FIRST –
For years I’ve written a blog tangentially related to wine with ramblings, explorations, tastings, and books read. This came out occasionally at first, then every two weeks. After I created an online publishing company (Roundwood Press) and started another blog, weekly posts alternated between the two.
I wrote and photographed and never understood the magic is of attracting readers to a blog. Comments were few (thanks, however, to sister Patricia), book sales negligible, and subscriptions often just not happening.
It’s been a labor of love, though it consumes time. I read each post dozens of times to iron out the flow of words, scrutinize sentences to make sure each has its place, and check that context makes sense.
No complaints.
As years rolled I wondered – shall I continue? Other bloggers bragged about having 10,000 subscribers within a year. What? I’d be delighted to have a few percent of that number.
A year ago an opportunity arrived to contribute to ForbesLife – an online lifestyle publication. I said – could you wait until I return from Pakistan to earn some funds? They said – sure.
So I went.
After seven rewarding and productive months with some wonderful people in Pakistan, it was time to move on. So is the way of life. I bid farewell, returned home to France, and told Forbes – I’m in.
Here’s the deal.
I’ll continue writing Vino Voices blog posts, though they will likely be shorter, and include links to pieces on Forbes (which will relate to wine, travel, food, and lifestyle).
The benefits include access to gazillions of images and videos, enjoying increased readership, and having similar latitude to choose which posts to write – each about the same length as what I have been writing.
My latest posts published on ForbesLife (two this week and one last week) are the following. I do hope you click and check them out.
- Bordeaux Winemaker Artist Teams With Prince Of Monaco To Save Wildlife
- How To Visit A Wine Bar In Saint Émilion
- Bordeaux Wine Festival Launches Soon
SECOND –
An ally of my sister (who, through his popular finance blog, was able to increase traffic to my own Roundwood Press site) named Jim Collins just published his own online book titled: The Simple Path To Wealth: Your Road Map To Financial Independence And A Rich, Free Life. (Cover illustration by sister Trisha Ray.)
Check it out. The basic philosophy is: save more than you spend, invest wisely, and enjoy life. It works for him; there’s no reason why the method can’t work for you.
THIRD –
The longest day of the year was June 21st.
In 1982, the French Director of Music and Dance, Maurice Fleuret, wanted to get more people involved with music, so created an event in Paris called La Fête de la Musique. It has since spread to each town in France. Music is played in the evening, paid for by cities and towns, and people listen for free.
The little city of Blaye where I live has some 5,000 residents. Yet even here there were seven separate stages set up around the city where some 25 sets of musicians will play tunes while folks of all ages come outside and enjoy life.
THAT was a celebration of life, community, and art. And the wines did flow…It was a remember that life is brief, cooperation and community are paramount, and making time for gatherings is important.
FOURTH –
La Cite du Vin is Bordeaux’s new Wine Disneyland. For the past eight years Bordeaux’s mayor (and aspiring presidential candidate) Alain Juppé has been pushing to clean up the city, improve traffic flow, and turn Bordeaux into an international destination. He is succeeding, and this new City of Wine is like a museum that’s fun – with movies, music, and interactive facilities designed to help people learn about and appreciate wine, not only in Bordeaux and France, but throughout the world.
Here are some photos. I recommend you visit this locale, and perhaps our beautiful Bordeaux city someday. The wine bar and restaurant are well worth visiting and there are beautiful views from where they are on the 7th and 8th floors.
FIFTH –
Winemaker recipe book – the final recipes are still coming in. I’ll keep you informed.
FINALLY –
Thanks for tuning in these past years to read. I hope you continue…
TheArtistOnTheRoad
23 Jun 2016I always enjoy reading your stories and will check out your publications on Forbes. What a great gig! The links you provide on this blog (and newsletter) help me find your work where ever you are in the world!
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thanks Richard! On the table before me is a copy of your book – reminding me of your sunny slice of western US where the wine is delicious, and the food quite amazing also 🙂 Thanks for checking out the Forbes pieces also. Hope your post-book life is tranquil and filled with fine glasses of vino.
jlcollinsnh
23 Jun 2016Well, you certainly attracted this reader, and long before my book was out and you were kind enough to mention and recommend it. 😉
What brought me here initially, was the connection thru Trisha. Truth is, while I enjoy wine and would happily choke down a bottle in your company, it is the company that would be the draw.
I see your blog as certainly about wine, Vino Expressions after all. But more as a peek into a life well lived. And that’s what keeps me coming back my friend.
Cheers!
jlcollinsnh
23 Jun 2016Oh, and kudos on the Forbes gig!
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thanks! I know more about wine than about being a billionaire, but am willing to learn 🙂
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thanks Jim! I look forward to re-reading your book – but lately have been doing more research and writing than reading of anything but articles. Congratulations on your publishing your book – which you put in years field testing, and which will improve the lives of thousands of others. THAT is going to be the reward you shall never forget. 🙂
Shan Paden
23 Jun 2016Congrats on he new gig! Tricia and I always enjoy your blog. If you ever make it back to 30A let us know. Tell Les and Clarissa hello.
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thanks Shan and Tricia! It is Clarissa’s birthday and we are all having dinner, so I shall pass on your regards. Enjoy the good life in 30A Florida…and I DO hope to swing by in the coming years. And MUCH appreciated for tuning into the blog! You are always most welcome back to Bordeaux…. 🙂
Anonymous
23 Jun 2016Tom my friend, you never cease to amaze me. Quite the next chapter you’ve lined up – and back in France in perfect time for Rose season…
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thank you Julie! And you are, of course, always welcome back again! After beaucoup de rain and clouds, we now have a few scorching days of sunshine. La vie est vraiement belle.
Say hi to California and see you soon enough!
Tom M.
Richard Serisier
23 Jun 2016Well done, rewards can come from out of the blue!
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Thank you Richard! Having the engine changed on the vehicle, but otherwise am around a few months. Would love to visit your Chateau and sample some Aussie/Bordeaux magic!
Keep in touch – Tom
Trisha Ray
23 Jun 2016Excellent!
And a side note on the Day of Music, Stan was able to play in the main square in a village on the Ile de Re last year. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience! What a great concept.
vinoexpressions
23 Jun 2016Parfait!
Mark Salinas - President World and Wine Getaways
17 Jul 2016This is my first visit to your blog, and I’m glad I stopped in. I appreciate learning about your thoughts and struggles with making such a tough decision. But I also enjoyed learning more about French Wine Country.
I look forward to continuing to learn more from you about wine and travel.
And Congratulations on your Forbes Position!
vinoexpressions
18 Jul 2016Thanks for visiting and signing up to the blog Mark. Your own travel company looks interesting – I used to live in southern California, and now Bordeaux. Let me know when you are in the region and we can meet up. I’ll introduce you to many local winemakers. Meanwhile enjoy your summertime, and summer wine!
Mark Salinas - President World and Wine Getaways
18 Jul 2016That would be great! Thanks for the invitation. I’ll be sure to look you up when I get there!
vinoexpressions
19 Jul 2016Sounds great.