Not long ago I thought of myself sort of Tim Gunn, not for my style and design prowess, which is fantastic, but instead for my ability to focus and balance life's many stressors. Tim Gunn's familiar saying, "make it work," was my own, for a while. I'd drop "make it works" on my staff as a fun way of bringing smiles to everyones faces at the office. Lately though, as I run from meeting to meeting and (in my daze) drop "make it works" on the staff, it's become more of an annoyance. Sadly, my stress factor is palpable. So, farewell Tim Gunn, hello counseling.

A friend suggested that I'd manage better if I did yoga. Gillian suggested counseling. My 54-year-old sister called and challenged me to join her in a marathon this spring. This, I thought, was a good choice. So I accepted her challenge and started running, a lot. So far all I have are aches in my knees and some panic... that I actually might not be able to go 26.2 miles. I am doing yoga, too. The hot kind. It's amazing, and I think it's actually helping me find balance and focus.

I have also made a new food discovery. A magical one. I have found the single bean chocolate. My chocolate epiphany occurred recently when a client delivered a box of Godiva chocolates to the office. The selection of truffles and chocolates was extraordinary. As the ganaches and pralines melt in my mouth, I think i actually experienced euphoria. I had heard of chocolate's "feel good" quality, but never experienced it. What a wonderful discovery.

Yesterday my family and I attended Whole Foods Market's chocolate celebration in Portland and experienced that lovely chocolate buzz again. I tasted truffles, chocolates, hot chocolate, chili, mole, ice cream, fudge, and fruits and pound cake dipped in the ubiquitous chocolate fountain. A highlight of the day was meeting Janet Puistonen of Box Hill Confections. She elevated the day's chocolate experience by introducing me to "single bean" chocolates. Her confections are made of El Rey single-bean chocolates from Venezuela. Single bean chocolates are more rich, powerful and generally more complex. I don't need to know more than that -- the proof is in the flavor. (http://www.boxhillconfections.com)

I am happy to report that my stress level is down to a nice level. I can thank my partner and staff for that -- they're doing an amazing job. Yoga has made me feel more relaxed than ever before. And chocolate, delicious and complex chocolate, has become a trusted new friend. What perfect timing -- this is Valentine's week and chocolates are everywhere. Thank goodness.

Portland area artisan chocolate makers:

Box Hill Confections
http://www.boxhillconfections.com

Nutmeg Foods
http://www.visitportland.com/contactc.aspx?m=C1493

Sweet Marguerites, LLC
http://www.sweetmargchocolates.com

A few places to find fine artisan choclates:
Aurora Provisions (Portland)
Black Sheep Wine Shop (Harpswell)
Cork & Barrel (Falmouth)
Freeport Cheese & Wine (Freeport)
Le Roux (Portland)
Whole Food Market (Portland)