THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE

During this current economic crisis which we have all been touched by in some way or the other, I have come to understand even more about the good things in life. About the important things, what really matters and fortunately I have been able to share these things with other people.

When I am in the city during the week I feel overwhelmed sometimes by “all there is to do” which of course is a part of life. It’s called responsibility. But my mind is immediately set at ease as I drive my truck east from the coast and away from the city turmoil. I glance in my rearview mirror and see all the buildings being left behind. I punch the accelerator nearly to the floor eager to leave the “cement world” and I am delighted to see the rolling green hills of the wine country come in to view and the mom and pop café’s and restaurants along the highway. I also know where they make the best apple pie!

The curvy mountain road begins. The oak trees, sycamores and quiet ravines come into view nestled alongside the highway while the gigantic mountains surround the narrow winding road. It’s not long until my truck’s wheels finally hit the dirt road and I can feel myself relax. The first thing I see are miles of mountains and wide open spaces. A herd of sheep stand grazing in the fields nearby. My car races along the road, I know every bump and ditch to avoid, although sometimes I miss. No matter, my trusty truck surges ahead!

It’s not long before I finally slow down because I know longer feel the shadow of “pressure” at my back. With only one more mile to go, I drive up that last hill and on my right I see our horses peacefully grazing on the hillside. I push on, my car bumping and jolting all the way. Finally I reach our valley and my blood pressure goes from “too high” to calm and smooth. What I see below is our own patch of heaven. I have to drive very slow going down but that’s okay because I take in the same view every time, and each time it’s just like the first.

The sage is in full bloom, thanks to the rain, the plants are green, the hillsides and oak groves too. I see the rooftops of the cabins and buildings. A horse playfully charges across the corrals. My horse in fact, he must be feeling good today. Water is running in the river and at night the sound of the running water lulls me to sleep. I think to myself, how lucky we are to have such a beautiful place. And I also think, the greatest gift we can give back is sharing this beautiful place with other people. I believe for the gifts we receive in life, we must always give something back. And that’s what we do. La Bellota is a place find yourself again , right out in the middle of nowhere, and remember what is important to you. Sometimes it’s easy to forget when we get so caught up with other things. I feel very fortunate to have such a place and I feel very fortunate to be able to share it with others. It is so much work, that I will not deny but it’s all worth while, all of it, to see the smiles, to have made friends and meet knew ones over the years and to see people let down their walls and remember about the good things in life.

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