Free Stuff

Thank goodness the music is free. If you can't afford the new Leon Bridges download, you can still hear the birds sing. You can still whistle Beethoven's fifth symphony or Chattanooga Choo Choo.

If the girl at the show won't give you the time of day because of your old car, you probably don't want to spend time with her anyway.

Remember when Green Stamps went out of business? Well, of course you don't. You're too young. When these "saving stamp" businesses disappeared, every one's mom was stuck with kitchen drawers full of half-filled books of the things. Dreams of lawn chairs and plastic serving spoons left as roach food for years waiting for a resurrection that was never coming.

Don't let the same thing happen with love. Maybe Mr. Right missed his bus. Maybe the great love of your life was actually a psychopath and you're better off without her. There are dogs and cats waiting for you at all the shelters. For that matter, there are strays all over the streets. The nursing homes are full of lonely folks with nobody coming to visit.

I'm guessing Ryan Gosling already has Valentine reservations. There are homeless folks in your neighborhood who would be grateful for a little bit of affection and attention for a special holiday.