Getting in the mood for love can mean different things to different people. Sure you can just fall back on a little Barry White on the stereo, "Sleepless In Seattle" on DVD or any book by Nicholas Sparks, but this Valentine's Day why not expand your heart's horizons and seek different avenues via music, films, or novels to explore the many splendored thing called love.

COURTLY LOVE

Way before there was text messaging or friends with benefits, flirtation existed on a more subtle plane where a knight learned of his lady's love by the gift of her handkerchief presented before a jousting match. Bodice busters were born in the middle ages, cloistered in castles, tightly corseted, and governed by the rules of courtly love.

Mood Music:
Anonymous 4 – Love's Illusion: Music From the Montpellier Codex 13th Century
These haunting harmonious voices chant medieval love songs.

Movie:
Dangerous Beauty
Set in one of the most romantic cities, Venice, this drama shows how a courtesan becomes a hero but then when her power rises is tried for witchcraft.

Book:
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
It was originally Anne's sister Mary who caught the eye of Henry VIII. This vividly told story evokes all the details of love, sex, and ambition in Tudor England.

CALIENTE – LOVIN' SOUTH OF THE BORDER

When you think of the sound of samba and hips swaying to a sexy beat in a place so hot it would melt the coldest of hearts, you know you've arrived. Countries founded on serious traditions of love and storytelling transport you to a magical place.

Mood Music:
Bebel Gilberto's - Tanto Tempo
The Brazilian queen of samba is sure to seduce listeners.

Movie:
Like Water for Chocolate
Any good cook knows the emotion infused in every meal, and when love and sorrow hit at the same time the diners in this Mexican classic are in for a ride.

Book:
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A master of storytelling, Marquez follows an intricate plot of the many different facets of love.

EPIC STORIES IN EXOTIC LANDS

As soon as the strings of the violin sing their sad song the outer layers of the world slip away to reveal the romantic core. Let your imagination soar in exotic lands where danger and death are as close at hand as a lover's cheek.

Mood Music:
Samuel Barber - Barber's Adagio
The full orchestra led by the strings is absolutely beautiful.

Movie:
Out of Africa
Is it Meryl Streep's accent or the white linen in the Serengeti or the rugged unattainable Robert Redford that makes this such an enjoyable classic?

Book:
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Love the movie version of this but if you really want to savor the whole story of four damaged lives against the backdrop of the end of World War II, take the time to relish every word.

WOMEN'S LIB

Strong women take control of their love lives with surprising and refreshing vigor and turn the tables to have it all be about them.

Mood Music:
En Vogue – Best of En Vogue
These gals belt out their "don't mess with me dude" lyrics with rhythm and style.

Movie:
How Stella Got Her Groove Back
We should all be so lucky to hit a hot island with an even hotter guy. Who needs Prozac?

Book:
Spending by Mary Gordon
Here we get to see the female fantasy of an artist inspired by her male muse.

CONTEMPORARY LOVE STORIES

Mood Music:
Chris Botti - When I Fall In Love
When you listen to this sexy trumpet player you can't help but fantasize about his lips.

Movie:
Waking the Dead
Billy Crudup and Jennifer Connelly star in this haunting movie about a love which transcends class, politics, and ultimately death.

Book:
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Love and marriage are hard enough when you're in the same time zone, but this sci-fi couple has to deal with more than just a few hours difference.

CLASSIC FRENCH EROTICA

Mood Music:
Edith Piaf - La Vie En Rose
The grande dame of love will transport you back in time to Paris in the 20's.

Movie:
Belle de Jour
Considered to be one of Luis Bunuel's masterpieces, this story of a young bored housewife who strays into the world of a high end brothel stars the stunning young Catherine Deneuve.

Book:
The Lover by Marguerite Duras
With a hint of autobiography this steamy story of young forbidden love is set in Indochina in the 30's.

THE TRULY OFFBEAT

Love takes many different shapes and sizes and at times marches to the beats of far out drums. Go on a roller coaster ride of the unexpected.

Mood Music:
Alanis Morisette – Jagged Little Pill
The queen of irony presents a full spectrum of love and revenge.

Movie:
Harold and Maude
This cult classic presents the darkly comedic yet touching relationship of the older woman with the younger man.

Book:
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Bred into circus life, these anomalies of nature try to find love despite their deformities.