I’ve been writing for fun and profit for as long as I’ve had the ability.
Not particularly well but that’s another story.
Since I was little kid, I always gravitated to the written word. Not obsessively so. More as a place of fascination and perhaps a comfort zone. In my late teens and early 20s, I attended journalism school and made a sort of living as a reporter / photographer for newspapers and magazines. But a recession and a serious lack of self-discipline proved to be the end of that.
1. Why this, why now?
Social media has been a curious experience. I wouldn’t say fulfilling, but I wouldn’t say it’s a complete loss. There’s been so many changes with the large platforms with their concentration on advertising and giving shareholders value that the concept of microblogging, community and sharing ideas has been pushed to the side. Substack looks like a place where I can contribute for an audience that appreciates what I have to offer, without a lot of distraction. I’m going to have to figure out how to distill wishful thinking and passing interest into motivation and drive, but that’s my problem. Which brings me to my next point…
2. What kind of community am I looking to build here?
I’m looking for people who want to know what I think about experiences, foods, wines, places and other stuff through my life lens. It’s not for everyone. If you somehow got this in your inbox, please unsubscribe if it’s not for you.
3. What can you expect?
Hold me to it. I hope to post at least once a week. That might be increased. I hope it won’t decrease. It might end up being an annual average.
In any case, it will be about:
wine from the perspective of professional winemaker now hitting the 25 year mark.
food from the perch of an ex-restaurant server, partner to a marvelous cook, and daily eater.
travel through the eyes of somebody who hasn’t done nearly enough. Maybe we’ll just call this ‘places’.
urban design and planning for small cities with a focus on transportation, public space, housing and other dry fodder.
interviews with producers of the stuff in this list.
local things with universal attraction.
Let’s get started!