In 2015-16, there seemed a real chance that my spinal issues would cost me my career in music. My mind raced, trying to imagine a skill I was already in possession of that could become a new full-time profession. The only thing even close was writing: perhaps the only vocation less likely to net a robust living than that of musician. As has been the case several times in my life, just when I needed a gust of inspiration, one arrived. I was morosely scrolling through Instagram, an ad for the UC Davis certificate in viticulture and enology popped up, and I knew this was my plan. Funnily enough, I was offered a position at a prestigious DC school right as I had decided to grieve my life as a cellist and commit fully to learning about wine and winemaking. Always the way, isn’t it?

As time went on, it became clear that what I am able to do with my body in its current configuration is actually in line with what I desire the most: to live a life that is not forced to choose music or winemaking; writing or performance. I will do music and winemaking. Write words and create compositions. Anyone who thinks this as the dilettante’s dream is just showing how small and closed off their world is. I keep coming back to a quote that was attributed to Fellini in Under the Tuscan Sun:

You have to live spherically – in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – and things will come your way.

Federico Fellini

Who would voluntarily choose only one area of interest or expertise when multitudes are available? Certainly not me.

So, as part of the relaunch of this website, you can expect all kinds of non-cello content, which you are free to ignore or enjoy. Rot or Not will be a series dedicated to affordable wines—it’s easy to find a great bottle at $40. $14 is trickier, but that’s the range most folks live in unless we’re shopping for a special occasion wine.

If this is of interest to you, just click on the category “rot or not” and all the posts detailing my adventures in inexpensive wine will pop up.

Cheers!

PS if you haven’t seen Under the Tuscan Sun, it’s time. 🌞