When one door closes

somewhere a window opens

photo courtesy of Lalo Sanchez

As most of you know who have been reading my blog for some time, I published my first book, Lessons of a Wayward Yogini, in October of last year. Since then, it has been my goal to promote the book. Not having any prior experience as an author, and being a self-published author at that, has made this journey akin to navigating the Himalayas without a sherpa. It's a bit of a challenge. 

I've done my homework and taken advice from anyone willing to offer guidance. And I've given myself permission to be a novice, learning as I go. No crime in not knowing what you don't know.

I've enjoyed the last nine months and had some fantastic experiences. But there have also been quite a few opportunities that did not pan out, for one reason and another. A week before my book presentation at For Goodness Sake in Truckee, California, the director contacted me with the unexpected news that the beloved center would be closing at the end of the month. She offered to move forward with my presentation, admitting that she might be scattered. I declined her generous offer, thanking her for her efforts to date. 

In the next few days, I contemplated the number of opportunities that had fallen short. And it would have been easy to succumb to negative thoughts, which always seem to be lurking in the shadows in wait of a vulnerable moment. 

Instead, I asked myself, what might the universe be trying to tell me? And no surprise, the directives have been arriving ever since, and they have been exciting.

Switching my platform to Substack was the initial significant change, which I'm delighted with. Not only is the site one of the easiest I've ever used, but I'm also not paying a monthly fee to use it. And I've already, in two+ weeks, received paid subscriptions. I couldn't have dreamed of that even three months ago. 

I've been reminded once again of the truth behind the saying that when a door closes, somewhere, a window opens. To finish telling this story, I must venture back to when the idea of becoming an author was only a dream.

~~~

Although we've been living in Cool for seven years, it wasn't until last year that I truly began to put down the kind of roots that have the potential to keep me planted firmly in the ground. The first few years were filled with commuting to work in the Bay Area, taking care of my mom and helping her move from this world into the next, and then putting my pieces back together in the aftermath—oh, and yes, that little thing called Covid. 

In 2021 I finally began to move outside of my comfort zone. I made friends with Janet and Laurin, who I spoke of in my last post. I joined a writer's group filled with diversely different and quite exciting members. I recently began playing Mah Jongg with a group of women who live locally, all of whom are a delight to spend an afternoon with, laughing and commiserating about the game.

And somewhere in the last year or so, I had the good fortune of meeting a lovely lady named Mickey Borello, whose family has owned and operated a winery in our little town of Cool since July 2010. When I first met Mickey, I was struck by her humble nature and gracious hospitality. By word of mouth, I learned that Mickey and her husband Steve had decided to open a small tasting room in the Cool downtown area. Not long after they signed the lease, Steve unexpectedly passed away. 

Family and friends urged Mickey to continue with the Rosa-Lucca Estates tasting room plans, and luckily for the folks of Cool, the group came together to make that dream a reality. As Mickey explains, it was a labor of love getting the job done.

The tasting room opened on May 28th, 2021. I can only imagine the mixed emotions they must have felt, pride and excitement for what they had accomplished, coupled with tremendous grief missing Steve. 

But the family and friends saw to it that Steve would have a place in the tasting room; a photograph of him and his grandchildren amidst the grapes hangs prominently just across from the beautiful wood countertop that Mickey's son finished and installed. Steve's best friend Tim has become an essential partner to Mickey in running the tasting room, along with many other family members and friends. 

There is nothing but love running through this tiny establishment. And it's likely the reason that after only a year plus a few months, the tasting room has become a gathering place for the townspeople of Cool and neighboring communities.  

There's only seating for about 14 people inside; additional seating is offered outside on the sidewalk that wraps around the building and also in the parking area. In the winter months, it's bitter cold, and in the summer months hot as… too hot. There's one view of a gorgeous oak and sunsets if you are lucky enough to be facing west on the south side of the building (that took some effort to figure the directions), but otherwise, you are looking out over a parking lot. And yet, people make their way to the tasting room time and again because regardless of the temperature outside or the view from your table, it feels good to be there.

It was built with the love and dedication of some wonderful people. It has a spirit that Mickey fosters with her commitment and kind heart. And her sidekick, Tim, couldn't be a better partner or host to all who enter their doors. 

Since opening, they have offered some great events: a Christmas caroling evening, a Kentucky Derby top hat celebration, Blood Moon Watch Night, Cool Arts Wine Walks, and no end of music events. There is always something fun happening.

Last week Mickey emailed me. She had an idea. Could I come by for a glass of wine? Well, okay, if I have to, I'll force myself to stop in on Friday afternoon for a glass of that delicious Rosa-Lucca red blend. 

Rick and I dropped in close to 3. And after some catch-up, Mickey shared her idea— what about an evening at the tasting room next fall promoting my book, with food and wine and a reading? It would be by reservation only, and the ticket prices would include a copy of my book. 

I listened in disbelief, and kept nodding my head in the affirmative; and as we continued to talk, I managed to plant my feet back on the ground.

Yes, I loved the idea. Yes, October would work for me. Yes… Yes… Yes, to all of it. I'm still smiling as I write this days later.

Thank you for being you, Mickey. It's no wonder the Rosa-Lucca wine tasting room has brought the people in this area together. There’s no doubt that Steve and your parents are smiling down, thinking, "that's our girl.”

I’ll be looking forward to the breeze headed through these newly opened windows!