This year when I thought about a blog for Valentine’s Day, I decided to gear it toward being alone. For whatever reason it is, I hope you can find something here you can enjoy or take away with you. Maybe it will be a special quote, or a pleasant thought. In the meantime, I’ll still be writing romance, and putting a hero and a heroine together with some infamous plot and conflict, so don’t think I’m giving up on romance or anything like that. Oh, no, I still believe in love and my tag line is Love Always Wins, and I believe everyone is entitled to a fairy tale romance at least once in their life.
Forget love – I’d rather fall in chocolate! ~Attributed to Sandra J. Dykes
Valentine’s Day is just another day to me at this point, and I know I’m not the only one. I’ve come up with a few suggestions for being alone on Valentine’s Day. You probably wonder why a romance writer would write about singles on such a romantic day. I’ve had my share of special Valentine’s Days and it’s not for me now. I’m at peace by myself. If you’re alone on this day of romance and lovers, I hope you’re at peace too.
Pie…it fills the cracks of the heart. Go away, pain. ~Kevin James, Mall Cop
Dinner for One
Do something simple. How about Pasta with an assortment of stir-fried veggies! Toss in some chicken or shrimp and you have everything you need. If you’re watching your weight, this should fit right in your plan. Treat yourself to your favorite wine. Throw in a slice of garlic bread, after all you don’t have to worry about ‘garlic’ breath when you’re alone.
Don’t want to cook? Think of Stouffer’s Meals for One in the freezer section at your grocer’s. Toss up a quick salad and there you are! Men, you can check out Bachelor Meals at The Art of Manliness. It’s a work night so maybe tonight you’ll want to stick to Stouffer’s or your favorite quick meal.
Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity. ~Voltaire
Valentine’s Day is on Tuesday this year. If you want to stay home and watch a movie, toss on your jammies, or grab your Snuggie then check out Hulu. For the girls, I’m sure you can find a movie channel hosting romantic comedies, my favorite. Or you can go to all the locals like NBC, etc. and watch a TV show. You don’t have to be alone tonight when you can be with your favorite actors. Guys, you might like Spike TV, FX, HBO, Discovery, Speed, or the History Channel.
For you race fans Nascar is only days away so if you’re sitting at home and a race fan, go ahead and look at the website to see who the drivers are this year, and take a look at the speed week schedule. I used to play a free Nascar Fantasy Racing Game. It’s all kinds of fun. Remember, I said free. Check it out at Collective Racing.
There isn’t a single professional sports season now that doesn’t go on at least a month too long. Baseball starts in football weather, and football in baseball weather, and basketball overlaps them both. ~James Reston
Put some popcorn in the air popper or microwave, but first check out the dessert recipe I included a couple paragraphs down. Yum-ilicious
Don’t feel like watching TV? This is a good time to pull out your favorite book or eReader, cuddle up with soothing music, and escape. Or, you can play one of my favorite Android games like Angry Birds. Warning: It’s highly addictive.
If you want to get out of the house instead of being by yourself tonight:
~Get a massage; hot stone massages are awesome.
~Take a walk, but stay away from places where you’re likely to run into couples holding hands and hugging and kissing. Tonight’s not the night you’ll want to see that.
~Hit Starbucks with your laptop! Go to the bookstore; chances are couples won’t be hanging out, but other singles might. While you’re there pick up a blank journal and start your first entry tonight. One day you can look back and recall all your memories.
~If none of the other things appeal to you, take a hot bubble bath, (Yes, you guys, too.) and light some candles. Just relax. Afterward smother your skin in your favorite lotion or oil. All warm and snuggly now? Time for dessert.
Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author Unknown
Dessert
This sounds so delicious. Of course, you might not want this if you’re all relaxed and ready for bed because of the caffeine, or use decaf.
Mochachino
1 part Kahlua Mocha
1 part coffee
1 part hot chocolate
Or try Champagne based cocktail. Italian Classic Bellini
While you’re in the dessert mood maybe you’d rather try Warm Delights by Betty Crocker. No fuss and they are sized for one, and since we’re talking about singles, give Warm Delights Minis a try. Check out the nutrition information for each flavor. It isn’t too bad for a quick treat. (I’m not getting paid to say this.)
Maybe you’re interested in Green? You can find something interesting here: 
http://www.naturallysavvy.com/
As some of you know, last year at Valentine’s Day I interviewed CJ Hollenbach, romance cover model, and Fantasy Hunk of 2001. His interview still gets hits on my blog, so if you want to read it for yourself, you can click HERE.
Most importantly since today is a day of love, why not love your own person and body. No one knows you as well as you do, so look deep inside and show yourself some love. 
Be healthy and take care of you.
He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull
Enjoy your Valentine’s Day no matter what you do.
Love,
This blog post has been modified from an earlier newsletter I wrote.
