The Moments

“The Happy, The Proud and The Fear”

These are hard times for the world…. During these moments we are living behind closed doors  in fear of what the future may hold, happy that we are healthy, and proud of the men and women that continue to put themselves in face of medical danger to assist those in need.

A walk through the "market" has never had such a meaningful impact on most. The Smell of fresh baked breads, the noises of people speaking to each other while taking suggestions on what fish was the freshest.....These moments have never been thought of as luxuries until now. 

I have just been blessed to have had the opportunity to be exposed to our new form of “normality”.

Currently living in Spain, we have been locked down and held to heavy restrictions for the past few months. The first phase has just been implemented here in Granada and although dramatically different to what we know as normal, I am extremely thankful.

I am thankful mostly to feel as though walking around isn’t against the law. I am thankful that when I say good morning to a passer-by, they acknowledge the gesture and return the thankful and kind phrase back, wishing me a wonderful day.

After-all, the playful and free spirit of the Andalusia is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to move to Spain in the first place.

 I have thought about all of the beautiful moments that I have had in my life and constantly remind myself that they have never existed without some sort of fear.

This (our current world circumstance) like many other occurrences in my life will make me stronger.

Reflecting has kept me positive and strong! Let me reflect with you….

Time spent in Napa valley was a large portion of my growth, professionally and personally.

I had the chance to form many strong friendships, experience an incredible romantic relationship and most importantly have people that I can now call my extended family.

Looking back…. It was the first time for a lot of things in my life.

First time away from home.

First time in a role of leadership and management of that caliber for my age

First time being financially responsible for myself

First time buying a house

………

There were lots of challenges and learning opportunities. All of the experiences allowed me to go through things that have led me onto my current path.

Napa Valley is still and will always be a large piece of my life…….

It is ironic that when I was 19 years old I visited the French Laundry in Yountville and told my Girl Friend at the time that I would live there and that Napa Valley would be an important piece of my future.

Now that Napa Valley is in my past, I am willing to admit that it will one day be a big part of my future again. Not sure how, not sure when… But I feel it in my bones.

“The present day will only prepare you for the near future”

Leaving Napa Valley was difficult. After all of my challenges, fearful moments and successes, it was time to begin a new chapter. I didn’t know then but I would be faced with plenty of challenges along the way. With an open heart and the spirit of positivity, I said goodbye to….

My house (and everything in it)

My car

My family

Friends

“Land”….LOL

I began a journey through the world. I have managed a project as it relates to a partnership between Chef Thomas Keller and Seabourn, a Luxury cruise line.

Since then….

The world has been my oyster. I have always felt that the missing link in my professional career has been the exposure to world-wide culture and cuisine. I am extremely blessed that the multi-cultural relationships that I have built in the last four years have had a vast amount of impact on my culinary thought process.

The blessing of travel has opened my eyes to how small the world really is. How we are all united by the need to be nourished. How we all breathe and smell the same air.

 “The Future is near, although scary and uncertain. The Past has been full of experiences and tests. These tests have allowed us to rise and fall to levels of the game that we call life.

It is now… When we as humans are at our most fearful moment that will determine the people that we will become.”

“Regardless of what life may hand us…… We will prevail and rise above! “