In case you’ve never experienced it, allow me to share some personal experiences with you.

I am constantly searching for someway to reflect some feeling/thought/experience in my renderings. There are times when the “hook” appears out of thin air and in some very unusual circumstances. For example…

During a resting period in a local park, I heard some birds calling. At first, my mind was wondering elsewhere so I didn’t pay attention to the screeching. Then it became kind of annoying, and I searched the trees for the culprits. And, there they sat — two very nice looking Blue Jays. There movements and singing put me in the spirit to be more outside myself rather focusing on the inside of me. Believe me, there’s many more interesting things outside of me than inside of me. Hmmm … maybe you, too??

The other night I was scrolling through television channels seeking something interesting to watch, and a program featuring the Tuscany region of Italy appeared. Great! I like that region of Italy because of its awesome wines and history — both of which were presented during that program.

One of the segments was about the butteri — skilled horsewomen and men who traditionally herd cattle around the Tuscany landscape. That story got me in the spirit to sip another Tuscan wine, and the next day I found myself searching the wine aisles for a rich Tuscan wine. And by golly, there was a bottle with a person riding a horse herding a bull across a stream. The name of the wine is Sella Antica Rosso.

The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese — what’s not to like? My tasting spirit floated away on the tasty flavors of dark cherries buttressed with layers of spiciness and soft oak. Love it!

Recently, I attended a meeting that was, well, with all due respect, in need of structure. It bugged me that such a meeting — that should be so productive — was so unsatisfying and unproductive. I did some research on the meeting’s history, and was moved to get more involved. My spirit of presiding wouldn’t let me alone, and, very soon, I’ll be heavily involved. We’ll see where it takes me.

After that meeting experience, I needed something to rest my spirit, and soon discovered Salice Salentino Cantele. In case you didn’t notice, it’s another Italian wine. However, this one comes from Salento — the “heel” of Italy. It’s made from 100% Negroamaro grapes and it’s quite special.

Naturally, the red wine comes in a dark bottle, but I wasn’t expecting such a dark wine. And the taste blew me away. Yes, there’s definitely some bitterness, but such long lasting earthiness! Fabulous — it’s used in some blends to compliment lighter wines. It’s on my top 10 list, and I know it’ll always put me in the spirit to learn more about it. BTW, the entire label is in Italian — be ready for it!

I was talking with a friend, and we got on some wines from the “good old days.” After rambling on for a bit, the discussion went to Spanish wines and I mentioned it’s been awhile since a Verdejo passed my taste buds. I was moved to go on a wine search.

Soon a bottle of Naia Verdejo was before me. I am very happy my spirit was moved to revisit this old friend. It is produced by letting the liquid sit with the lees for over four months, and this gives us a very complex and interesting wine. It’s light but has a lot of heft to its flavors — think citrus. Gracias!

Wherever your spirit moves you — go with it. You’ll never know what goodness you’ll find, and surprises are always good for us, right?

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

Cheers!