Connecting through Crisis: Finding Community in Hard Times
As the Kincade wildfire in Sonoma County decimates more than 75,000 acres of land in Northern California, and the Getty wildfire continues to threaten thousands of people and properties outside Los Angeles, Cathy and I felt like we couldn't not write about the crises this week. Still, putting sensitive and appropriate words in print felt, and still feels, almost impossible.
We cannot fathom the adrenaline, stress and feelings of terror, or what it’s like to flee at a moment’s notice, not knowing what you may return to, or how to pick up the pieces. We cannot fathom how being without power, or the smell of smoke, can trigger anxiety and leave an impact well after the fires have been brought under control.
But living in San Francisco, and having spent time this week between Napa, Sonoma and Southern California, the power of community in action is something I wanted to share.
Living in a constantly connected world can be overwhelming. With computers in our pockets (essentially), on our desks and in our homes, the volume and frequency of engaging online can become overwhelming and leave us yearning for the simpler days pre-technology. But this week I’m grateful for mobile technology. From automated evacuation orders to PG&E power outage updates, we can all be informed, alerted and prepared in a timely manner.
For all their faults, the immediacy of social media channels (particularly Twitter) has allowed for on-the-ground reporting, which also means immediate updates for ourselves and the people who care about what’s happening, all around the world. Sonoma journalist Sarah Stierch deserves special kudos. Her real-time reporting via live updates on Twitter @Sarah_Stierch have been a source of critical information, accurate updates, and messages of hope through the fires. Sara also covered the 2017 and 2018 fire episodes with grace, attention and incredible endurance.
Speaking of the people who care about what’s happening, and about us directly, being online enables us to stay connected with loved ones on our (and their) locations and evacuation status. Active engagements on platforms ranging from WhatsApp to FaceTime and social media channels enable us to stay in touch and maintain a level of human connection.
As most of us have seen this past week in particular, online engagement quickly connects people and communities who want to help with those who are feeling helpless, across the country or around the world. This week we have seen people offer up their homes, share their insights and lessons from past experiences, and spread hard-won knowledge for managing the extreme stress and anxiety associated with a devastating event of this scale.
In nearby Berkeley, gardeners, arborists, winemakers, and farmers gathered at a colleague’s home for a loving homemade meal and escape from the stress. Folks were able to share what they were going through, from a winemaker whose neighbors were wiped out, to the arborist who shared how the eucalyptus trees created fast fuel for the fires. Strangers became friends over shared stories and glasses of wine.
Nearly all of us reading this week’s post have no concept of the impact and scale of what the small community in Sonoma County of Northern California is experiencing. (Cathy wrote about exactly this “outsiders’ perspective” in her column on Forbes earlier in the week.) And as the Kincade fire is now 30% contained, the road ahead for recovery is long. But the community will be here, switched on and ready to connect, support and help.
So what can YOU do?
As wine journalist Tom Wark articulated, "Wine Country” is NOT burning. Please visit, buy wine and spend your money in Sonoma County to support the community and help the tourism industry and region recover. Wineries are still recovering from the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, and there will be long weeks and months ahead.
Donate or volunteer your time. The Northern California Fire Donation List is a great resource if you are looking to support or donate to the community.
Commune, connect and talk. Much like when we lose a loved one, sometimes we don’t know WHAT to say. But so many have been affected in ways we cannot understand, so start a conversation. We are all connected somehow, and everyone needs a friendly ear. Especially now.
Namaste,
Beck
What We're Reading:
There's no shortage of wine stories and media inundating our IN Boxes. Here's what has piqued our interest this week.
The Science of Sleeping on It – Medium.com
“Experts say if you want to harness sleep’s problem-solving powers to the fullest, think about your dilemma just before bed”
David Gluckman on the First “Low and No” Beverage Summit – The Buyer.com
Writer David Gluckman offers a fascinating perspective on the growing category’s latest research and European market opportunities.
Meet the Community!
Our community is only as strong as the company we keep, and here we meet some of the folks who make our profession so dynamic.
Devin Parr, Founder & Managing Partner of Devin Parr & Associates; Brand Marketing Partner for Temecula Valley Wine Country; freelance wine writer (USA)
Years In the Industry:
I started my career in wine 13 years ago. Prior to that, I was working in the video game industry (there are surprising similarities, believe it or not). While I loved my job in interactive entertainment and was a gamer at heart, deep down, I knew my passion lay elsewhere. After reading a book called “Heat” by Bill Buford, which painted this amazing picture of a culinary life in Italy, I quit my job and moved to Florence, Italy, where I studied wine for almost two years. I’ve never once looked back. With that said, I was one of those lucky kids whose parents let her sip and sample wine with dinner from about the age of 14, so it’s pretty much been in my blood for as long as I can remember.
My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:
While I’ve always been somewhat athletic – I rode horses growing up, played soccer in middle and high school – physical fitness wasn’t always a non-negotiable for me. I’m lucky to be blessed with a quick metabolism and am naturally petite, which gave me the impression that I never “needed” to work out. But the mistake I was making was to view fitness as a means to a certain appearance, versus something deeply mental as well. That has since changed.
As I got older, I started to struggle with insomnia and anxiety. I then met my husband who is a distance runner and a pretty serious weightlifter. Physical fitness is a very big part of who he is and, eventually, I realized I could either try to beat him (and lose) or join him. And so I joined him. I was amazed at how much of a positive impact working out had on my anxiety and sleep patterns. It certainly felt way better than the medications I had occasionally taken for both.
Maintaining fitness can be a challenge. Sometimes while traveling or being overwhelmed with the pressures of being a full-time working mom to two kids under six, that sense of routine gets threatened. Healthy habits can often be very fragile to begin with since they can take so long and so much commitment to build to the point where they are truly ingrained in us. It’s scary when they are in danger of being compromised. In these moments, I try to force myself to do something – a quick 15-minute HIIT plyometric routine is better than nothing. And no matter what you tell yourself, 15 minutes is always doable.
How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:
I have four main pillars of sanity in my life, and if I can manage two of them at any given time, it’s enough. These are:
1. My tribe: Time with my two kids, my husband and my extended family and friends keeps me grounded. When I’m struggling emotionally or feeling down over things not going well professionally, I take one look at my three and five-year-old little boys and remind myself what it’s all for. Their unbridled joy, curiosity and purity of mood reassures me of our shared humanity. My husband is also my rock.
2. Cooking: I make dinner for our family almost every night when I am not traveling for work. This time in the kitchen, engaging all of my senses, allows me a creative outlet, clears my mind and helps me feel alive. Throw on a little music and some delicious wine in my glass while prepping and I feel like I’m living the good life.
3. Working Out: I try to get to the gym, run or do something physical 5-7 days per week, even while traveling. Running gives me the best endorphin rush and I try to listen to great podcasts while doing it. Lifting weights makes me feel like a total badass. I’m 5’0 and about 100 lbs so nothing gets me ready to take on a challenge quite like throwing 145 lbs around like a boss. Yoga and barre work keep me focused and slow me down. All of the above are instrumental in helping me sleep better, manage my anxiety, reinforce self-discipline and maintain high energy levels needed in this business.
4. Reading: Every night before bed, no matter what time it is or where I am, I put my phone down and read at least one chapter in a book – usually fiction. My mind is constantly racing – especially before bed – so I find this helps me to slow down, and is a prefect closing act to my day.
Connect with Devin on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and online at www.devinparr.com
Let's Meet Up!
As work life has it, we are traveling over the next few months and would love to see you!
Speaker at EDTalks, in Denver, Nov 5 (Beck)
Attendee at ProWine China in Shanghai, November 12 to 14 (Cathy)
Presenters at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, February 4 to 6 (Beck and Cathy)
Presenter at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 25 to 29 (Cathy)
Attendee at ProWein in Düsseldorf, March 15 to 17 (Cathy)
Presenter at the Future Wine Expo in Santa Rosa, May 12 and 13 (Cathy)
Drop a line to rebecca@abalancedglass.com or cathy@enolytics.com if you are interested in getting together for practice, a chat or a great glass together.
