If you’re going to be turned away, it really should be by the best in the world.

Several years ago, we were walking past a vineyard, about 10 minutes from our home. Chateau Simone, scrolled beautifully on the gate. It was unclear which was the main entrance. We seemed to be on the path to the tasting room/store. We heard the familiar creek of the shutters above us. Straight out of casting, she looked down at us, or should I say “looked down on us,” (both would be true). She clasped her burning cigarette between the quintessential two fingered V, and said, “Privé, Privé!” (Private, private!) She flicked her ashes in a shoo motion. We seemed to be in the French equivalent of a Seinfeld episode — No wine for you! Not to be out-Frenched in his native country, Dominique offered up a few neatly placed words that were not in my vocabulary. We turned around and walked back home.

We’ve used the incident repeatedly through the years — smoking our imaginary cigarettes and dismissing the unwanted — it’s a gift that just keeps on giving. We just found out yesterday that Chateau Simone has been voted the best wine in the world. Best in the world! Our neighbor! We were not shooed by just anyone…we were shooed by the best in the world!

Having the story seems almost better than drinking the best wine in the world. Well, maybe not… we ARE going to go back to try again. Who doesn’t want the best?!

I’ve come to realize it’s all important, it’s all a gift- each step, each path, each rejection, each laugh. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, maybe it ends with the best wine… or maybe lemons…but I do know this, it’s all a part of the dream, and each day, I am coming true!