Writing on the edge, sweet Henny pickles, and betting on yourself.
This week has been full of beautiful epiphany, inspiration, and a reminder that I'm right where I need to be.
Photo credit: Brianne Garrett
This week, I was reminded of how important it is to practice your craft with discipline and enthusiasm.
When I pulled up to Meadowood Napa Valley this past Sunday, a few thoughts were running through my mind.
The first, how gracious God was to have the sun greet me upon landing in Oakland. Living in Chicago, there are days, sometimes weeks, when we don’t get a glimpse of the sun. As I waited for my room, I soaked up the sun and listened to the birds chirp.
The second, wtf am EYE doing here?! For context, I had been invited by the illustrious 18th Annual Wine Writers Symposium as a speaker and workshop facilitator to share my experiences and words of wisdom with a cohort of 22 budding wine professionals. NGL – I was intimidated. I’ve only been writing professionally about wine since 2019 and IMHO, wasn’t yet qualified to speak to budding journalists about “writing at the edge”.
Thank goodness for grace.
Once the imposter syndrome took a much-needed timeout, the third thought became one of immense gratitude. I was the first to arrive at the welcome dinner (I can be punctual when I want!) and was immediately greeted with so much joy and excitement by people who had seen my name in black and white on screen for years but for the first time in real life.
As the 2024 fellows began to arrive, I started to recognize the faces of colleagues and mentors-in-my-head entering the room. Some of whom I had in person before, and others who I had shared conversations with via text, email, or social media. And, of course, those I was meeting for the very first time and didn’t have enough boldness to say, “Hi! My name is…” just yet.
The energy in the room was palatable, but there was no trace of ego or arrogance. My nerves settled as bottles of Napa Valley wines by various producers were passed from table to table (including the 1979 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon that tasted like silk, satin, and luscious leather at the same damn time - my GOODNESS!) The tone of the community was being established, and everyone was locked in and ready to learn from one another.
(L to R – myself, Elaine Chukan, Erica Duecy, and Andrew Jefford)
And THEN, journalist, author, and poet Andrew Jefford pulled up to the mic and delivered one of the most thoughtful keynote speeches I had heard in a LONG time. I wish I had recorded and taken notes on his remarks because they were truly superb! From the way he called out the wine industry to his anecdotes that carried notes of sorrow, life, and the importance of craft – everyone under the sound of his voice was locked in and ready to absorb the next few days with intention.
“What is an edge? The edge is not the mainstream.
It’s a place where something touches something else, rubs up against something else, collides with something else. It’s where water meets the bank. It’s where one continental plate shudders into another. It’s where a limestone cliff meets empty, windy air.
It’s a place of definition, but simultaneously a place of happening, of change. It must also be a place of mystery, where certain knowledge stops. For all these reasons, the edge means risk; being on the edge involves discomfort. It may help you soar up into the bright blue sky.
Or plunge down, into the void.”
- Andrew Jefford
I also had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion moderated by Erica Duecy with him and the incomparable Elaine Chukan Brown (!!!) the following day where we dove deeper into the symposium’s theme of “Writing at the Edge”.
Here are a few notes I jotted down during the symposium:
Make the most of your descriptive opportunities.
Embrace serendipity.
Dance with discomfort.
Write for the need of the publication but also, show them who you are. (What do I stand for? What are my values?)
and if I’m annoyed with something, that’s a point of opportunity to write about it.
On Tuesday, I also conducted a workshop with Meg Maker and John Gaiter on creative writing, which was just as awe-inspiring. This was an opportunity for fellows to get tips and pointers from speakers on how to enhance their writing.
All in all, this experience, for me, was a beautiful exchange of expertise, ideas, and love for the craft of writing. I can’t express how the battery in my back has been charged to the fullest.
While wine generally seems complicated with its many tasting notes, regions, and varietals, it’s quite simple and meant to accomplish one thing: to bring us together explore, and experience enjoyment.
With that, you will find that you are now able to become a paid subscriber to Bright + Balanced!
The weekly newsletters will continue, of course, but when you upgrade to paid, you’ll get a few more goodies from me every month. (Many thanks to Elaine for the encouragement, 🙏🏾)
I appreciate your continued support of my writing, and I can’t wait to share more of my insights and reflections with you all soon!
-CC
WINE NEWS YOU CAN USE
The kids on TikTok are making Kool-Aid and Henny-flavored pickles and TBH, I’m intrigued.
I would try this Love Is Blind wine, but Bartise is part of it–so it’s a no for me, dog.
After sipping Pinot Noir last night, I’m thankful I didn’t wake up with one of these.
If you live in Colorado or North Carolina, make sure to hit your local Target for Mom Juice starting March 17!
As a Capricorn, I can agree with this wine assignment.
So proud of you, boo! You belong in EVERY room you enter. 🙌🏾