It Begins Anew

Spring is here. A new season for growth is finally underway.

It's Not Easy Being Green - But It Can Be

Right about now we all could use a little green, but today is not the day for worries. Instead, wear a little green. Drink something green. Celebrate because you can. Rather than being green, live happily and you'll discover that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

It's Eco Nomics - Dude

If you're an American and you love wine, you must know it was California that helped make it all possible. Like it or not, before 1976 wine was not on the consumption map in the United States. Before that, good wine in the US was an underground delight known only by the few who sought it out. Now, wine making grapes are so readily available that California often experiences a grape glut. An unthinkable thought before that fateful day back in 76.

With the current struggles of the World's economy new pervious unthinkable ideas are starting to surface. California's own personal mess has this trend setting state contemplating a radical idea. Will this be the dawn of a new green economy?

We've heard it before, it is time for change. The problem is when are we going to listen. Perhaps we all need to take time to relax and alter our thinking.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Alone in the woods, I slowly made my way back to the car. The sun was just setting as the parking lot came into view, the serenity of my hike would soon be over. Rather than returning to society I decided to linger. Finding a perch on a fallen log, my new vantage allowed me to take in the many colors of the retreating sun. Believed I'd be taking in a few more moments of peace, I pulled a "water" bottle from my pack. it still contained a few swallows of wine. A choice Merlot, a winter sunset, and a chance for quiet reflection, I can't think a better way to end a day. Little did I know the events of this day in 1876 would shatter my hopes for a quite moment with the setting sun.

Back on March 10th, 1876, Thomas A. Watson heard the words that would forever alter human communication. A machine conveyed the audible thoughts of another person in a different part of the world. In that case the other room. The magnitude to the moment may have been lost over the years, especially now that we can easily share our most trivial thoughts with people on the other side of the world. But how different life once was, when it took human contact to pass along our intimate thoughts. Now we've grown accustom to the roll of machines in relaying our messages.

As I sat, believing to be alone, on that log with wine in hand I heard a muffed beep. Pulling my blackberry from my pocket I read the thoughts of a newly delivered text. " -- come here -- I want to see you." Apparently Mr. Watson was not to be the only one summed on this day.

I left my thoughts behind with the sunset and return to the car. Thanks to my phone the stress of society was back.

Buzz Killed - Have a Glass of Prosperity

When sudden prosperity slips away in the ether of just a prank, perhaps their is nothing better to wash away the pain then an affordably drinkable bottle of wine. Cheers to Prosperity...


Still, $500,000 would have been nice.

Take'n Her Easy For All the Sinners

I needed to roll. Back in the states and still jobless, a distraction was in order. Over a few glasses of wine, I convinced some friends that time at the bowling alley knocking pins around would help take the edge off the day. Strikes and gutters, life gives you both. The key is to just keep rolling and eventually something comes along that will make you smile.

Bowling has a way of cheering up the soul, but on this day it was the encounter we made that gave us that day's smile. There, practicing in the lane next to us was a guy preparing to bowling for a higher purpose, kids; in the hope of inspiring success and encouraging dreams. We all could use a little of that nowadays, so we gave him a few pointers and donated to his "Little Urban Achievers". I hope you do the same,... I'm sure the dude would.

It's Tuesday and I'm Fat

A week of sins can really take a toll on the body. No wonder Catholics give something up for lent, it is the only way to recover after a week of Mardi Gras celebrations. Red meat, alcohol, swearing, all list topers of things to give up for lent, and for good reason. When I sober up in the morning I'm guess abstaining from one, if not all of those may sound like a good idea... Of course a little red wine in moderation (aka - the blood of Christ) is not a bad idea. Even lent should be handled in moderation.

Welcome to the Baja

Cold beer in a hot shower, I taste of salt. Sometimes wine isn’t the right beverage for the occasion. After a day of chasing dolphins, swimming with sea lions and watching a grey whale partake in dinner, I’m back at home relaxing. Now clean, I can enjoy a feast of my own. Beneath a starlight night a plate of nachos and a few margaritas will do. It’s a perfect end to an almost perfect day. I feel happy.

Take Me Away - Bring Me Wine

Finally aboard my flight, the last leg of travel is underway. Vacation will soon begin. The beverage cart arrives at my seat and the inevitable question is posed, “Anything to drink?” Before it becomes clear to my head, it is obvious to my mouth. I hear myself say, “A glass of wine would be nice.”

A plastic cup embossed with the word “Horizon” is placed before me. The white wine within emits floral notes with a hint of honeysuckle. Breathing in the wine’s bouquet, I feel the tenseness in my shoulders relax. It is only mid February but already the New Year seems long. This vacation marks a rebirth for me.

I toast myself with a glass of unknown wine.

Lost in Transition

During the brief break between announcements I have a moment to think. However my focus is soon broken by the next broadcast, perhaps this news pertains to me.

Stuck between flights, time drags on with anxious anticipation. People moving in all directions, everyone has somewhere to go. Each of us wondering are we on time, is it delayed, am I in the right spot, do I have what I need, how long until I get there, when can begin to relax.

The promise of vacations feels so distant while trapped in the airport terminal. No one here is at ease. Instinctively the most nervous among us migrate to the bar in hopes of finding normalcy and escape from the masses. To me it feels like reaching for a crunch, a way to dull the senses. Still, I like the other I now share space with have come to the bar for a drink.

Here, in one of the distant outposts of LAX, my beverage choices are limited. I stare at the wine selection hoping that I’ve overlooked a gem, praying a suitable wine will soon reveal itself; no luck.

Rather than succumbing to disappointing juice I resign to lap the terminal once more. As I set out I’m greeted by another PA announcement, "Horizon flight 2603 has been delayed". It’s going to be a long walk about the terminal.

Stimulus Package

After another long fruitless day of searching for a job, I like many Americans sought relief. A knock at the door jarred me from the web and pulled me back to reality. Stepping away from my computer I went to answer the door. An old friend had come to visit and to make sure I still found joy in life. We sat down for a nice long talk...

I realized that through all the tough times and disappointment I can count on the joy of good friends. Life can feel hard but as long as we have friends it is worth pushing onward. As my pal departed he left behind a few choice bottles of wine. "I hope they help to inspire you in the future." he said as he turned to leave. Looking over the package of bottles I knew this delicious assortment of juice would fit the bill when the time was right.

Good Friends, good friends,...what more is their to say but THANKS.

Super Beating

Woe ho here it comes... In a couple more hours it will no longer be a surprise.

New Appreciation of Pink

Under the strain of tremendous change I've abstained form drink to dull my pain. Recently a wise friend convinced me it was time to relax my worries and dull my wanting mind. Initially I was hesitant to partake, especially when a bottle of "Pink" colored sparkling Italian Rosa was placed before me. But eventually every heavy heart needs a little love, so I was seduced to undress the bottle and drink in the beauty within...

Rosa Regale for me unleashed more than just stream of small bubbles bursting into aromatic hints of rose petals leading to a fruity floral flavor. Like a psychedelic drug it expanded my thinking and reopened my heart. Suddenly, from the back of my mind poured out the soft sounds of a new mantra,
na-na-na-na na-na na na-na-na-na na-na
na-na-na-na na-na na na-na-na-na na-na

The wine allowed me to look pass my personal guilt to see my pain..."I gave you life, I gave my all, You weren't there, you let me fall.."

I still except the effects of my misguided actions leading to this woeful change but the experience with Rosa Regale remained me that in every relationship two are to blame. And now removed for the intoxicant the sobering truth still lingers..."I've got a brand new attitude, And I'm gonna wear it tonight"

na-na-na-na na-na na na-na-na-na na-na
na-na-na-na na-na na na-na-na-na na-na

Change and the Unknown

The world is different today. Full of promise, full of hope, full of anticipation for a new future. I however find my mood tempered. What should be a joyous day is a somber moment. The lose of one's personal future can cloud the hope one has for the planet.

I known not where we are heading as a nation. I do know it will be a tough road. Eventually though we will weather the storm and the good times will return. That I know to be true.

I know not where I am heading. I have greater fear in this journey. I mourn the lose of my past that held all the hope of my future. But eventually I too will weather the storm and the good times will return. I know I must believe that to be true.

Another Year Over

...A new one just begun. Like a tidal wave 2009 rushed in suddenly wiping out all signs of 2008. Indiscriminately it has cleansed me of all the baggage of the previous year, stripping me clean. Everything is gone, everything. I'm am vulnerable to the newness of it all and longing for the good things that were sacrificed with the bad. I hurt.

Have a drink without me, but please enjoy.

Doesn't Feel Like a Champagne Day

Although it should be an exciting champagne moment the images struck me differently,...Shades of 9/11.

Souless Sinner and Chief

In the wake of all the death and destruction left behind by "W", I'd hate to see what things would have looked like had he sold his soul. That is assuming he has one.

Shoes Are Not Enough - Give Bush the Boot

As I watched the infamous shoe incident once again, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. Pausing to pour a glass of wine I was suddenly struck by the symbolism of the moment. Perhaps it was the rich bright crimson ruby of the wine that brought the tragedy of the moment into focus. Or maybe the complex layered nose of ripe black cherry, overlaid with dark chocolate and violets that sparked my thinking. But it could have been simply the wine's label that made the shoes incident so clear. Trevor Jones Boots Grenache.

Unlike other commentators that contrast this shoe throw spectacle with toppling of the Saddam statue. For me, this moment awakens memories of the traveling boots memorial that visually brings to life the lives lost in this needless war.

It is bad enough to see all the boots let behind by the brave soldiers who lost their life because the Bush administration lied us into war. But an equally shocking part of the display is the piles of shoes that represent the now millions of Iraq's that have died since the invasion.

For now W was able to avoid a pair of shoes but I pray the souls of the many lives he has effected will continue to haunt him.

Happy Repeal Day

Thankfully no more prohibition. Need I say more.

Say it Ain't so - No More MOJO

A guess I should have seen it coming. Had I spend more time with my favorite channel on the web rather than watching it on my HD TV I would have know this day was coming. But since I was unaware of the looming doom, I was surprised to discover that today the MOJO channel was been cancelled.

For me MOJO had become a mind numbing desert, enjoyed after dinner with a nice glass of wine. With the stress of the work day now behind me, I would relax with TV pals like Zane Lamprey. Together we'd learn how best to catch a buzz all over the world. As I wine greek, I have been looking forward making a new friend in Billy Merritt on UnCorked. But that is all on hold for now.

Instead I stare at a simple text message on a black screen. Wine in hand and sadness in my heart. I've lost my MOJO.
Let's have a drink.