Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Caldarium – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/14/18



Love: Never Allow It to Be Banal or Boring 

Ah yes, Valentine’s Day … love, amour, romance … all those banal words for an emotion that is far from boring.

Since the 14th century, St. Valentine’s Day has embodied the intricacies of romantic love. With the commercialism of every holiday, though, many of us have become cynical and unfeeling. Most especially for Valentine’s Day.

I listen to the comments of longtime couples and married folks—so often hearing, “Oh, we don’t do Valentine’s Day.” It’s a good bet they did, once upon a romantic time in their relationship. At least a cursory acknowledgment with token chocolates.
 While most of us agree, spending lavishly on Valentine’s Day—a day that for most has lost its religious meaning—is waste of good dollars. It no longer holds the fun and mystique of hidden presents and spontaneous declarations of love.

‘Tis true—IF—you strive throughout the year to show your loved one(s) how much they’re appreciated. But if you need a reminder, or simply like to give an extra twinkle to the eye of your beloved, without breaking the bank, here’s a fun, very affordable suggestion: create a Roman Bath for the two of you …
 
CALDARIUM (kal derʹē ɘm) n. – in ancient Roman baths, a room for taking hot baths. [WW #151]

So what does a hot bath have to do with Valentine’s Day? Although a true caldarium is more like a sweat-box with super-hot water, we can re-invent it to accommodate a hot, steamy Valentine’s Day bath, a modified caldarium, complete with scented oils for your bodies and aromatic candles for ambiance. Um, oh, don’t forget the deep red wine, or sparkling cider. Scrub-a-dub-dub to your heart’s content!

However, some time ago it became clear to me that I loved the romance of love … but I was terrible at the reality of it. That makes caldarium the perfect Valentine’s Day action word for us singles. Remember, you need to love yourself before you can love others. So …

Take your champagne to the new-and-improved caldarium, close your eyes, and enjoy the day’s quixotic aura. A “romantic” bath with candles and a book, or simply your thoughts … is a great start to the rest of your life.

Your future begins now. Does it include love? Never say never.

A little wistful imagination can convert the most boring bath into a dreamy form of caldarium. What are you waiting for?

Word Challenge: CALDARIUM. Declare your love to all of the special people in your life, including yourself, as you fit caldarium into your week of love-kissed writings.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle) 

                       


E-N-D

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