A new chapter begins

Hello friends and family,
With the close of 2016, I wrap up over 10 years of ministry at Redwood Glen and a life time in California.  The new year brings a new journey as I leave everything I am familiar and begin my tenure as Executive Director of Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center in North Andover, Massachusetts on January 15, 2017.  (www.rollingridge.org)

Yes, this Cali boy is moving to New England in the middle of winter!  And no, I am not crazy.

This opportunity at Rolling Ridge allows me to combine 10 years of camping ministry experience with over 10 years of pastoral ministry.  Staff operations and program development are the two areas “The Ridge” (as it is lovingly called) is looking to me to expand.  I spent a week in Massachusetts during the coldest December the natives have experienced in years, and while the weather was cold, the reception of the staff, the board, and the New England United Methodist Conference was warm and welcoming.  Rolling Ridge is a UMC camp and the Conference will be my new employers.

To be honest, the past year was a rough one personally and professionally.  It was a year full of “Thank you, but no” rejection letters from positions that I thought would be perfect, including one as a final candidate for an Executive Director position at an American Baptist camp and a temporary “lay off” from Redwood Glen because of the water crisis.  (You'll have to email me about that one.)

With 2017 now here, that is all behind me as the trailer is packed and I am off to Rolling Ridge in North Andover, MA.  A great big THANK YOU to those who came out on a wet day to help with my big move day (pictured above).  I am scheduled to fly out on January 11th on a red-eye with the 2 cats and 2 suitcases, arriving January 12th.  With rain in the forecast, please pray for safe travels and no delays for myself and my stuff.  As hard as it is to pack-up and say good-bye to all I am familiar with, the most stressful part of the move is the unknowns.

Speaking of my two vegan (yes, vegan) cats, Francis (the grey tabby) and Bonaventure (the white one) are well.   They will be two on Earth Day April 22nd.  They are named after St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure, two theologians whose writings I spent a lot of time studying during my doctoral studies.  I now get to spend time (not as much as the “boys” would like) with the feline namesake of these Franciscans.  For their East Coast trip, the cats will be flying in cargo with United's PetSafe.  You don't even want to know how much it costs to fly out pets!  Luckily my new employers will be covering the relocation costs for these members of my family.

I am blessed to have a 4 bedroom house with a basement as my new home.  There's plenty of room for guests so please consider visiting.  I'm just 30 minutes from Boston and will be looking for some folks to explore my new neighborhood.  My new address is located on the right column of this blog (and at the end).

MY “NOT SO LITTLE ANYMORE” PEOPLE

While there are many things I will miss by moving to the "other" coast (including chocolate at Downtown Local in Pescadero), I will dearly miss being near family (especially my parents, my sister, brother-in-law, and the "n-kids"), and the "g-kids." The kids as you can imagine are not so little anymore and I am proud of the people they are becoming as they each grow in their faith and in the Lord.

The “G” kids (Godkids above) at Brandon's graduation with honors from Creekside Middle School - Kayla (a junior at UC Irvine), Brandon (a freshman at Castro Valley High), and Micah (a senior at CVHS).

The “N” kids (Nephew and  Nieces above) – Tyus (16), Teresa (12), and Natalie (14).  Tyus continues to enjoy online gaming.  Teresa reads books like water.  Natalie continues with ballet.

One of my first Cali visits will be in June for Natalie's ballet and Micah's graduation.  I may try to visit for Mother's Day but we'll see what the calendar holds.

IN OTHER NEWS

Some highlights from 2016 include treating the family to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios in July.

And a trip to Costa Rica in October to visit a friend in the Peace Corps (Karen Campbell) and to experience the Puerto Viejo Chocolate Festival.  Excellent times of fun and vacation.

With a move to the East Coast and a new position, the journey takes a new turn.  There are times I am excited beyond measure about what lies before me.  And there are times when fear grips me and I wonder if this is really God's direction for me.  A friend in an email shared a line that has been a great source of encouragement through this process = “God's got you.”  Amid the stress and concerns that will come my way in the coming weeks, it is a comfort to know that God's has me firm in the palm of His hand.  I've been telling people that I feel a lot like Abraham following God's call to leave all that is familiar and to follow God's lead to a place He will show me. For me, New England is a whole new world away from all I know but I make this move trusting in God's grip of me.  Please keep in touch!

Reach me via email: larry.jay@mac.com or lawrence.jay@rollingridge.org, via phone: (415) 608-6354 (mobile) or (978) 258-1878 (home), via mail: 640 Great Pond Road, North Andover, MA  01845 or on the blog at: http://update-me-larry.blogspot.com/.

Peace,
Larry
(or “Lawrence” as I'll be know at the Ridge. You'll have to email me about that.)

Good-bye 2015!! Hello 2016!

Hello friends and family,
With Christmas now upon us and 2016 just around the corner, it's hard to believe how quickly the year has flown. As I reflect on the past 12 months, 2015 has definitely been a milestone year in so many ways, with so much to celebrate.

After 5 long hard years (plus 2 for a second Masters before that), I finally completed my Doctor of Ministry at the American Baptist Seminary of the West. In May, I officially became "The Reverend Doctor Lawrence G. Jay."  It may be a long title but really I'm still just the same old Larry.

I am thankful that my initial draft submitted at the end of 2014 needed only minor edits and additions to strength my argument. In March, I passed the oral defense of my dissertation. I was truly blessed to work with a wonderful committee that provided support with my project and insight in my writing.

The final outcome: "A Canticle of Re-Creating: The Franciscan Lectio of Creation as an Eco-Spiritual Practice for Ecological Change" ended up being just under 300 pages.  And at graduation, my project was awarded the "Keith A. Russell Leadership Award in Prophetic Leadership in Community Ministry" for outstanding visionary work.

Following graduation, my family hosted a dinner celebration at Chevy's which featured a custom-made, backpacker-themed, "Canticle of the Creatures" cake. Thanks to Sharon Chin for her spectacular creation. It's even better than what I had envisioned.

While my graduation from ABSW was a highlight in 2015, I also passed a few other milestone this year.

In May, I officiated my 50th wedding. Congratulations to Chris and Chris Shaffer! How significant that 50 weddings after marrying my brother-in-law Rob's sister, Lisa, I get to marry their younger sister, Christina! It was a beautiful day and celebration with extended family. In May, I also celebrated 20 years since my graduation from Golden Gate Seminary with my Master of Divinity in 1995. In June, I turned 50.

And in October, the 20th anniversary of my ordination was recognized at my denominational annual meeting. I wasn't able to be there but my boss, Larry Rice (pictured right above) attended and brought back the plaque. He presented it to me while I was clearing tables in the dining hall at Redwood Glen for the First Chinese Baptist Church seniors retreat. As I think about the past two decades, there's something very "Jesus" about being recognized for 20 years of christian ministry while serving dinner.

If that wasn't enough, in 2015 I also became a father - a "feline father" - as I brought two kittens into my home. Francis (the tabby) and Bonaventure (the white one) were born on Earth Day, April 22nd, and came to live with me in early June. Thanks to Jill Ramsey for these two little monstrous, mischievous blessings. Named in tribute of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure, who were significant in my doctoral studies, the cats have grown much since this early picture above. After 6 months being with me, these two obligate carnivores are thriving and healthy on a vegan diet. I am thankful for Dr. May, the vegan vet, who has consulted with my local vet to ensure that my cats are doing well.

Other highlights of the year include a family vacation to Mexico...

 
And new responsibilities at work as I am now the Director of Guest Services at Redwood Glen, overseeing the guest services, food services, and housekeeping departments of the camp. It's hard to believe but 2016 will mark 10 years of life and ministry in the redwoods.

2015 has been a full year, but a blessed year which included lots of good drinking chocolate at my usual haunts - Downtown Local in Pescadero, Bittersweet in Oakland, and Rue du The in Burlingame.  It is nice to be a regular at these places where the staff knows my drink!

One new discovery this year is Timothy Adams in Palo Alto which opened just about a year ago. Unlike other places, you create your own sipping chocolate. You select the milk and the chocolate, which ranges from 31% to 99% cacao content. Thus far, my favorite is the 85% with almond milk. They serve up a very thick sipping chocolate which is rich, silky smooth, and extremely filling.

Have a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled 2016.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2015!

Hello friends and family,
Merry Christmas and year-end greetings!  The year 2014 has flown by and for me, it has been a busy 12 months as I round down to the last phases of my Doctor of Ministry studies at ABSW (American Baptist Seminary of the West). I spent a good chunk of the year researching and writing the 220 pages of text for my project on the Franciscan Lectio of Creation as an eco-spiritual practice which connects us with the Creator through creation. Pictured below are the books that I referenced and listed in my bibliography.

The first draft of my dissertation was given to my committee just before Thanksgiving, which gave me lots of reasons to be thankful this holiday. I'll receive feedback in January, turn in the final draft to the seminary in February, defend my dissertation in March, and if I pass, I'll graduate on Saturday, May 16th and you can call me "Dr. Jay."  Fingers are crossed that all goes smooth.

To be honest, there's not much more to this year than school and my work at Redwood Glen. On my days off, I was either in the library or behind a computer, but it always featured some good drinking chocolate. Unfortunately, one of my favorite haunts, Bittersweet in Berkeley (just down the street from the GTU (Graduate Theological Union) library, closed down in September, forcing me to head to Bittersweet in Rockridge for my "usual" -- granola with almond milk, a bittersweet drinking chocolate, and vegan chocolate zucchini bread.

When I didn't travel to Berkeley, I became a regular at Downtown Local in Pescadero, just 12 minutes from camp.  In November, to finish up the dissertation, I took a week off from work and spent every day at this local coffee house, enjoying first a kambucha (not pictured), followed by a "thick chocolate" (on their secret menu), and banana bread (my favorite, though their persimmon bread and ginger pear bread are both also yummy).  I am thankful that they didn't kick me out after 5 hours (but then again, I would leave a nice tip for Cassie and the other staff)!

In terms of work, the drought hit hard at Redwood Glen which created a challenging summer. In June, Pescadero Creek (our only water source) was too low for the camp to continue receiving water from Memorial Park and we were cut off.  To remain open, we began trucking water and continue to do so. However, problems in the system and a break-down of the water truck created E.Coli and low levels in the tanks which forced us to shut down. For two weeks in early August, we cancelled groups.  It was rough. Though the tanks are now cleaned, a new process in place, and groups again coming, Redwood Glen still needs to truck in water until we can drill new wells and establish our own water filtration system. All this has created a major financial need.  If you can help reduce our $40,000 deficit for 2014 and support the estimated $100,000 needed in 2015, please click here.  Thanks.

Now back to more personal news...
here are some highlights of 2014:

* My grandmother's 90th birthday. On Saturday, January 11th my PoPo (maternal grandmother), Muriel Chan, celebrated her 90th birthday with family and close friends during a Chinese banquet lunch. My cousins and I were able to honor her life by sharing her story with pictures from her many photo albums, which have now been distributed among the family.  My PoPo is doing well as she continues to live at Lincoln Villa in Fremont.  I try to get out to see her once a quarter.

* The Hot Chocolate Run. I was actually sick during my PoPo's birthday, but the next day I ran the inaugural Hot Chocolate Run in San Francisco through Golden Gate Park. I was congested, probably had a fever, did not sleep well the night before, and discovered I forgot my running pants so I ran in thermals and cotton sweats.  But in spite, I got up on Sunday, January 12th and ran 5K in 25.20 minutes at 8 min 10 sec pace, all with the intent of claiming a Hot Chocolate Finishers Cup. The things I do for chocolate!  I injured myself during a run back in October and I am still nursing my leg pain. The jury is still out whether I'll run on January 11, 2015.

* My goddaughter's graduation. It's hard to believe but Kayla graduated with honors from Castro Valley High School in June.  She is now a mechanical engineering major at UC Irvine. While I haven't spent much time with her since those early years when she was in elementary school, Uncle Larry is very proud of the young woman that she has become. I still remember taking her to Starbucks after school and treating her to a snack as she did her homework. Now, I send her monthly care packages with a card and chocolate, of course.

* My parents 50th anniversary.  On Saturday, June 28, 1964, my parents were married at St. John's Presbyterian Church in San Francisco.  Exactly 50 years later, on Saturday, June 28, 2014, we celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Rockefeller Lodge in San Pablo.  It was a wonderful gathering of family and friends.  As you can see from the picture above the "n-kids" are getting big. Tyus (14) is nearly as tall as me, with Natalie (12) and Teresa (10) catching up. I still head to L.A. to celebrate their birthdays, and see them during the holidays.

* Rhythms of the Spirit at Redwood Glen. American Baptist Churches USA partnered with Redwood Glen to bring the Rhythms of the Spirit Conference to California from November 3-7. Not only did I handle the logistics as part of the Redwood Glen staff, I also facilitated two sessions as part of the West Coast Rhythms of the Spirit staff (pictured above).  It was a wonderful opportunity to share my doctoral project -- a Franciscan Lectio of Creation -- with my colleagues and get their feedback.  The keynote speaker, Jennifer Davidson (pictured above with the black Redwood Glen sweatshirt), blogged about her experience with the Lectio.  You can read it here.     

Unfortunately, there are no "12 Delights of Chocolate" this year but here are some 2014 chocolate discoveries:

* Cafe Venetia in Palo Alto.  Looking for a place to study with drinking chocolate, I found Cafe Venetia in Palo Alto and their 3 different chocolates, each progressively thicker: Cioccolata en Taza (thick Italian drinking chocolate a la machine, like I've had in Italy, very nice), Cioccolata Fondente (pictured above, milk - almond in this case, combined with their secret blend for a pudding consistency, a little too thick to really "drink"), and Mousse al Cioccolata (which I'll try on my next visit, but I'm told it is literally a mousse).

* Chocolate the Restaurant in Santa Cruz. I've always wanted to try Chocolate the Restaurant in Santa Cruz, so when a friend who lives in Santa Cruz wanted to meet for lunch, I knew where I wanted to go.  Cafe Venetia may have 3 chocolate "drinks" on their menu, but Chocolate the Restaurant has 10!  I've only tried two. After I finished writing the first draft of my dissertation, I decided to indulge with a Victoria Drinking Chocolate and their Deep Chocolate Indulgence (chocolate ecstasy cake, bittersweet truffle, and a mini Sophia Drinking Chocolate). The Victoria is Venezuelan dark chocolate with milk -- liquidy and nice but a bit too fruity for my tastes. The Sophia is a thick Italian-style drinking chocolate, which was good but I could taste the tapioca texture they used to thicken it.

Although I enjoyed these two new chocolate locations, I found myself comparing them to my "usuals" at Bittersweet and Downtown Local. I may simply be biased towards my regular haunts, but that won't keep me from still looking and trying different chocolate locations.  Unfortunately, two places from 2013 (Serendipity in San Carlos and Backyard Coffee in Redwood City) discontinued their drinking chocolates. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Joy-filled 2015! 
May the new year be filled with God's richest blessings
(and lots of good chocolate).

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!

Hello folks,
It's been nearly 2 years since I've posted on this annual blog to update you on the latest goings on in my life.  Though many of my day to day endeavors continue on, there have been some major changes since I've last written.

The first big change is that I'm walking the single life again, and have been so for the last year and a half.  I was not in the best of places during the holidays last year and wasn't in the mood to write an update.  But having gone through a year, I am in a good place and keeping more than busy.

Another big change has been my vehicle.  Since it's been a while since I've written, many of you don't know.  In October 2012 on a wet night, just after 8 pm, I hit a slick spot on Highway 84, loss control and went up an embankment (which is better than me having gone down it).  While I suffered no injury, the Matrix never recovered, and through God's gracious provision, I am now a proud owner of a 2009 Toyota Prius (pictured above).  It's driving well, saving gas, and having less impact on the environment which is, I believe, a very important thing!

After 7 years, I continue to live and serve at Redwood Glen Camp and Conference Center in Loma Mar, CA.  However, I am now the full-time Guest Services/Marketing Coordinator, and have been so since January.  I continue to make my home in Creekside cabin, a 2 bedroom house at camp (pictured above).  It is beside Hoffman Creek, and every day I am blessed as I leave my home and cross the bridge over the creek to get to my car or to walk 2 minutes up the hill to the office.  Not a bad commute, with great co-workers and beautiful surroundings.

Along with 40 hours of work, I also continue in the Doctor of Ministry program at the American Baptist Seminary of the West.  The focus of my studies is ecological spirituality, which considers how our connection with creation allows us to experience God as Creator and embrace our call to care for creation.  I completed my BIG project in October this year, which was a one-day retreat on a Franciscan Lectio Divina of creation.  The group (pictured below) was wonderful to work with and are core to my ongoing project of developing a "Canticle of re:Creation."  (If you are interested in learning more about this topic, or having me lead a retreat in your ministry setting, please let me know or check out my still developing website, "re-creation-network.com")

Overall, the material I presented at this eco-spiritual retreat was well received.  As follow-up and final feedback come in, writing begins this semester on the Christian tradition of the "Book of Nature" and the spiritual discipline of "Lectio Divina".  There is a lot of work ahead, but if I buckle in and focus, the plan is to be done with my D.Min by spring 2015, which means "Dr. Jay" for you all!

Along with work and school, I am also on the Executive Committee of the Ministers Council of the Greater Bay Area (MCGBA), my way of keeping in touch with my pastoral ministry colleagues.  I serve as the communications person and put together the e-newsletter (a task I also do for Redwood Glen).

With everything else, I also wear my pastoral hat on occasion as I performed an outdoor wedding this year at Big Sur, preached a few times, and led a weekend retreat.  Life is very full.

And in case you are wondering, I continue to pursue a vegan diet, and to run so that I can enjoy my chocolate indulgences.  (For my 12 delights of chocolate 2013, see the blog below.)  I tackle about 7 miles, three times a week during the spring, summer, and fall, typically along Old Haul Road on the back side of the camp. Because it gets cold and dark so early during the winter, my exercise routines change.  However, on January 12, 2014, I'll be attempting my first "official" run in a few years.  When I found it, I couldn't resist -- The Hot Chocolate Run seems like it was made for someone like me, someone who runs for the chocolate!

Highlights of 2013 include:

* My 12 delights of chocolate 2013.  Check them out on the blog below.  And if you have suggestions of chocolate I need to try in the new year, don't hesitate in letting me know.

* My godsons graduations.  In June, Brandon graduated from elementary school and Micah from middle school.  Here they are messing around with sister Kayla (now a senior in high school).  Unfortunately, I have not had much time at all in recent years to spend time with them.  It's definitely not like it was when they were little and would see them every week.

* Family vacation in Monterey for my birthday and my parents' 49th wedding anniversary.  A good time hanging out at a rental, which was literally across the street from the ocean, and visiting the sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium (pictured above).  Tyus is now a teenager who is into desiging robots with Rolling Robots (I saw him compete earlier this year).  Natalie is 11 and will be starring as little Clara in the South Bay Ballet production of the Nutcracker (Uncle Larry is very proud).  And Teresa is 9, reads up a storm, loves animals, and is a little dancer herself with the Torrettes Drill Team.  I continue to make trips to LA at least three times a year, typically to celebrate each of their birthdays.

 

* It was a year of reunions.  In March, I attended the 40th celebration of Asian American Christian Fellowship.  Here I am pictured above with Dave, Arli, and Les, a chain of campus ministers at U.C. Berkeley.  I served with AACF at UCB for 4 years from 1988-1992.

* Then in September, I attended my 30 year high school reunion from Pinole Valley High School.  Go Spartans!  It's hard to believe how quickly time flies.  It was a good night seeing people I had not seen in literally 3 decades, like Laura, Lorie, and Janine.

 * In October I had an article published in the Franciscan bi-monthly magazine, The Way of St. Francis, on the Canticle quilts at San Damiano Retreat in Danville, created by Cindy Wesley.  The article was a side project for some research I conducted in 2012 on art and spirituality in raising ecological consciousness.  It was good to see the article in print and to share the back story on these beautiful quilts with people.  A link to the article is coming!

As 2013 wraps up, I know I am blessed.  God is very good and through my struggles this past year, I am thankful for my faith in Christ who continues to be my strength, my Savior, my friend.  During this season as we celebrate Jesus who was born an Earthling to show us God's love, may you find comfort in the God who is with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Lord.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS AND JOY-FILLED NEW YEAR!

The 12 Delights of Chocolate 2013

Chocolate continues to be a passion, with the search for good drinking chocolate and awesome chocolate desserts my ongoing habit.  Though my discoveries are not always vegan (chocolate is my vegan exception), when I do find excellent vegan chocolate creations, it makes the indulgence that much more perfect. 

Here are some of the highlights from my chocolate adventures from this past year.  (They are listed in no particular order.)  And throughout the new year, don't forget to check my chocolate blog for the latest chocolate discoveries.

(1) The European Drinking Chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate in the Mission District of San Francisco, with a chocolate caramel tart and complementary madeline cookie.  Opened in late 2012, Dandelion was one of my best chocolate finds this year.  Their European Drinking Chocolate is Italian-inspired, wonderfully thick and rich, made from 70% cacao Rio Caribe beans, and served in a unique egg shaped cup.  A vegan version is also available.  I could go on about this place, and I do in my review earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(2) My vegan chocolate chip loaf.  One of my vegan baking successes, which I've yet to blog about it and I need to!  I brought it to our family vacation in Monterey in June and they all loved it.  They probably wouldn't have even known it was vegan if I didn't tell them.

(3) The Sipping Chocolate at Back Yard Coffee Company in Redwood City.  Made from a pre-made packaged chocolate mix, warmed in a chocolate dispenser, it was sweeter than I prefer (which is disappointing), but it is served in an attractive espresso cup, is relatively inexpensive (under $3), and I enjoy the ambiance at Back Yard Coffee.  They also have parking.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(4) A scone and the Dark Chocolate Drinking Chocolate from Rue du The in Burlingame.  This had been my "go to" drinking chocolate spot but they made changes this year which limited their selections and impacted the quality of their drinking chocolates making them much sweeter than in the past.  Yet, it is still a great place in spite and it is one of the first places I discovered Italian-style drinking chocolate in the Bay Area.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(5) A dark chocolate cookie with sea salt and mocha with almond milk at Downtown Local.  This new coffee house in Pescadero opened in October 2013, and provides quality coffee, TCHO chocolate, and wonderful pastries with an eclectic, hipster ambiance.  A great place to spend an afternoon, and another reason to come visit me in the redwoods!  I discovered this little treasure last month and reviewed it on the blog.

(6) The double chocolate muffin from the Pescadero Country Store (just down the block from the new Downtown Local).  Baked fresh by Cindy, this muffin is my "go-to" when I need a chocolate cake fix on the road.  I love getting one in the morning when the muffin is still warm and the chocolate chips are melty.  It is light and not overly sweet.

(7) The chocolate croissant from the Pescadero Country Store.  While I adore their chocolate muffins, I love their chocolate croissants.  Unfortunately, they do not feature them all the time but when they do, I'll get one (along with a chocolate muffin to go).  These are one of my favorite chocolate croissants with a thick layer of deep dark chocolate on the bottom, enfolded in a light flakey pastry.  Check out my blog on chocolate croissants here.

(8) The Drinking Chocolate from Mokka in Berkeley.  65% cacao Madagascar Guittard chocolate melted with your choice of milk.  I made this one soy.  Frothy and foamy rather than creamy and decadent, but a nice balanced taste of sweet and bittersweet, with fruity undertones.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(9) My attempt at vegan chocolate chip scones.  I planned to blog about these but never got around to it.  I am slowly learning about baking vegan, and while these weren't perfect, they were pretty good.  Using lots of fair-trade, vegan chocolate chips helped.

(10) Vegan chocolate zucchini muffins from one of my baking adventures with my cousin Janeen.  Every few months, we spend a day, catching up and eating falafels for lunch, then chatting and baking vegan desserts.  While this recipe from Colleen Patrick Goudreau's The Joy of Vegan Baking was easy and delicious when baking with Janeen, my attempts at replicating it at home, however, have not been so successful.

(11) The Sipping Chocolate from Serendipity Chocolates in San Carlos.  With drinking chocolate being "my thing" and 5 different drinking chocolates on their menu, Serendipity has become one of my "go to" places when I am looking for a quiet afternoon of journaling, reading, or work.  Made with high quality chocolate, each of their drinking chocolates can be made vegan.  Check out my review from earlier this year during American Chocolate Week.

(12) Double chocolate cookie, chocolate macaroon, and hot chocolate from La Boulange in Burlingame.  Though the hot chocolate was a little light and weak, the desserts however were rich and decadent.  The macaroon was divine, and the cookie was fudgey, brownie-like, thick and gooey.  And I love that they serve their hot chocolate in a bowl which you pick up with both hands to sip.

For 2013, these are my 12 delights of chocolate.  If you have suggestions of places I need to visit in 2014, don't hesitate in contacting me and may be we can meet up, catch up, and check it out together. 

May your 2014 be blessed and full of all things chocolate!