Tomorrow is the big day, everyone! It’s Half-Price Heart-Shaped Chocolate Day! I think I might pop out for a box of Ferraro Roche to take to my Thursday class, as they put up with my very dumb “archaeologists discovered a mummy covered in nuts and chocolates, they think it was the first Pharaoh Roche” joke.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I teach my usual Monday afternoon Strengthen and Tone Yoga class today, and I have made up little love packages for my ladies:
And of course there have been heart-shaped cookies and cake, because that is how I roll.
The cake was visually very imperfect but absolutely delicious, which feels like a Beauty Is Found Within kind of metaphor.
I know some people loathe these so-called Made Up Hallmark Holidays, but any reason for cookies, cake, and – tomorrow – half-price chocolate is a good reason, in my books.
My feelings towards Valentine’s Day have shifted many times in my life; things have evolved a lot from my high school days when the success of the day was directly proportional to the number of Candy Grams received. These days I tend to lean more into the Friendship Aspect of Valentine’s; in other words, Galentines!
Oh, how I love and treasure my girlfriends, past and present. I’m not a woman with many male friends – I do have them, but they are, with few exceptions, the male half of Couple Friends, or a Spouse of a Girlfriend – but I cherish my girls.
My friend Marion (HI MARION) posted this the other day:
I can’t stop thinking about this. How interesting it is that we are all made up of little pieces of people who come into our lives; I do firmly believe that everyone is in my life for a reason, even if they are not a part of my life anymore. It’s a very No (wo)man is an island feeling. Not an hour in the day goes by when I don’t think of a friend, and it’s more than just things I do; day-to-day associations and household items will remind me fondly of the friend in question. Recipes, gifts, books; all of those remind me of people in my life. Songs, especially, remind me of particular people – pretty much everyone in my life has a song I associate with them. Even certain yoga poses will remind me of friends or students. It’s like The Word Association Game in my head, all day, every day, if you want to know what it’s like to be me.
We all have an effect on people, often unknowingly. If you’re reading this, you have most likely influenced my life in some way, and I guarantee there is a song that I associate with you.
I have been reading Agapi Stassinopoulos’ new Speaking With Spirit, and the theme last week was “It’s an offering, not a transaction.” The idea is that if we think of everything in our life – what we do and what others do for us – as an offering, rather than something to be “paid back,” we can discover gratitude for even the smallest things. For example, think of the incredible steps that bring us clean water every single day. We turn the tap and voila, clean water. Think of the scientists who came up with filtration systems, the engineers that created the infrastructure, the people who work in filtration and who built the infrastructure, and the plumber who hooked your house up to the existing infrastructure. IT IS AMAZING. Such a small thing, but if your water gets shut off for any period of time, you know how very important it is. Gratitude for water! And electricity! And heat! All things we generally take for granted but are a marvel of technology, engineering, and effort.
Now, I’m not saying we should go through every minute thinking about this – our hearts would probably explode from gratitude, or we would be paralyzed thinking of all the amazing things in every single part of our lives – but it is worth a moment of marvel. The technology and process that brings us paper! Books being printed en masse, thank you Johann Gutenberg or the guy you stole the idea from. Distribution of books! Education systems that have us all literate!
What I’m saying is that I am grateful for my life and I am grateful for the people in it, including you, dear reader.
Speaking of gratitude, I had my booster shot on Friday. My husband and I walked over to the Alberta Health Services centre – it was like a date, but lame – on his lunch hour, and, predictably, things were running super behind. When I got my first shot, through AHS, I had a warning to only join the lineup 10 minutes before my appointment, but then the line itself took two and a half hours to get through. Similarly, on Friday I had a message not to arrive until five minutes prior to my appointment, which was exactly what I did, and then ended up waiting 45 minutes. THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY. WHY EVEN HAVE APPOINTMENTS. Any vaccination at the local pharmacy has been perfectly on time, why not with AHS?
Well, that’s a small grumble. I had – and still have – a sore arm, and I was tired and low-grade feverish Friday night, so I took a nighttime Advil, which I have taken before and will take again, but wow, did things go sideways. My younger son was out at a wrestling tournament, and I wanted to stay up to hear how it went, but ended up passing out on the couch. When he did get home – at nine o’clock, which tells you something about me – I woke up hearing him excitedly talk about the match that he won, 18-14. I stumbled off the couch like a drunk, and hugged my other, non-wrestling son, telling him how proud I was of him. “Um, Mom, I’m glad you’re proud and everything, but I think you’ve got the wrong guy.” Oops. I repeated the process on the actual wrestling son, then stumbled to my bed where I – according to my husband – tried to set my alarm for some unknown reason, before passing out again. The next day, after eleven hours of sleep, I realized that I had put on a fresh, regular shirt instead of my pajama top, along with my normal pajama bottoms, and that prior to my couch sleep I had consumed an entire bag of white chocolate peppermint popcorn, very kindly sent to me by the lovely Kari (HI KARI THANK YOU). THE ENTIRE BAG, YOU GUYS. It was not a single serving bag, not by a long shot. It was a wild Friday night.
Pandemic Reading
Home Body. I have been reading Rupi Kaur’s poetry prior to my morning yoga practice, and it is really beautiful. I mean, look at this:
And this:
I think this could be part of every woman’s collection; the latter half of the book is very uplifting. However, I feel I must warn the reader that the first part of the book is very dark and there is content about sexual abuse and racism that is very upsetting.
Standard Deviation. Have you ever known, just KNOWN, that you would love a book and so you put off reading it, you save it and save it and wait until you NEED to read it? That’s what I did with this book. I have loved the other two Heiny books I have read, and I have been saving this until the perfect time. I pulled the trigger last week and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. I absolutely love Heiny, she has become one of my favourite authors, writing one of my favourite genres, which is “ordinary life made extraordinary” and “slice of life.” Because, plot-wise, well, there isn’t one really. There is no way to summarize what happens in this book in a succinct way because it is just LIFE. And I am 100% here for it. It’s a book about marriage, about friendship, about parenting, about special needs. It’s just so good and I am planning on asking for all of her books for my birthday, because they are all rereads for sure. The only thing is that now I’ve read this book, there are no more to look forward to.
The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way. Have you, like me, ever wondered about the origins of language, how it develops in terms of speech, spelling and grammar? Have you ever wondered about dialects? How is British English so different from North American English? How do Liverpudlians sound so different from Londoners? How do Texans sound so different from Brooklynites? How do our swears originate? After all, technically, getting fucked can be very nice. If you’ve wondered any of these things, this book is for you! Note: it was published in 1990 and so it is dated. It’s so interesting, though. I mean, imagine writing the first dictionary. IMAGINE.
Don’t Make Me Turn This Life Around. I enjoyed this book about a woman – exactly my age – who finds out she’s ten years cancer-free and feels…meh. It’s a great commentary on the dangers of toxic positivity, how your life can look perfect but still be hard, how all pain is valid, and how the people we love are with us always.
One hundred weeks. I can hardly believe it! When I first started my weekly count, I didn’t think I’d get into the double digits, let alone triple. Well, here we are. Some people have asked me when I will stop my weekly count, and I will stop when this is no longer considered a Pandemic, which is not this week. Stay safe, everyone! Are you going to buy half-price chocolates? If so, what kind? Tell me everything. xo
I have done…nothing…this year for Valentines Day (unless eating old cinnamon hearts from a PREVIOUS Valentine’s Day counts).
The kids didn’t want to make Valentines (and because of COVID the schools aren’t really promoting it like normal).
I’ve made heart-shaped pancakes, cookies, fill-in-the-blank. Not this year. I’ve hung hearts and worn red – not this year.
And I’m 100% okay with this decision. It actually feels VERY empowering to say: I don’t have to do this, just because. Sometimes it feels right and exciting, but this year I could tell it would feel like work.
Unless you think I’m a complete and utter love Scrooge…I did throw a surprise Christmas celebration (complete with gifts, music, and traditional Christmas food) last May during a COVID lockdown. The kids still talk about it regularly – they woke up to decorations and then smell of our traditional Christmas breakfast and were…shocked.
Well, that sounds fun! I think it’s way more fun to do things when we want to, and on our own terms, than what is “expected.” Right?
Happy Valentine’s Day! Your cookies are always so pretty. The cake doesn’t look half-bad either. What’s not to love about a giant, pink, heart-shaped cake?
One hundred weeks. Goodness. It has been a while. I guess it’s almost time to write a 2 years of covid post.
The thing is, I should have used 8 inch pans but used 9 inch pans, so it was giant and kind of skinny. But very tasty!
Our Valentine’s celebrations have varied over the years. In 2019 we went to Cancun for Valentine’s Day – not on purpose but it just so happened it the only free weekend that we had. In 2020 there was a big storm so we both took the day off work and did a day long staycation (never dreaming that that would become our standard way of life one month later). At a minimum I usually make a special dessert and of course we’re huge fans of chocolate.
Today’s the day! Half price chocolate!
I’m not too into Valentine’s Day, but I am making a heart-shaped cake (I actually own a heart-shaped cake pan, for some strange reason.) i like your thoughts about the connections between all the people in our lives, past and present. And all the books your mentioned sound good! I’ll be making a trip to the library tomorrow. Enjoy Valentine’s Day and (more importantly) half-price chocolate day tomorrow!
Oooh a heart-shaped pan! Fun!
Love your Valentine reflections and BAKING, Nicole!! Wish I could take a yoga class with you. Yes, Galentines give me life, and I love your friend Marion’s quote about how we are a history of love. WOW! (Valentine’s Day has always been about girlfriends and family for me. My partner and I religiously celebrate our first date day, but I don’t think we’ve ever done a traditional V-Day ever. Is that strange? I bet it’s strange.)
Well, you’ll notice I did not mention my husband or romance…that part kind of falls flat on V-Day here! If you’re strange then I am too. So, baking and girlfriends it is!
Duly noted, sister!
Being a mosaic of all the things I’ve loved, that people I’ve loved loved first… That made me tear up. What a beautiful thought.
Your baking projects look FABULOUS and delicious and your students (and ALL of us) are so very lucky to have you. <3 <3 <3
Awww thank you! Isn’t it such a wonderful thought?
This is such a lovely, thought provoking post. And your cookies and cake look delish!! Happy Galentines Day!
Happy Galentines, book twin!
I am reading a Katherine Heiny presently and it must be because you recommended it! (Early Morning Riser, although I still haven’t figured out why it’s called that.) Thank you for bringing this author into my life.
(I started reading your blog just a few months ago, after Swistle linked to you! I grew up in Calgary but now dwell in the Lower Mainland. I really enjoy YOUR slice-of-life writing. Happy V/Galentine’s Day!)
Hi Ariana! Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here! I have NO idea why it’s called Early Morning Riser either, but it’s so good (although, I’d be hard-pressed to give a plot summary…)
The Lower Mainland is beautiful, hope it’s not too rainy right now! xo
I think because this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MwTjOoLxro
The original band is Pure Prairie League, I think, but I could be wrong
Oh! Thank you!
I have purchased one Reese’s Valentine’s Day heart and will eat it tonight for dessert. I sent out cards to my nieces and nephews. Tonight, as per our tradition, my husband and I will sit down next to each other and make cards. That is all I will be doing. I’m not even wearing a tiny bit of red today – I’m really not feeling the spirit this year.
I have never SEEN a Reece Valentine heart! Do we have them here? I must investigate.
I’m glad the but I posted resonated with you and now your readers. As I de-louse my house and pack it for Reno, I am even more aware of all the people I carry with me. I sometimes think I’m the only one that remember everyone my birth family has ever known. I’ve also realized I love having little things around that spark up all these memories like little touchstones place around my house. So if you can imagine then everything has an associated memory and people attached…. The ultimate crowded house. But I think you get it. As for half price chocolate I always get happy at the notion, but I’ve never done it. The other voice in my head speaks up. And for the record I will always think of you and wine during yoga, no matter what pose honestly but yes of course one in particular. Thanks for YOU! Happy hearts day, thanks for being part of mine ❤️
I get it, I really do. Thank you so much for posting that! It is just such a beautiful thought. I think of you in that pose as well, miss you!!!
I get you. Commercial holidays are not about the store-bought goodies but all about the thoughts and gratitude for PEOPLE. Love day isn’t just about romance, either. It’s about chocolate!! haha just kidding.. sort of… I am making choc fondue for the boys because there’s fruit and it’s healthy and that’s how I show my love. Like you, I totally attribute certain people to songs or bands. Happy Love Day, Nicole. Thanks for brightening everyone’s 100 days!
It’s totally about chocolate! Lol! Oh yes, and people too 🙂 Thanks Julie for your sweet words! You brighten my life as well.
I love your friend’s post, and immediately my mind started making a list of the things I have like that: I eat Chinese food because my brother’s high school girlfriend took us out for it one time (I had gotten to college without ever having tried it!); well, and so on, I guess I won’t make a whole list here. But I’ll bet this will come to my mind a LOT.
Isn’t it wonderful to think about? I can’t stop!
Happy Valentine’s Day… you know how to make it sweet!
Thank you! xo
Happy Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day my dear, sweet friend! I loved this post – particularly this part – “How interesting it is that we are all made up of little pieces of people who come into our lives; I do firmly believe that everyone is in my life for a reason, even if they are not a part of my life anymore. It’s a very No (wo)man is an island feeling. ”
I had meant to hit CVS today for 1/2 off chocolate – but it was cold and I didn’t want to get out. So I shall endeavor to get some tomorrow. I’m hoping for some Reese’s Peanut Butter cups/hearts or a small assortment of chocolates.
Mmmm Reece are so good! I might look for those too.
I died laughing at the image of you hugging the wrong son and putting a clean shirt on for bed. Wow. That booster really took you for a ride.
We are not big Valentine’s Day people here. I will avoid buying chocolate on sale for fear I will eat it all. So true that we are all made up of the things we experience thru other people.
I now want to check out books by Heiny. I did just get out the Sedaris book that looks like wood on the front.
Oh! I hope you like it! That’s my favourite one (although a good friend of mine read it and didn’t like it, so I’ll wait to see what you think!)
Your enthusiasm and delight over making all these special days fun for your family is wonderful. Your men-folk are so lucky to have you. I’ve never been a fan of the hallmark kind of holiday but love the idea of half price chocolate. I hope you score big today! Wow that booster sent you for a loop. So hilarious. I can just see you stumbling around in confusion. So funny. I so enjoy your posts, your book recommendations and your spirit.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Pat!
I LOVE THE MOSAIC. That is such a great inspiration for a blog post/book/movie…and so on.
I also love your valentines cookies, cake. excitement over half price candy. Your joy is contagious. 🙂
Isn’t Home Body wonderful? Rupi Kaur’s words seem like we could all say them. They don’t appear to be out of reach, if that makes any sense. Her poetry makes me feel like I could be a poet too.
Valentine’s Day is always a hard one for me. Not every year, but it got me in my feels this year. I want to be satisfied with family love and friend love and kitty love and puppy love, but I also think it’s natural to long for romantic love and for Valentine’s Day to really suck when you’re a chronically single person. I let myself wallow yesterday but today is a new day!
Big hugs to you, Stephany xoxo
You made me laugh so many times. “It was like a date, but lame”
I love that meme and you are right: We are a mosaic of everyone we have ever loved. WOW.
So sweet that you shared so much love with your bendy friends; you are a true galentine.
Thanks Suz!
I’m late to commenting here. I didn’t buy any half-price Valentine’s candy because I’m fussy about what candy I’ll eat. By the time I got to the grocery store, all the good stuff was gone. I’m better off because of it, actually.
I like the concept that what we do is an offering and needn’t be considered a transaction. If I am to be truthful, that’s been the underlying premise of how I maintain my blog. I feel the same way in real life, too.
Re: the blog – same here! Ally, I have to tell you, I was SO disappointed when I went to buy my Valentine’s candy. One store had NONE, they took down the displays, and the other store had almost nothing left, only things that would be appropriate for kids, but not to my taste. I did buy one bag of strawberry Lindor so it wasn’t a total bust, but it was DISAPPOINTING.
Valentine’s Day was never a thing in Germany (well, it is now), so I don’t really care about the holiday… although it’s sweet that it has morphed into Galentine’s Day because I definitely think there should be a day to celebrate friendship… and that heart-shaped cake looks FIIIINE to me (is it lemon poppyseed? My favorite, right after marble cake).
Definitely thanksful for all the people that have touched my life over the years and especially for this little community we have built here on the Internet 🙂
It’s not lemon poppyseed, it was vanilla with a strawberry frosting, but now that you say that I should make one of those!