Inspired By The Classic "Mix Tape"

Besides being a total time-suck and a stalking tool, Facebook does have its merits.

Through the magic of accepting one's friendship, I have been able to reconnect with many blasts from the past. Friends that faded from the everyday scene have suddenly reemerged and made me wonder, "Why did we lose touch, exactly?"

One such friend from college now lives in Oregon with his brood. We hung out with the same crew, listened to the same tunes...and now, over ten years later, it's a similar deal. We still have a comparable list of friends, trade movie suggestions, and recommend music to download.

Only now we have kids screaming in the background.

He mentioned that while cleaning out his garage he found a mix tape that I'd made him way back when. Ahh yes, the classic mix tape. A mid-90's cassette time capsule filled with the likes of Daniel Johnston, Replacements, Afghan Whigs, and Cowboy Junkies.

A few days before Christmas he returned the favor. Except this is the 21st century...

It's now a mix CD.

Can you see the title? Take a closer look.

Yes. "Crochet Rock".

That's so hot.

And that is a crocheted ripple afghan pictured on the front.

That's super hot.

This brings me to the next part of my story...

At the time I received Crochet Rock, I had yet to think of something to put under the tree for The Mr. I have mentioned that he is impossible to buy for...or make for. Time was ticking and I was in a pinch. What to do? What to get? What to make?

I wanted to give him something from my heart, something I created, and something that made him think of me. He requested that it not cost money.

I made him a card. I always do. This time I crocheted a snowflake from thread and mounted it on tag board with a sappy message.

And then I perused my iTunes library and pulled some favorites:

Kick Drum Heart...The Avett Brothers
New Slang...The Shins
All Your Secrets...Yo La Tengo
I Was Made For You...She & Him
The Underdog...Spoon
Back Into Your World...Son Volt
Ballad of Big Nothing...Elliott Smith
Your Excuse...Slobberbone
Star Witness...Neko Case
La La Love You...Pixies
The Way I Am...Ingrid Michaelson
Middle Cyclone...Neko Case
Jesus, Etc....Wilco
Sundress...Ben Kweller
I Would Be Sad...The Avett Brothers
The Best of Jill Hives...Guided By Voices
Ragged Wood...Fleet Foxes
I Was Once A Loyal Lover...Death Cab For Cutie
Summer Teeth...Wilco
The Weakest Part...Yo La Tengo
Should've Been In Love...Wilco
Just Breathe...Pearl Jam

A list of songs that should make him think of me as he drives about town. Bands we have seen together, songs from movies we have enjoyed, some songs that are just dang good, and of course, those songs with lyrical meaning.

It isn't overt mushiness. But it's "us".

Now, why am I sharing this?

Valentine's Day is just around the corner...and this is easy. Really easy. It's quick. It's cheap. It's meaningful.

And it doesn't involve lingerie.