This memory is from Valentine's Day, 2006. Pasadena, CA.

I'm at work, on lunch break, returning from the teacher's lounge with my coffee and heading back to my classroom on the second floor. A forlorn 7th grader sits against the wall a few feet from my door. He's nursing a Yoohoo, his sack lunch and a flat decorative red box from Mrs. Fields lay beside him.

I stop and check in: "You ok, Darius?"
"I asked Lynette to be my girlfriend. She said no. Said she couldn’t be in a serious relationship right now."
He looks out over the playground and lunch tables below.
I gesture toward the Mrs. Fields box. "Was that for her?". He nods.
"Sorry. That sucks". I try to lift the mood: "Well at least you get to eat that big cookie...".
Darius opens the box to reveal its empty contents. "Nah, she took it. It broke in the car anyway. She's eating it with Kayla down there." He points with his chin. I spot them at the table now too.
"Sorry, that really sucks" is all I can think to say.
A peculiar pause follows. Darius tilts his head. "Well, not entirely... ".
A small light, Darius looks up at me, with convincing sincerity: "I kinda have a huge crush on Kayla".

OAKLAND YARD is OPEN TODAY and all weekend for CURBSIDE PICK UP from NOON-7. Wines for your new or lifelong crushes. New arrivals to crush on. To perhaps fall in love with. Treat yourself. Celebrate your resilient heart.

FLOWER & FORAGE is selling hand tied bouquets (2 color palates) for pick up this weekend! ORDER ONLINE at flowerandforage.com. PICK UP at OAKLAND YARD, Saturday 2/13 and Sunday 2/14 from 12-7pm. These bouquets will be made with local, in season blooms, wrapped and ready for you to put in your favorite vase at home (support small business!). And we've got Dandelion chocolates and other treats. Bubbles and bouquets. Bottles to bring you warmth and wonder. Our ONLINE SHOP is up and offers free curation service - and our O nline Bottle Shop (with pictures) is up as well.

Keep spreading the love,

Daniel