Roses and Diamonds

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds around my neck."
--Emma Goldman (1869-1940)

Actually, Emma, what I'd really like is a maid.

I first read feisty Ms. Goldman's roses and diamonds quote back in high school. At the time I remember thinking, "Yeah! Me too. Diamonds suck." I associated diamond necklaces with charity balls and snottiness and Hermes scarves. And, as a soon-to-be college student (and rather feisty myself), there was likely some sort of distaste for the symbolism of it all. Seems kind of like a dog collar. A shiny dog collar, but a dog collar nonetheless. Plus, flowers are pretty! Who wouldn't want flowers? I now know the money doesn't have anything to do with it. Those roses probably cost more than the diamonds. Fifty bucks every other week for ten years adds up to a pretty awesome diamond necklace!

But seriously, when I think about this now, I see the effort involved in the respective gifts. A diamond was chosen with care and excitement, saved for over a long period of time, presented on a special occasion. It also takes a great deal of thought for a man to keep fresh flowers on his love's table. Every few weeks he must replace them and spend that extra bit of time devoted to her happiness. Those are the true gifts--time, thought, effort--that make a woman feel special. I'm lucky to have Daddy, who has given me roses and diamonds...and all of those unspoken gifts...during our eleven years together. I'm glad you have his example to follow.

By the way, I'd prefer to have roses AND diamonds. Why choose?

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I tried desperately to place Ms. Goldman's quote in context. I can't find the original source for the life of me. For all I know, she isn't even talking about flowers and roses as gifts from a man. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it!

Just for fun, I've included another favorite Emma Goldman-ism:

"If I can't dance then it's not my revolution."

She would have been a heck of a dinner companion, don't you think?