So many thoughts are going through my head right now and here is why.

We all have lives full of experiences, and whether we want to believe it or not, none of them are the same – even if we do the same thing day in and day out.

It occurred to me that an experience is a once in a lifetime event – it’s never the same.

Let me paint some of my experiences …

I visited the Parthenon in Athens, Greece and it was an amazing experience for me – history junkie. While I was there I tried to “to feel” the many people who had walked this land before me – Greek philosophers, musicians, warriors and poets. If these ancient columns could speak, can you imagine the stories they could tell us? But going back will be a different experience as my life has changed and the grounds of the Parthenon will also be different.

I walked the halls of Ellis Island and, again, tried to “to listen” the babbling of the many voices of people passing through these hallways. I tried to feel the fear in their voices, to see their eyes and how they had the strength to move forward despite the challenges. Yet when I return it will be a different experience.

I stood up and looked at Mount Rushmore and reflected on the history of these presidents – their diversity and the challenges they faced. How did it feel to have your heritage land taken and then placed on a reserve? I will never have these same feelings again on my next visit because things have changed.

I love the meadow and have warm and wonderful memories of it, as shown by the pristine hill of the pastures of my family’s meadow. But, these memories are just that… historical memories. The prairie changes every day like each of us.

Over the past week, I read an article by a wine writer stating that we should never think of wine experience as limited to its price. If you drink a $ 500 bottle of wine, does that mean it’s better for you than your favorite $ 12 bottle of wine?

The oldest wine I consumed was a 57 year old Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. It was an amazing experience to think about how long this wine had been in the bottle and to wait… me! Was this the best wine of this guy I’ve tasted… sorry, no. But it was a unique experience and I always thank my family for this adventure.

Does the brand make the wine? You have to answer this based on your experience sipping the drink but for me the brand is interesting and can be totally justified. However, I’ve been around long enough that I won’t be fooled by the marketing. Here’s what’s important …

One of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon wines is Highlands Forty One, a rich and beautiful wine from the Paso Robles region of California. In all fairness, I fully appreciate Paso Robles wines – the terroir of the region is perfect for rich, full bodied wines. Forty One is aged in oak barrels, which gives it that light and wonderful taste of vanilla. When you add the flavors of black cherries and plums, the finish is deep and satisfying. An extraordinary wine experience!

An experience came to me a few days ago when a bottle of Live-a-Little Wildly Wicked White from the West Coast of South Africa stared at me from the wine rack. It naturally fell into my basket and I enjoyed the nastiness of the wine and laughed with the experience. It was light and cool and just made me feel like I should go to this west coast to see the land. Well, maybe one day …

The bottom line here is that we shouldn’t let the price rule our experience. Yes, it did cost something to visit the Parthenon, Mount Rushmore and Ellis Island but it was being there that mattered to me. The meadow was free for me and it will never leave my being.

My friends, enjoy this once in a lifetime sunset – tomorrow’s sunset will be different. Enjoy this child’s laughter – tomorrow will be different. Much of life is lived in one event – just be in the moment and savor the experience – don’t expect it to repeat itself. See, hear, smell and smell today.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!