Figuratively speaking, what comes with a glass of bourbon...

For me, there is something very important that comes with a "splash" of bourbon*; sometimes with ice but sometimes served neat... I am still undecided with regard to that. None of which advocates the use of alcohol. 

It started off unexpectedly, as many things do, when out for dinner with three friends it was suggested that we should have "a bourbon". The origins of the suggestion admittedly came from reading a biography on John Wayne**, which of course did not diminish the suggestion in the least. So with bourbon in hand and no particular toast in mind other than recognition, we raised a glass.

Over the years I have refined my tastes regarding my preferred brands but the reasons for raising a glass always remain the same.

Within the past week, on two separate occasions, I was able to raise a glass; once with a group of some of my oldest friends at a weekend gathering, and the second with a long time friend who invited me to his house at the end of what turned out to be very "long" day. In each instance, with bourbon in hand and no particular toast in mind other than recognition, we raised a glass.

We raise a glass to friendship, the appreciation of the current moment, the memories of a life lived and the anticipation of a future yet to come. An unspoken thank you for all that has been done and all that is to come - Recognition of wonderful friendships, for which I for one, have been very fortunate.

And to that, I raise a glass with no particular toast in mind and say, "Thank you".

gpe

* Bourbon whiskey /bɜːrbən/ is a type of American whiskey: a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. (Wikipedia)

** Marion Mitchell Morrison (born Marion Robert Morrison; May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979), known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director, and producer.[1] An Academy Award-winner for True Grit (1969), Wayne was among the top box office draws for three decades.[2][3] An enduring American icon, for several generations of Americans he epitomized rugged masculinity and is famous for his demeanor, including his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height. (Wikipedia)

Facing challenges, problems or "everything" for that matter...

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

I was saying to myself a while back that as much as I know the name Napoleon Bonaparte, that he lost at Waterloo and was somewhat vertically challenged, I really didn't know anything about him.

 Lo and behold, on Christmas day under the tree was a gift from Santa - The book NAPOLEON (Soldier of Destiny) by Michael Broers. That Santa Claus is brilliant; year after year, always getting me what I want.

As I finished the book's introduction there were four insights regarding Napoleon that immediately resonated with me; if truth be told, they have humbly given me further perspective when I am facing challenges, problems or "everything" for that matter.

Insight one: Napoleon lived during the French Revolution, notorious for being one of the bloodiest periods in modern civilization where no one was spared the gory violence; where at any moment your friend could turn you in as a counter - revolutionary and where the steady thud of the guillotine blade meeting flesh and bone became a white noise.* Every day was literally a life and death proposition.

• There are some very harsh realities that can come your way... count yourself lucky if you aren't dealing with them. In the end though, you still have to work through whatever you are dealing with.

Insight two: In 1793, having to flee Corsica for their very lives as a result of "La Vendetta"**, the Bonaparte family literally found themselves washed up on the shores of France, alone and without a penny to their name. Napoleon, although not involved in that desperate flight off the island, was at that time the head of the family and very much part of his family's fate.

• Circumstance, sometimes outside your control, can take everything away from you. It is important in the most literal sense to still be standing so you can continue on.

Insight three: Following the destruction of the family wealth, status and home, it took Napoleon Bonaparte six years to become the ruler of France in 1799.

• Where you are now, and where you want to be, are mutually exclusive... sometimes getting there can happen much faster than you think. 

Insight four: Napoleon Bonaparte wrote his own history - He knew what he wanted and was bold enough to take it. Granted, there were times he elected to "re-write" some of his history, but in fairness, he did rule France.

• Know what you want and be bold enough to go after it!

All of this and I've just read the book's introduction.

Before I get back to my book, there is one last insight - It's worth taking the time to search out people's stories, their lives, their challenges and triumphs... each and everyone a window into the strength and wonder of the human condition. You never know, it may lead you to where one day people are reading about you.

gpe

* Mallary A. Silva-Grondin & HowStuffWorks.com Contributors "How the French Revolution Worked" 27 February 2008.

** A feud between two families that arises from "slight, injury or killing of the member of one family" by a member of the other family, leading to long-lasting animosity and retaliatory acts of blood revenge... "If you offend him, he will kill you by a gun or by a stab..."

A Grand Story in the making... written for one.

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

This is a very interesting time of the year. 

A time to figuratively (and maybe even literally) stop to catch our breath, take stock, look around, and determine what the next year will (or should) be. A time to, whether we appreciate it or not, continue writing our story... autobiographers all. 

A romanticized notion I know, but no less accurate, with every past page of our story in ink, our current pages in pencil, and all those future pages still blank - A Grand Story in the making.

 A story written by one, to be read by one, and ultimately for the pleasure of the author; a story that inevitably comes with the question, that in one form or another is asked each year, "Am I enjoying what I'm reading?" This surely offers insight into the New Year's resolution, and most definitely offers consideration up and above enjoyment alone.

There are two other questions worthy of being asked when reading what has been put down on paper:

"Am I truly the author of my own story, or am I using a ghost writer?"

"Is the story that I am writing truly what I want to read?"

Remember that enjoyment, although the ultimate desire of any story, must be looked at holistically; having just read the third paragraph in chapter seven may not be the best place to determine if you are enjoying what you are reading - There must have been something about the first six chapters you were enjoying, and if not, I refer back to the above questions.

What is important is that we own our story. Autobiographers all; writing the best stories we can... sharing, teaching, discovering, inventing, inspiring, and motivating.

Because in the end, we are all contributing to the greatest story ever told.

gpe