Hello from Placerville, CA.,
It’s the first time I have been back to Hang Town, as it is called, the County Seat of El Dorado County since a somewhat ill-fated trip on December of 2021. My first visit to this little boutique town was in the fall of 2005, when I drove up from San Francisco while attending a CPTSP Conference, and I was in awe of the town and the wineries and vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The beauty and ruggedness of the cliffs and canyons, the smell of the coming crush that would occur from the acres and acres under vine, and the hospitality of both my distant cousin and her husband as well as their winemaker, and others associated with the budding winery, Miraflores, began a relationship that has now endured for almost two decades.
That next summer I would return to live in the little quarters on the amazing land and work with the winery to create content, both through a news letter and a website. Additionally, I worked with the winery doing daily labor and learning an incredible amount about viticulture, fermenting, racking, bottling, and all that occurs from the harvest to the sale. And yet I know there is so little I really understand, the chemistry, the amazing interaction between grapes, skins, yeast, time, and the list could go on. Each time I listen to Marco I learn something new about this ancient tradition, and the first recorded Biblical miracle. Even now, after attending Peter D’Souza’s Wines and Spirits class (twice), through participating in my own focused reading, and continuing to work to match food and wine, there is so much to know. Indeed, as Albert Finney, who acted brilliantly in A Good Year, noted, “this brilliant nectar is incapable of lying.” I am continually amazed by how a day difference in heat or moisture can change the profile of a block of grapes, all tended in the same manner, significantly. If you ever have the opportunity for a vertical tasting, do it. You will be amazed by the change.
The first summer I stayed in the wine country of the Sierra Nevada foothills, I learned so much, but now, and importantly so, I realize how blessed I was to meet such an unparalleled person in Marco Cappelli. He, as I think I noted in a previous blog, is truly a Renaissance person. Brilliant and skilled in his craft only scratches the surface. He is intelligent, inquisitive, and probing, while simultaneously gentle, kind, and beyond gracious. That same summer I met Belinda, also capable beyond most people I have met in ways too numerous to count. She is an astute and successful businesswoman, a thoughtful and stunningly intuitive decorator, and elegant with no attempt to be so. Together, as I have watched their marriage and partnership is a thing of beauty. They compliment each other in most every way, and as I observe their two exquisite creations, their parenting is what I believe everyone might hope to do. Their daughter and son are individuals with personality, with intelligence, with a sense of love and decency, and beautiful or handsome in every sense of the words. It is so enjoyable to see the young people they have become, as well as to imagine who they might someday be.
The gift they (now the four of them) are in my life goes far beyond what I might hope or deserve. Each time I find my way back to Placerville, they amaze me in unexpected ways, with possible outcomes unanticipated, and always with a kindness that humbles me. I love observing them and watching them in situations from puzzle making to tromping around in the snow outside of Ascoli Piceno. In the last almost 14 years I have watched the boundless love two people had only show ever greater possibilities toward their children. I saw both offspring as toddlers or smaller, and I continually marvel at how they develop and change. They give me a sense of hope, both individually and collectively. I cannot stop smiling both inside and out as I watch them. Gia and Carlo are such a joy to behold, and each of them offer a goodness that is so necessary in our crazy world. One of the things I have always observed in Marco and Belinda is how together they create a beautiful atmosphere, an aura of you will, which cannot help but create an environment in which others can thrive. I experienced that the first summer I was at Miraflores. They are both capable beyond words and have high expectations of others, and yet they are never demanding of those around them. They exemplify what you might hope and raise the bar in such a way you are glad to work toward it. I see this in the way they support their employees, their children, and even me as a friend.
One of the most amazing things, regardless the period of time since last visit, they make me feel welcome as if I never left (perhaps it is because I do go away :)). Since I was here the last time they have made substantial changes: a new home, a new business, a profoundly more grown up son and daughter, and yet the basics – all the things noted above – are still alive and well. And just perhaps they are more content than I have ever witnessed in the past. In conversations over the past day and a half, I hear a contentment, and while the irons in the fire are still many, it seems they are happy with their changes; they have a unified direction, which I believe has always been true, but that direction is now more within their control. The changes made were done not out of necessity, but with a sense of purpose, with a plan in mind.
Too often I believe we are the victim of change rather than the instigator. Too often we are the tail-wagging-the-dog. As I move into the last weeks of work, I am increasingly aware of my own perspective changes, and each week I try to accomplish something that has a long term consequence, something that will make this coming fall and beyond more manageable. Over the past month to six weeks, I have found myself living in multiple worlds, trying to figure out work, retirement, personal life, and more. It has been a bit overwhelming, and there are pieces of it I have not managed, but I am working to get there. While some of that has been by escaping to Cleveland, to California, all while working, commenting, grading, advising, meeting with students, and more, I have felt a bit like the whirling dervish. Perhaps, I too am feeling like the victim of change versus managing it, but I am hoping that will change soon. I know the next few weeks will be busy. I have two graduate commencements to attend, concerts, recitals, and more, but simply sitting down and scheduling it all will be start. Change is cliche at times, and our thoughts about it even more so, but it is what life does. That has been illustrated in profound, but clear terms as I have returned to Placerville. As I walked down Main Street today, I thought about that summer of 2006 when I met some amazing people at the local Starbucks, a group of individuals that I was quite amazed by. I wonder where they are now. I remember a restaurant that I would frequent and enjoyed. I remember meeting at other times with other winery employees through the years. I remember times in between when I have visited and stayed at the Crush Pad. I remember coming here with Melissa and Jordan about 10 years ago. There are so many memories and still even more changes. Life was so different when I came here that first time. I lived in Wisconsin. Lydia was alive. Tara and Melissa were significant parts of my life. I remember coming when I was first interviewing for my present position, and it was during the Christmas holidays. There was a time I visited and laid in bed at the Crush Pad, burning with fever the entire time, isolated so I did not get anyone else ill. I remember New Year’s Eves at a dinner party at a restaurant or another time kayaking with Matricia. There are more memories than one could ever begin to recount, but Placerville, the Fairplay Appellation, visits from internship students from Lake Tahoe, barrel tasting, going away parties, it’s all part of the tapestry that is the last two decades of coming to this northern California County.
I am reminded of yet another movie, one that have given me my nickname from another former student. She calls me Norman, from the beloved movie, On Golden Pond. At the moment when Chelsea, played by Jane Fonda is lamenting her relationship with her father, actually played by her real-life father, Henry Fonda, her mother, played by the incredible Katherine Hepburn, says, “Life marches by, Chels. I suggest you get on with it” (On Golden Pond, 1981). It is one of the more truthful statements. Too often we live with a sense of regret for what might have been, what we should have done, or what we missed. That is an incredibly sad way to live. I did it in the past, and in some ways perhaps that is what I still wonder, but I am pretty sure that learning from the past is not about regret. Perhaps it is embracing the change. Over the past few months, conversations and interactions with an incredible human being pushed me to ponder, imagine, and realize both where I am as well as who I am. Not all of that has been easy, but it has been necessary. I am still trying to come to terms with what I think or believe. i am still trying to understand what it all means, and in spite of my ability to put words to screen, I have no clear words to articulate what I understand or feel. It was certainly about the possibility of change, and then my fear of it. It is there was too many possibilities? Was it that such a change on top of the other impending changes was more than I could fathom? Was it I am more content with some aspects of life than I realize? Amazed by it all is certainly accurate. Blessed by the opportunity to imagine more than I perhaps understand. Life is changing quickly, and I am both excited and terrified. In the meanwhile, I have two more days here in Placerville with Marco, Belinda, Gia, and Carlo. Again, yet another blessing . . . I will hopefully see Matricia and Victor, spend some more time on Main Street, and still get work done. It is much the same as it was that summer so many years ago. This video from the movie, On Golden Pond, was one of the most significant of the entire movie because of the relationship between Henry Fonda and his daughter. Their actual relationship in life was mirrored by this scene in the movie. Much has been written about the filming of this scene and what it did for them. It is poignant.
Thanks as always for reading.
Dr. Martin
thewritingprofessor55 
Dr. Martin,
Your detailed reflections on the passage of time and the inevitability of change resonate throughout this post. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, tinged with both anticipation and apprehension. From my perspective, the themes of resilience, adaptation, and the quest for understanding is what you try to convey in this text. Moreover, the contemplation on the subjects of change, fear, and contentment offers a unique insight into one’s personal growth and self-awareness. Overall, this reflection serves as a testament to the transformative power of relationships, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring beauty of life’s ever-unfolding journey. The reflection on experiences of connection, change, and self-discovery points to the significance of each moment that we ever get to experience. No matter how big or small, it is these connections that guide us along our unique paths in life.
Dr. Martin,
This was a great piece, the way you described the landscape of the winery located in El Dorado County was beautiful. Working there must have been a life of its own, I to spent a lot of summers working at a golf course in my high school years. Being able to experience the beauty of nature while also performing a job that was different from my daily life filled me with satisfaction. During that time, I learned more than just golf course maintenance and people and how they function. I learned how things operate and how people think. I can see why you cherished that time, putting yourself in a completely different atmosphere learning things that are brand new while producing something that will be enjoyed.
Also reading about your friends and their children gave me hope. Our world is constantly changing and sometimes it seems like it’s getting worse, but hearing about how happy of a family they have created gives me hope for this world. We need more families like that in our world and maybe it’s because I rarely hear about the happy normal families and only the bad things on the news. In reality our world is filled with happy people that want to make the world a better place.
Thank you for your time and wisdom Dr. Martin you’ve given so much time to the Bloomsburg community and I applaud you for that. Countless students have been influenced by you and the classes that you taught. I hope you enjoy your next endeavors in life and life overall treats you well.
-Lucas Hoffman
Dr. Martin,
This was a great piece, the way you described the landscape of the winery located in El Dorado County was beautiful. Working there must have been a life of its own, I to spent a lot of summers working at a golf course in my high school years. Being able to experience the beauty of nature while also performing a job that was different from my daily life filled me with satisfaction. During that time, I learned more than just golf course maintenance and people and how they function. I learned how things operate and how people think. I can see why you cherished that time, putting yourself in a completely different atmosphere learning things that are brand new while producing something that will be enjoyed.
Also reading about your friends and their children gave me hope. Our world is constantly changing and sometimes it seems like it’s getting worse, but hearing about how happy of a family they have created gives me hope for this world. We need more families like that in our world and maybe it’s because I rarely hear about the happy normal families and only the bad things on the news. In reality our world is filled with happy people that want to make the world a better place.
Thank you for your time and wisdom Dr. Martin you’ve given so much time to the Bloomsburg community and I applaud you for that. Countless students have been influenced by you and the classes that you taught. I hope you enjoy your next endeavors in life and life overall treats you well.
Dr Martin,
The way you wrote about this place and the people from there who have shaped you is inspirational. It is truly remarkable how one place, or one person can make such a huge impact on one’s life and it is something I think about often. Your ability to adapt was clearly expressed through this post and is something I admire. It is not always easy to be resilient, but it is important and admirable in the society and world climate we live in. I appreciate the way you encourage reflection through all of your posts and find it important for me to have done throughout the semester. Taking a step back to look at the bigger picture can be very healing, and I have grown to enjoy it. Overall, this post gave some insight into a place and group that is meaningful to you, and I enjoyed hearing about how it has impacted your life thus far.
Maggie Tower
Dr. Martin,
Your post is a lovely reflection on the current themes in your life. It’s clear that your time with this family raises tender and nostalgic memories for you, and that’s a wonderful thing. I so adore Katherine Hepburn and appreciate you quoting her. My favorite quote from her is when she said, “I have not lived as a woman. I have lived as a man. I’ve just done what I damn well wanted to, and I’ve made enough money to support myself, and ain’t afraid of being alone. If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.” I think that’s an admirable mentality to have, especially during the era in which she lived. I also enjoyed reading your thoughts on some of the vulnerable feelings that you’re experiencing in the face of massive transitions, change and uncertainty. It is oddly comforting to know that the human response to change can be tinged with fear, at any age, and that’s a natural thing.
Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts with us!
Hannah Sorrentino
Dr. Martin,
Your description of Marco and Blinda’s family and life is truly beautiful. I often am awed by people who seemingly have their lives put together, people who are the instigators of change rather than the “tail-wagging-dog.” While interacting with people who have their lives put together can often cause some saddening self-reflection, they are often a symbol of hope. They represent the hope that one day we too will have life, and what we want from it, figured out. However, as someone who does not have life figured out yet, there is also bliss in not having things figured out; bliss in the fact that we have to find it.
I agree with you that living with regret for what might have been is an incredibly sad way to live. I have watched my brother live in regret for some of the decisions he has made. He was a very good baseball pitcher in High School (he had a nasty curveball), but he stopped caring about baseball, and numerous other things, when he got a girlfriend. He gave up going to college and decided to follow her to school. When she broke up with him, he regretted everything and became depressed.
Looking back at his “mistakes,” my brother has been blessed. Yes, what happened to him sucked. He could have played college ball and could have a higher paying job with a degree, but he wouldn’t have the loving wife and two amazing kids that he has today. He wouldn’t have the daughter that can make anyone in the room laugh and the 3-year-old whose ability to hit a baseball came immediately after being able to walk. Like you said, it is about embracing the change. If my brother never moved on from his first girlfriend, he would have never been able to be in a place to meet his wife. I’m proud of what he has made out his situation. It has shown me that it is ok to make mistakes, but that it is not ok to relish in them, as that does more harm than good.
Hello, again!
These types of writings remind me of dear Stevie Nicks and her beloved “Landslide”. How truly emotional it is to see old friends and watch how times have changed. I’m still young but at 23, I still get so emotional about these things so just feel a touch of my empathy. I think experiencing so much love, grief, and life itself makes us deeper people that have an appreciation for life and the finer arts. Your life resume is an eye catcher for sure! Your pride and love for others has guided you thus far, I’m sure your beautiful friends will ease the transitions to come. Although bombarded with questions that rob you of rest, they are necessary for those that possess a drive for closure and contentment. These next weeks will quickly come to a close but just as you’ve done before, you will persevere.
“Although it may feel like a kidney stone, this too shall pass” -Spencer Doan (my fiancé)
Good Morning from my living room,
Professor Martin, it is great that you have involved yourself in a Winery, learning how viticulture, fermenting, racking, bottling, and etc. There are plethora of activities to learn, but I think this is one of the most interesting ones. It allows you to learn not just one, but multiple things. As you said, you were amazed from the change, and I believed that; your description of your experience give me an interest in the area, and I will consider trying it in the future.
I love to hear about your distant cousin and how you adore her improvements and change from the past until now with her husband. Of course change is scary, but it is a blessing to see what has to come. As you mentioned, a new house, new business, and living their best life; they have more control over their life and made a sense of meaning in their life.
As I mentioned in my previous paragraph, change is scary, but is it sometimes it is for the best or not. The past cannot be changed, but you are able to alter your future from your mistakes. Reflection is important, and if you cannot give yourself time to articulate your thoughts, what is the point? Things will not be done, and you ill be always stuck in the past.
Taleah Ruben 🙂
Dr. Martin,
While it was nice to sit and read about the beauty of Placerville, the most intriguing aspect of your post was that we often fall victim to change rather than initiating it ourselves. I agree with this and think it often has lasting effects. Often when I am forced to adapt to a new large life change it is a bitter thing, for example, moving. Growing up I have moved several times for reasons that were out of my control and every time the result was bitterness toward the change. Whether it was because the situation was poor one or I was just upset I had no say in the matter, the fact remained that the experience was not a pleasant one. However, as I have gotten older and have been able to take charge of my own life I have found that when I inspire change for myself whether the outcome be good or bad I feel better about the situation than if I was subject to the change without a say.
Being able to inspire change in your own life is an amazing thing. It is empowering and mentally and emotionally uplifting. However, what is even better than affecting change for one’s self is to do so for others. While it may seem like a difficult thing to do, it most certainly is not. There were studies done that showed when members of a team choose to affect positive change for their teammates rather than themselves, even on a small scale like buying coffee, the team as a whole does better. The same study also found that when people chose to do something for others rather than themselves there was a larger positive mental and emotional impact on the person doing the good deed. I say this to show the inspiring change is amazing in what it can do, on an emotional, mental, and physical level. It is truly amazing and something that I believe more people should strive to do. Even if it is buying your friend their favorite drink one day, or volunteering your time at a local charity. I would love to challenge people to do these kind acts, that inspire change and have them reflect afterwards on the good they did not only for someone else but also for themselves. Inspiring change does not have to be on a big scale like moving it can be something so small and simple, and yet still have a large impact.
Dr. Martin,
This blog post resonated with me because authentic relationships are something I have always sought out. In grade school, it’s always a battle to have the most friends. Popularity is the goal at the cost of authenticity. I have never played into that game and, as a child, was insecure about the small number of friends I had.
Now, as an adult, I am very particular about who I associate with. If I can’t trust you, I will not associate with you. If I do not feel like we equally value one another, it’s not worth my time. Reading about the friendships you have made is beautiful, as they seem authentic and real.
“Too often I believe we are the victim of change rather than the instigator.”
The above quote really stuck out to me as well. Reactive vs. proactive. Preparing and calling your own shots is such a power move. I am in the midst of that now. I was unhappy with the dead-end job I had. I wanted change and was not able to get it where I was. This situation is slightly different than the quote, but still similar as we talk about change. I decided that, as scary as it is, I will change my whole life for the betterment of myself and my family.
I decided to make these changes on my own time instead of waiting until I was forced to do so with feelings that I waited too long or it was too late. Maybe instead of being a victim of change, I was becoming a victim of stagnancy. I was an instigator to break the cycle of the mundane, repetitive nature of my current life.
The thing with change, the reason it is so scary, is because you could prepare to your full capacity and things can still go horribly wrong. Often times I find myself contemplating, “Is my current situation better than the worst-case scenario of this potential change?” It took me a long time to move past that mindset. I have a wonderful support system, as I have surrounded myself with authentic people and my emotional support dogs (not certified, just goofy), to help me through. What if I fail? What if I put all my eggs in this basket and it doesn’t work out? I guess we’ll find out.
As always, I enjoyed reading your thoughts. I am happy to read that you have a wonderful support system of your own to help you with the transition into retirement.
Shannon
Good Afternoon Dr. Martin,
I liked your discussion of change. I am a naturally very anxious person and change is quite difficult for me. Coming back to university after being out of school for multiple years was a nerve-wracking change and now I am preparing for an internship and graduation in December, I am rattled with the fear of the unknown of my future after graduation.
I appreciate reading about your life experiences and all the trials and tribulations of your life. It is interesting to read. Thank you as always for sharing these with us.
It’s great to hear about your return to Hang Town and the memories it brought back. Your first visit in 2005 sounds magical, with the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills and the welcoming hospitality of your cousin and her husband. Working at Miraflores Winery and learning about winemaking must have been an amazing experience.
Your admiration for Marco Cappelli and Belinda is clear. Their intelligence, kindness, and strong partnership have obviously had a big impact on you. Seeing their children, Gia and Carlo, grow up in such a loving environment is truly heartwarming.
Your connection to Placerville and the people there seems very special, providing you with a sense of belonging despite the changes in your life. Your reflections on change, whether managing it or feeling overwhelmed by it, are relatable. As you navigate upcoming transitions, it’s clear you’re embracing the possibilities with both excitement and a bit of nervousness, which is natural.
Thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts. It’s a reminder of how the connections we make with places and people can deeply shape our lives.
Dr. Martin,
Your ability to transport your audience into the setting you are describing is beautiful. I feel I could picture perfectly in my head the winery. What I really loved though, was the underlying truth that it doesn’t matter how old you may be – you can still find something in this world to fill you with joy, to find a new hobby, to find a new interest. Not everyone can say they went to the extent you did when it came to the winery and learned such things as you, such as how weather will depict the grapes and can ultimately affect the wine. To find joy, however, may be a bit different. Yet Gia and Carlo may be the eye in the middle of a hurricane. They are the difference; they are what we need. The way you described the two of them was breathtaking, and they are lucky to have you as a figure in their lives no matter how far apart you may be.
Regina Schroeder
Good afternoon from my work study, I’m in between tasks and actually wanted to post today. I don’t mean to sound rude, but treating writing as an art is such a hard task for me. Until last night actually. Everything finally clicked, like learning from my mistakes and moving forward. In the future I see myself taking more English classes just to learn how to love writing more. I agree, living with regret for
is an incredibly sad way to live.
My first year attending Mansfield, I actively made a choice to work on my inconsistencies as a human and musician. If I hadn’t made that choice I know I would’ve regret being rejected from the opportunities I were to be seeking.
Thank you for your insightful perspective.