A different kind of love

Lolita Harper

You are the couple that doesn’t believe in labels. He’s not your

“boyfriend,” she’s not your “girlfriend” -- your feelings for each

other don’t fit those traditional molds.

The commercial concept of Valentine’s Day makes your stomach turn.

Nonetheless, a day devoted to true love is appealing, if done

correctly and from the heart.

The truly committed, however, should be careful not to let their

emotions fog clear thinking when contemplating a permanent

arrangement. No, no! Not marriage -- a tattoo. Many alternative types

already have some sort of ink, from a rose on the hip to a tribal

band around the arm.

As exhilarating as tattoos may sound -- and as much as he wouldn’t

mind the business -- English (no last name), owner of English Ink

Tattoo on Newport Boulevard, said to take caution.

“Put some serious thought into it,” he warned. “Everyone who has

someone else’s name tattooed on them wants it removed within two

weeks. Names are the most common thing that we cover up.”

Instead, consider matching hearts, bands or designs, he said. They

still signify companionship, but at least they aren’t too specific.

If engraving your beloved’s name on you still tickles your fancy, go

for it -- English will still be there in two weeks.

Speaking of tickling fancies, piercings are also popular with many

couples and are not as permanent. But keep them under wraps, please.

No Janet Jackson fiascos needed in Newport-Mesa.

Nothing soothes the sensation of needles perforating human skin

like a hot, steamy bowl of Adobe Stew from Gypsy Den. The intimate

cafe provides the perfect ambience for couples who want to be sure

they are not surrounded by cheesy folks reciting poems to each other

stolen from greeting cards.

Even the menu at the eclectic diner refuses the traditional

confines that mainstream society places on so many things, offering

diverse and delicious choices. Vegetarians will enjoy the feta

cheese, red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, Kalamata olives and

Greek dressing in a whole wheat pita. And those who eat meat can

scarf down the Waldorf chicken salad sandwich.

As you eat, enjoy the swinging entertainment of the band Riff

Raff, which is scheduled for Saturday night.

For most, a night of shooting pool at the local watering hole is

not romantic, but then again, you are not like most people. Sure, the

Little Knight is small, and whispering words of devotion will not be

heard over the blaring jukebox. The only Cupid found here is more

likely to be pierced with an arrow than shooting them, but the den of

debauchery has been the unassuming birth place of true love.

Costa Mesa resident Cass Spence, who has been profiled in the

Pilot throughout his departure to and return from the war in Iraq,

had his first date with his wife, Carrie, in the corner booth at the

Little Knight.

Newport Beach native Scott Brewer also met his steady while

shooting pool at the popular joint. He was running the table that

night, until she came along. A year later, they are still in love.

“Never underestimate the power of a girl who can shoot pool,”

Brewer said.

* LOLITA HARPER is the community forum editor. She also writes

columns Wednesdays and Fridays. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275

or by e-mail at [email protected].