know every flower carries a specific meaning? For example, roses represent love and passion; tulips – perfect love; lily – devotion, carnations – love and fascination, daffodil – new beginnings. And if you blend flowers in specific colors … well the language of love said with flowers can blow your mind. Check it out.

“If music be the food of love, play on.” - Duke Orsinio, “Twelfth Night.” Yes, there’s nothing like a love song, particularly an original tune (if you are so inclined), to express depth of feeling and desire for your Valentine. Look at how well it worked for Eric Clapton with “Layla.” Perhaps you and your Valentine already have “your song,” play the record, get the Alexa app to play it for you, or sing it a capella, and if you’re a musician … play on!

A list of romantic songs might include “Wild Is the Wind” (David Bowie version); “Unforgettable,” “At Last,” “God Only Knows,” “Your Song,” “Something,” “Fever,” “In the Still of the Night,”  “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “Angel,” “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Everything I do (I Do It For You),” “Hooked On A Feeling,” “The Look of Love,” “Love Is All Around” ...

Or … book the Nor’easters Barbershop Chorus to sing a few classic tunes “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Heart of My Heart” while delivering a card and red rose at home, at work … wherever! Call Kathy Robitaille at 207-542-7699.

Poetry – write it, read it aloud … see what happens. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day” is said to be the most famous poem in the world. Or Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 “How Do I Love Thee?” Or, go for something fun and deliver your poem, limerick, whatever like Henry Gibson on Laugh-In. I’ve done that for all kinds of occasions (don’t forget a flower!) and it’s so much fun.

A romantic dinner by candlelight is popular. Check out our local restaurants open during the cold months to see what’s happening – Boathouse Bistro & Tapas Bar, Brady’s, Carriage House, China By the Sea, and in Wiscasset/Woolwich: The Montsweag Roadhouse, Water Street Kitchen (already booking for “romantic” V-Day dinners), Back River Bistro, Squire Tarbox Inn among others; In Damariscotta: the River Grill ... or YOUR HOUSE! 

Attention art lovers! Don’t miss the “Mainely Nude” show at the Boothbay Region Art Foundation opening Saturday, Feb. 17. A gift of art is always appreciated, but a gift of provocative art is the language of love and feast for the senses.

Not in a relationship? You’re not alone. Call your equally unattached friends and go out to dinner, drink your favorite adult beverage (or non-alcoholic drink), dance, enjoy yourselves … remember: “love is all around.”