So…as I began to write for this week, I thought “I’m happy! Now what will I write about, and will people still read?”.
You know, I remember when Mary J. Blige (one of my favorite artists) was in a “happy” place after singing “All I really want is to be happy and to find a love that’s mine…it would be so sweet.” on her My Life album. Fans gave her the blues on her next few albums…didn’t like the songs because they didn’t live in pain. Folks waited with bated breath that she’d be sad again so that we could get more of that My Life sound. Truth be told, while I loved the My Life album, I loved Share My World (and her future work) even more.
“A pivot is a change in strategy without a change in vision” - Eric Ries
Last week, I talked about pivoting my vision for this blog. Sometimes living in the raw honesty of the things that hurt you can pull in people who are going through the same thing. But when you’re no longer going through that pain, will they still find interest in your journey? As I began to question and doubt myself, God stepped in and reminded me of the path that He’s set forth for me.
I had purchased a ticket to a wine tasting that was to start at 7:30 p.m. on a workday. After waking at 5:45 a.m., and a super busy day at work, I just wasn’t sure I was going to make it. #NewOldBae reminded me of why I started Wine & Gossip in the first place and got me out the door.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
I got down to Atlantic Station, parked no where near the venue and had to walk in new shoes that weren’t being very “walk” friendly. Finally, I found the venue and walked in looking a sweaty mess from the Atlanta humidity to one of the friendliest faces ever: Nicole Anderson, creator of HER Wines. She had a big, gorgeous smile (and personality to match) that welcomed me into this beautiful venue, A Queen’s Tea Party. It was whimsical in all the right ways. The beautiful setting, paired with Nicole’s welcoming disposition, set the tone for the rest of the evening.
The way Nicole conducts her tastings is a little different…it’s more conversational and interactive with her attendees. This was a welcomed change since, as we all know, I like to talk! What I realized when she started introducing some of her team and partners in the room is that I was in the company of some bad-assness! There were some women in the room doing the damn thing!! I
was really inspired by one attendee who was starting her own line of Brandy and co-mingling it with Charcuterie…what a different, but mouth-watering combination.
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” - Kobe Bryant
As Nicole asked questions of the attendees about our wine choices, this blog was brought into the conversation. I mentioned to the ladies about my conundrum of trying to pivot the blog to be more of what my life represents today. When I tell you these ladies filled my cup until it runneth over! I felt a such a sense of liberation and gratification that God had sent the answer to my prayers through these magical women (Black Girl Magic in all its glory!!).
“I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health.” - Voltaire
While I contemplated what this post would sound like (with no motivation to write), I came home from the tasting inspired and ready to put pen to paper. I’m so relieved to know that I’m going in the right direction of sharing what’s on my heart. It won’t always be about love or love lost, but more about what’s keeping the peace in my life…and we all need that. So, I’m coming out of my comfort zone and hoping that you continue to enjoy the ride with me.
Thanks for listening…until next time!
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