I’m not a Chardonnay fan, but I’m excited about this tasting because a fellow Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Noir lover helped me select a budget-friendly Chardonnay I might like, and from a winery that impressed me recently with their Reserve Syrah.

Tomorrow, I’ll be tasting Columbia Crest’s Two Vines Chardonnay 2007, most likely paired with pasta and a mushroom cream sauce. That’s a pretty standard pairing for Chardonnay, but I also love pairing mushrooms and white wine, so I hope it gives the Chardonnay a chance!

The Winemaker’s Tasting Notes sure sound promising:

“This Chardonnay offers fruit-forward apple aromas with hints of spice and honey. Rich flavors reminiscent of apple pie and cinnamon end with a pleasant note of toasted marshmallow. Vibrant Washington fruit characters, with fresh acidity marry beautifully with toasty oak nuances.”

– Ray Einberger, Winemaker

What are you tasting and how are you pairing? Do you have a favorite Chardonnay? What other wines do you love?

Leave a comment and please do say hi on twitter during the tasting!

Photo and tasting notes courtesy of Columbia Crest. Read more about how this wine was made.

Would-you-like-a-cup-of-tea?

Obviously, over here we’d have a cup of tea… the answer to everything!

Wise words from a friend in England last week while I had to wait. For huge design files to transfer. For software to run. For technology to work its magic, while not knowing whether or not the solution would work.

I wanted to use the waiting time productively and I was growing impatient.

So, I took his advice. I waited out the 40 minutes of file transferring and software processing away from the computer. I brewed a pot of tea, cleaned the kitchen, and listened to Eat Pray Love on audiobook.

And guess what? He was right. I was more calm and focused. I’d still been productive, too, but in a much needed physically active, get-away-from-the-computer way. In a fill-my-mind-with-something-inspirational way.

Take a break. Have a cup of tea. Embrace the waiting time, the uncertainty, as a moment to recharge, so that you’re clear and ready when the next task arises.

That advice is still making me smile days later, popping into my head while I wait for decisions and files so I can finish another design. The kitchen and laundry are clean.

Geeky footnote: The latest episode of Dr Who (just days after this advice) has a bit about tea, so read the photo caption like a Dalek!

As Adria mentioned, I am looking to play a greater role in the conversations and strategy surrounding your brand and to get involved with what people are saying about your products and services. Particularly in the wine and food industry.

3 roles I am eager to play in your next project:

1. Conversationalist (What are people saying about your brand online? How can you engage in the conversation?)
2. Conference Evangelist (How do you connect at conferences and trade shows? Who’s out there talking about you?)
3. Design and Content Strategist (What are your words and visuals actually saying about you? What do you want them to say?)

I am detail-oriented, LOVE people, and love sharing everything I discover about wine and food! Currently on the East Coast (US), I can work with you anywhere (gotta love technology!) and am open to relocation and new adventures.

Who do you know? How can I help?!?

Last month, I was particularly moved by an episode of Glee featuring the immensely talented Chris Colfer and Lea Michele in a duet of Defying Gravity (from Wicked). The song’s soaring determination resonates deeply on my journey of transformation.

Incidentally, if you haven’t watched Glee, yes, it is definitely the best show you’re not watching. Huge congratulations on your Screen Actor’s Guild Award tonight, Glee! So well deserved!

Defying Gravity

Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules
Of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes: and leap!

It’s time to try
Defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I am defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!

I’m through accepting limits
’cause someone says they’re so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I’ll never know!
Too long I’ve been afraid of
Losing love I guess I’ve lost
Well, if that’s love
It comes at much too high a cost!

I’d sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I’m defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!

I’d sooner buy
Defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye
I’m defying gravity
I think I’ll try
Defying gravity
And you won’t bring me down!
bring me down!
ohh ohhh ohhhh!

Have you chosen your 2010 ThemeWord?

In 2009, I began with the ThemeWord FLOURISH. Throughout the year, I met amazing people, completed important projects, and grew tremendously, but it was also the toughest year to date in every aspect of my life. While I kept my sights on flourishing, a more appropriate ThemeWord might have been SURVIVE because, miraculously, I did.

Like so many other people, I am excited and relieved to see a glimmer of hope for the new year. My 2010 ThemeWord is TRANSFORM. In these last few days of 2009, I am preparing by tying up loose ends, setting goals, decluttering my computer, seeking advice, and exploring new tools.

How about YOU?

1. What are your goals? Your ThemeWord?
2. How will you check in, stay on track, and measure progress?
3. What strategies and methods do you use to get things done? How have you developed – and stayed with – a system of follow through that you trust?
4. What tools do you use to manage information overload, keep resources organized (especially links and digital files!), follow through, connect with people, and interact more efficiently with your world?
5. Are you still searching for tools and techniques? What has – or hasn’t – worked for you and why?

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and suggestions!

Hilarious and super design geeky! Happy Friday!

The search was invigorating and exhausting. I met amazing people, joined new communities, and enjoyed the adventure. But, the process was physically demanding and emotionally draining, so it was also a relief to reach the end.

I’m continuing to downsize and reorganize my space, but now I am channeling all of that search energy into connecting with new clients, creating awesome web and print design work, and pursuing my passions in food and wine.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to stop and change direction, instead of feverishly pushing forward on something that is no longer taking us toward our goals. Sure, I’ve made some compromises in this choice, but I know on a gut level that this was the right decision at this time.

I later discovered that this advice can also be found in The Dip by Seth Godin, whom I had the pleasure of meeting with Hugh McLeod at the Purple Cow print party on the very day I ended my search. The event was wonderfully intimate and inspiring, particularly on a day of moving forward in a new direction. (Thank you, Hugh and Seth!)