A few weeks ago, fellow South Valley Newspapers columnist Keith
Muraoka mentioned ever-so-humbly that he was celebrating his 22nd
anniversary with the Gilroy Dispatch, and that the number of
columns he has written on gardening totaled close to 1,200.
A few weeks ago, fellow South Valley Newspapers columnist Keith Muraoka mentioned ever-so-humbly that he was celebrating his 22nd anniversary with the Gilroy Dispatch, and that the number of columns he has written on gardening totaled close to 1,200.
That is an amazing stretch for anyone, especially when I picture Keith in the early years, without the aid of the Internet or computers, banging on an IBM Selectric typewriter, and quite possibly running his work down to the Dispatch office in person. This makes me slightly embarrassed to mention that this column marks my first anniversary with South Valley Newspapers.
My first year has been an education to say the least. Stressful at times, but most importantly, a lot of fun.
Since the inception of this column, I have tried to keep a good balance of column subjects and ideas. They have ranged from the practical, like using wine openers, to the personal, like interviewing local wineries and winemakers.
Some of my columns have been spurred on by questions submitted by the local community. I hope the readership (all eight of you) will continue that trend. I also have tried to throw in reminders about local wine events.
There have been times when people have recognized me in the store or at social events, even calling me by my moniker, the Wine Guy. One close friend said the moniker sounded too much like “wino” and thinks I should change it.
Speaking of wino, probably the funniest critique of my column came from my own mother. She happened to read a recent column about a Spanish food and wine party I went to. Unbeknownst to my mother, her critique via e-mail was sent to the editor of the Dispatch and not to me. The editor graciously did not publish the comment, but I cannot let Mom off the hook that easy. My mother said, and I quote, “It is so admirable that you are enjoying a lot of different foods and wine. You must be getting really fat and drunk.”
An equally good chuckle came last week. I met someone recently and upon our second meeting, she confessed that based upon my photo in the paper, she had imagined me to be a fat &^%$#*. I am now seeking therapy. I am going to beg the paper’s chief photographer, Chris Riley, to re-shoot my photo. Any salon or welding shop that might be interested in donating a makeover, please give me a call.
In my attempts to make this column participatory and fun, I have encouraged others to send me their questions and ideas.
While on vacation last month, I arranged a reunion with my good friend Hanley. I have known Hanley for more than 15 years. You can count on Hanley for many things, most of which define the meaning of friendship – loyalty, kindness, patience and fun. For instance, we both love baseball, and he hooked me up with tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Two things you can also count on him for is an opinion and his willingness to share it.
Upon my arrival at his house, he inquired how my column was going. I replied in my usual verbose manner, “fine.”
I quizzed him if he had read any recent columns, to which he replied he had not read any of them. I was not offended, but rather sad that this smart man was missing out on Pulitzer-quality work.
Hanley lives in New Hampshire, but travels frequently for business. He promised me that during his next trip, he would read my columns and send his commentary.
About a week after our visit, I received an e-mail from Hanley. I knew he was a man of his word.
One evening when he was bored, Hanley decided he was going to read all my columns during one sitting. I was expecting his constructive critique to be something simple, such as “nice job, keep up the good work.” Instead, I received a novel on par with “War and Peace.”
Hanley has always had to compensate for his issues with size and length, to which his wife can attest, but it did end up opening my eyes to some new possibilities.
His perspective, especially one from so far away, has proved valuable. That’s what friends are for.
Keep sending your ideas and questions (except Hanley) to the e-mail address below.
Cheers!
