Where to begin? Gratitude seems appropriate. It was a summer vacation with my husband two years ago that sparked our desire to pursue a career … a lifestyle … that wasn’t all about somebody else’s bottom line. We wanted to make a living doing something together that encompassed our interest in travel, wine, and food.
My first thanks has to go to a wonderful winemaker in Italy, Lionel Cousin, of Cupano Wines, who makes an incredible Brunello. It was a beautiful Tuscan summer day when Lionel gave us a tour of his winery, which is also his home. We spent the entire afternoon enjoying his warm, inviting home, snacking on salamis and cheeses, taking in the breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills from his spacious patio. His love of the land and passion for winemaking were contagious. It was that fabulous afternoon that started us thinking about “living,” not just making a living.
Next, sounds strange, but I have to thank my employer of 17 years, News 4, for not renewing my contract. I had contemplated not renewing on my own for a long time, but I don’t know that I would have had the courage to cut the ties, especially without regrets. They made it easy—I knew it was a sign from above that Mike and I were on the right track in wanting to pursue something else.
Nate Turnage—amazing job on designing this website. Thank you for your creativity, insight, and patience!
Leslie Ausburn, with Komet Marketing—first and foremost a friend—has been a big help. Her excellent marketing and public relations skills have come in handy.
Shootz Productions and Anderson Marketing—thank you for the logo design and great work on editing my TV pilot (more on that later).
Leigh Utecht—a valuable friend since we worked together on San Antonio Living all those years ago. Her help shooting and editing have been priceless.
Also, Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker—yes, the ones who make some of the best wines (if not THE best) in Texas! If you haven’t paid a visit to their beautiful winery near Fredericksburg, you’re missing something special.
I also have to send out a thanks to Daryn Kagan; you’ll remember Daryn from her 10 years as an anchor on CNN. She now has a fun, uplifting website at DarynKagan.com that’s all about what’s possible—good news for a change. Daryn was a wealth of information when I first began learning about doing my own website. I was always a huge fan of hers when she was on CNN and now even more so!
A lot of you will understand this thank-you that goes to Kim McCarthy at ME Salon in San Antonio (210-798-4444), who has not only cut my hair for more than 10 years, but who’s been a great friend!
Also, a big shout-out to my friends in the news media all these years who have been so supportive along the way.
And a special thanks to Christy Prescott with Corporate Travel Planners. Christy and I met when I was doing the Living Show at News 4 and became instant friends. She’s put up with a lot of last-minute travel plans, changes to itinerary, you name it, and has never once complained!
Thank you to my awesome son, who’s all grown up but still patiently listens to me moan about computer problems and who’s always there with an encouraging word or a bizarre YouTube video that brightens my day.
And last but certainly not least, I’m grateful to my husband of 25 years who has always been a source of strength and encouragement. For those of you who have started your own business, you know how challenging it can be at times. Mike and I are not only partners in life, but partners in this new endeavor. I thank God for both!
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