Welcome
A Love Letter
I was 9 years old the day I met my husband. I was holding my mother’s hand at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. Aaron walked up and handed me a gift. It was a Precious Moments dish that he bought in the gift shop. On it was a picture of a bride and the words, “This day was made in heaven.”
Some people believe in fate or destiny, and some think that life is a big game of chance. When I look back on my life, I can’t help but think everything happens for a reason. Experiences, good and bad, have prepared me for where I am today. I mean, honestly, if I hadn’t dated those “stinkers” in college, would I really be able to appreciate my wonderful husband? I don’t think so.
Since this is the love issue, I think it is appropriate to ask the question, “What is love?” There are a few good barometers you can use to measure your love for another person: Vacations, for instance. If you leave the country with someone and still want to be in the same room with them when you get back, that’s a good sign. If there is no other person you would rather hang out with on a Saturday night, that is also a very good sign. To me, I think you’ll know when you’re truly in love when you can look clearly at your partner, see their flaws and know the flaws don’t matter. No one is perfect, right? Thank God my husband loves me with all of my flaws. Aaron, you are my perfect valentine. I love you very much.
Although not as much as Aaron, I also love this issue — starting with the cover! Thank you to Lily Dawson for styling the fashions, Taylor Allen, our photographer, and the ladies of the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. Make sure you explore the rest of their Valentine’s Day fashions starting on Page 62.
We also have profiled many strong local women in this issue. The colorful and talented Sutu Forté shares her adventure from the music world to the dance scene on Page 30. Check out our makeover story on Page 89, “Indulging in Me,” where we outline big changes in the lives of three women and how they found the time to indulge in themselves. We also have a profile of a spectacular artist, referred to us by Ragtag’s Executive Director, Tracy Lane. Her friend, Kristeen Young, is blazing trails locally and following in the pop-star footsteps of Madonna and Lady Gaga.
The dishes you should include on your plate this Valentine’s Day are laid out in this issue as well. Ben Parks of Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar suggests a breakfast in bed headlined by his duck hash and a pair of mimosas in The Dish on Page 50. If you really want to heat things up, check out our “Aphrodisiac Foods” on Page 53. Local couples and Isle of Capri chef Jason Martin weigh in on these mysterious menu items. But by far, my favorite recipe is the cake pops in “Satisfy his Sweet Tooth” on Page 69. At our office cookie exchange, my assistant, Lily, blew us away with this recipe. Seriously, you are holding a piece of gold here.
Best wishes to all of you during the next few months. I hope you enjoy this issue as
much as I do. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.
Betsy Bell
Publisher
