Passion
May 23, 2009
PASSION
It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts.
Adlai Stevenson, US statesman and diplomat
Passion is what happens when we stop, quiet ourselves and listen to the voice in our soul. Unfortunately, however, we spend our time running from one thing to the next, swayed and influenced by what we think we need to be, have to do, must accomplish, have to acquire. And the irony is, after all that exhaustive work and attention, we often are left feeling unaccomplished, unfulfilled and lacking.
Many of us are now finding ourselves, either because of age, job layoffs, or some quantum awakening, looking to make the change from who we have been portraying to being our authentic selves.
Estelle Rees Arroyo is one of those people. Except she is not 45 or 50 or 55 years of age. She is 92 years old and she has just graduated with a BA in History from Sacramento State University. Her late husband used to tell her that she never finished anything she ever started. Then how in the world did she finish this, especially at her current age? What pushed her to drive 130 miles round trip every week for the past two years, calling a Motel 6 home while on campus? Why would anyone put themselves in such a conceivably awkward situation of being so out of place? What could push someone so far out of their comfort zone of identity and safety? The only answer I have is – passion. That which we do to express who we really are, and to identify the best version of ourselves.
To all of you who are taking the very brave leap of following your passion, do so with intention and a plan to succeed. Yes, even passion needs a plan. I salute you and send you my most genuine wishes for your success and fulfillment. And I look forward to hearing your stories. Congratulations to Estelle on her graduation and her passion!
I’ll drink to that!
On a visit to Sacramento last year at this time, my two girlfriends and I spent two fabulous days touring the wineries of the Sierra Foothills. My favorite find were the wines of Holly’s Hill. Not only is their focus entirely on producing Rhone varietal wines, my personal favorite, but this is a true family run winery. This beautiful wine estate is owned by Tom and Holly Cooper, and their daughter Carrie and son-in-law Josh Bendick make up the creative force behind the winemaking. These folks are truly passionate about their rhones. Their estate vineyards are composed of Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Counoise. Along with their varietal wines, they also produce both red and white blends. Both delicious! The Patriarche blend is the first wine put together each year getting only the best lots of estate fruit.
Holly’s Hill -
2006 El Dorado Patriarche - $30.00
(42% Mourvedre, 40% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 7% Counoise)
Deep aromas of boysenberries and cherries are highlighted with lavender and herbs like sage, oregano and pepper. The mouthfeel is broad with medium tannins and a long finish. Yum!
Date: May 23, 2009