Hang on! Here we go…

We all have good days and bad days, right? Let’s be honest, some days we’d rather forget about, and then there are those days when we want them back every day. So, let’s explore a few days on either side of that emotional equation.

Have you ever had a day that really upset you and it was reflected in every move you made that day? Aren’t they fun days? I’ve had them and they are usually bummer days — something went wrong at home, at work or at play. Someone said the wrong thing to you and you were really you know what, right? You frowned all day and then, the headache hit! Have you ever been there?

I have. Those bad days are tough on everyone — on you and those around you. However, have you ever let in the light?

Many writers of short stories, John Hemingway, and many writers of songs, Leonard Cohen, have reminded us that even in the dark, there’s a crack in everything and that’s how the light comes in. So, when your day is going downhill, look for that little bit of “light.” Maybe it’s nothing more than nodding to a stranger, smiling as you see a child, seeing the glorious cloud formations or listening to the sound of people enjoying themselves. Then, enjoy a glass of wine!

Have you ever tried a Bordeaux wine from France? Ever time I taste a French wine, I have two thoughts. One, it’s pretty darn good and, two, it tastes like other wines from other countries, too. That’s not meant to criticize the French and their terrific wines but we can find the light in wines that are made all around the world.

Therefore, I must give a shout out for Augey, a Bordeaux made of 75% Sauvignon Blanc grapes and 25% Semillion grapes. It has the nice mild acidity you want from the Sauvignon Blanc and the Semillion adds the nice citrus taste. It’s very good, refreshing and, if you’re seeking a bit of light today, try it.

Have you ever awakened smiling and don’t know why? It’s nice and the day always feel right. As you go through the day, you become the beacon of light to people and you don’t even know it! The day feels good and it’s like you’re able to do the things now, you couldn’t do on one of your lousy days.

I have those types of days and they feel good. Yes, crappy things happen that day but you always find a way to say: “It could have been worse!” Is that Minnesota nice??

If it is, then it’s time to break out the Altos Del Plata Malbec. After all, it came all the way from Mendoza in Argentina and it’s waiting to welcome you to its dark presence — we are getting close to that spooky time of the year called Halloween, you know. Enjoy the wine’s dark color and formidable and flavorful fruity tastes. It will buttress your beautiful smiling day and will smile with you.

Have you ever had a day that was, well, just there? I’ll call it a neutral day. You got through the day with no major issues — good or bad. The time just marched by, meals were eaten, jokes were told, you tried to give someone comfort — all those things life throws at us — and, like a skeleton at Halloween, you were cool all day. When those days occur, why not turn to Sicily?

There’s a Sicilian wine I came across recently called Nivuro from SantaTresa Vineyards. It’s a blend of 70% Nero D’Avola grapes and 30% Perricone grapes and it’s very tasty. You get the taste feel of the island of Sicily but there’s a depth of flavors that go well with the complexity of the wine. The finishing taste is a bit of spiciness — very good! It will remind that, even in the midst of a so-so day, one still has to be aware of any light, in any form. The Italians know what they are doing.

Have you ever had a day that was a mixture of good and bad? How did you balance that day? Did you even know you were balancing the good and the bad? Probably not … we tend to focus on whatever is passing through us at the moment and that’s why we should always take a few minutes at differing times to think about yourself and how you are feeling.

And, no, that’s not being self-centered. That’s being holistic and realizing your state of mind is important to you and everyone around you.

After all, you just might be that bit of light that shines through a crack in someone’s day.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!