A dozen red roses, a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, a candle lit dinner… pffttt. Compared to romance country-style, these clichéd dating notions seem old and passé.
I am not sure why - but of all of the romantic gestures I have ever heard of, the very best appear to be thought up by country folk. Perhaps it is because they have so much time to think up wonderful ideas while they drive long distances and sit in tractors for 12 hour shifts or perhaps they are inspired by the beautiful countryside that surrounds them.
My friend Dusty once gave his girlfriend a ring. There was no simple jewellery box or handing over of the token. A gorgeous new lamb delivered the ring tied to its neck on a beautiful ribbon.
My lovely friend Kirstie is married to Josh. Before every party he prepares a 44 gallon fire drum to keep the party guests warm. He adorns the drum with flowers, branches, cuttings of pictures and words to tell everyone how much he loves her. As we sit around the drum we read statements and stories about their life together and it’s obvious to all that Kirstie is the most special person in Josh’s life.
Josh is multitalented too. When Kirstie needed a hat to attend the races but could not buy one in town, Josh made her a hat. When I say ‘made’ I am not suggesting he lent her his John Deere cap and added a feather to it, but rather Josh created a work of art to make any milliner proud and to this day Kirstie still wears that hat to races.
My good friend Hugh loves to think up wonderful romantic ideas for his wife Mickey. He sets up treasure hunts for her so she can follow the clues to delicious chocolates and plans picnics in the moonlight down beside the lake. He has even been known to invite Mickey to a rodeo only to drive in the opposite direction on the night arriving at a beautiful restaurant with flowers and a prearranged booking.
Living in the country Australia has affected me romantically too. Many years ago I prepared a meal for my boyfriend. I cleaned up the old stables and I lined the walls with candles. With the tall snow gums outside we sat on the picnic blanket on the timber floors drinking wine and dining on a delectable selection of cheeses and fruit.
Romance should never be about the money spent or the things given. It is about the thought and the effort made to make your special love know they are the centre of your Universe. It can be stopping beside the road to pick wild flowers on the way home, baking a cake or cooking their favourite meal when you know they have had a long day or crafting with your own hands, a special keepsake which will always remind them of how much you love them.
People in the country know about romance and they realise that the personal touch is always worth more than the florist’s. So, do not wait for Valentine’s Day – take a leaf out of country folk’s ways and show your loved one how much you love them in a thoughtful, original way.
This article was written by sought-after Australian public speaker Lara Wilde of Local Intelligence a site about emigrating to Australia that is filled with Australian country news, information and anecdotes.
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