Discovery is the trailhead to a new path in life.

I realize that sentence doesn’t carry any new wisdom for us humans, but we should always follow it. Since the period when humans evolved and began to inhabit the earth, they/we have always been discovering something. No matter what field of life you are in, one is continuously discovering.

For example, there are some of us who can remember what life was like before the Salk vaccine stopped the horrible disease of polio. That medical discovery saved an untold number of lives, and reduced the pain and anxiety for everyone. Vaccinations are a public safety matter and a private respite from pain and suffering.

Another discovery is revealed in learning about one’s local history. I went on a local history center’s sponsored tour focused on an underground flowing creek. Most of the time we don’t think about what we are walking on as we stroll through the day. However, under our feet in this city flows a creek that has shaped the city as we know it today.

The story of the creek and how it influenced the development of the municipality is one of discovery. How do you tame a creek that can flood the area, threaten lives and destroy existing structures? If this grabs your attention, seek the history of Jordan Creek. It’s awesome!

My interest in wine began decades ago. The beverage interested me, and I began a trip down discovery lane to learn more about it. When I thought there was nothing more to learn, another door opened and I was thrust along another page in my book of wine education.

I verbally walked through the world of wine via multiple wine courses. I conversed with vintners, and walked through many gorgeous vineyards. There are so many facets of wine, and I began to realize that although I had tasted many wines, there was a whole lot more to learn and experience. Slowly, I began to realize that I had favorite wines — not all wines are enjoyed by everyone.

An example of a favorite wine of mine would be Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon. This California red has noticeable blackberry and currant flavors, but is unbelievably soft at the finish. I will continue to do research on this wine — totally in the interest of research, of course. Someone has to do the discovering, right?

Another way for us to discover is to take new classes on whatever interests us. I expect all of us have taken a number of classes — some in public schools and some in college or adult education courses. It’s by taking these courses that we slowly, hopefully, find a new path in our life.

Isn’t it interesting to interact with a new person? Up until that moment, that person is just another human. Suddenly we discover they are like us in many ways. If they have different thoughts or opinions than ours, so be it. We can learn from each other by having a civil discourse. After all, discovery is about gaining knowledge to help everyone.

Very soon now I will walk an unknown local path in a conservation area. Yes, much of what I will encounter will be known to me, but there’s always surprise in the search. I’ll watch for the unknown flower, plant or tree as I listen for the new call of a bird. Nature can be such a marvelous instructor.

Do you remember when you were learning how to pronounce words? Thankfully, phonetics helped me! Without the dedication of my teachers, who know how I would pronounce the words — taphephobia or vicissitude?

Let us never stop discovering. It’s not just the trail head to the world, it’s the trail to a vital and an interesting life.

May you always discover.

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

Cheers!