February is the month of love, especially today, St. Valentine's Day.   I love this day for many reasons, the brightly colored hearts that are displayed everywhere, the flowers, especially the roses, that give us such a sensory delight, the cards and of course, the chocolate.  
 
Valentine's Day is not just for lovers, it is for all of us...Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Friends, Teachers, and Acquaintances alike. Remember in Elementary school you would pass out Valentine's Days cards to everyone?  I loved those corny, cute little cards; I still do if I am to be completely honest.   Why is it when we get older we feel it has to be limited to our spouses/lovers.  
 
I was in the grocery store last night picking out a couple of Valentine's Cards, when a dapper, old man came up to the cards and mumbled to me that Valentine's Day was ostentatious display of overly-simplistic dribble created by the Hallmark Company.  

 

WOW!!!!   That was a mouthful.  But it made me think, what prompts this kind of reaction?  Did I enjoy Valentine's Day only because of the mass marketing done by a card company????  Was it because I had visions of flowers, and candy, and romantic dinners meandering through my thoughts?   And I realized that sure, all that plays a part of it. But in reality; I think we should tell those around us that they matter, they are important to us and they have enriched our lives. 
 
So in that brief "Ah-ha Moment", right there in the grocery store, I went and bought one of those cute little balloons on a stick that was bright and cheerful and was decorated with Hearts and Flowers and wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day.   And then.....I tracked that man down, and in the Produce Section, I gave him that balloon and wished him a very Happy Valentine's Day. 

 

I was prepared to be greeted with cynicism and a sarcastic remark, but instead, you know what happened???  He smiled, got tears in his eyes and said he had not received a Valentine in 20 years since his wife had passed away.   He patted me on the shoulder and thanked me for helping him to remember happier times of past Valentine's Days.    

 

As he strolled away with a far away look in his eyes,  I like to think he will never forget this brief interaction with a stranger, but one thing for sure, I know I won't. 
 
So for all of you out there in cyberspace,  I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day and sending you lots of love right from the heart.
 
Be Well.
 
Nancy
 

This is the most amazing stuff. It taste SO much better than the "real" thing.  It makes a wonderful chocolate pie as well - just double the recipe.

Makes about 2 cups
2 small ripe avocados - peeled
1/2 -3/4 C blue agave nectar
1/4 C raw cocao powder (or carob if you prefer)
2 T coconut butter or oil
1/2 organic Vanilla Bean or 1 T. Vanilla
dash of sea salt
 

 

Preparation:
Place everything in a VitaMix or high-powered blender or food processor and blend (on high) until very smooth and creamy. .

 

Whipping Cream

1 cup young coconut meat
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons Raw Honey
1/4 organic vanilla bean or 1 t. vanilla extract

 

Preparation:

Place ingredients in VitaMix and blend until smooth.
 

Assembly

 

Layer in pretty parfait glasses alternating layers of chocolate, Whipping Cream and Fresh Strawberries or raspberries.  Top with fresh, raw walnuts for an extra dose of Heart Healthy Omega 3's. So pretty you won't even want to eat it...well, almost.

 

Fun Fact, Chocolate is an aphrodisiac, the perfect treat on this day of Love!!!