While waiting for a train that would ferry me from Hong Kong to Guangzhou in Southern China, I came across two distinct women. As we did not have language in common, eye contact, body language and hand gestures were all we had. It was more than enough.
How often is it that those with the very least to give are the ones that come through with what is needed. As I entered the waiting room at Hung Hom Station, in search of a seat, an older woman, Chinese, a grandmother no doubt, made eye contact with me and offered the seat next to my own. Her eyes held a kindness that I had not felt from a complete stranger in a while.
In truth, there were actually plenty of seats, but with an invitation like that, the one next to her was the best. How can I describe her? She had a brightness that shone from her dark eyes that betrayed a large heart. She spotted me searching and she gave me what I needed most at that moment– a gesture of kindness. As we parted to board, we gave each other a quick glance filled with good karma and well wishes. She rode the same train as me, yet I am certain that our journey took us to very different worlds.
She had the same energy as my own grandmother. Quiet, strong, maternal, powerful. She probably does not have a pot to piss in, but she is wealthy beyond measure.
Once on board, I settled into my seat for the two-hour ride. Another woman, across the aisle from me, not quite as old as the first, but with more financial resources, gave a quick, ugly, dismissive glance. “I am better than you,” she seemed to say. Sad woman seated next to her husband who chatted noisily on his mobile. Polished and yet, pathetic.
Give me the humble any day. And so it is with today’s NGW–from the Right Bank in Bordeaux, in the village of Massugas: Chateau Courret is a 6,000 Case Petit Bordeaux that hand harvest their grapes.
Chateau Le Petit Courret 2009 ($7). Whilst not overly complex, it does have nice fruit, is well crafted, and comes out of a great vintage for Bordeaux. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and dominated by red cherry and then red plum this light to medium bodied Bordeaux is worth seeking out. Finishing with soft tannins, and satisfying acidity, it is not a wine to age, but rather a wine to enjoy in the moment, with some good friends, a platter of charcuterie and a flood of smiles. And with a $7 price tag is a go to everyday kind of wine that will pair well with red meat and fattier fish. This is a two star wine, but one that is worth seeking out. Rated **
The little guy in the photo at the top of this page doesn’t have a guilty bone in his body. Neither should you. No-Guilt Wednesday (NGW) is not about compromising on quality. It’s all about drinking good wine that does not break the bank ($15 or less), eating good food and of course, it’s about sharing with the ones you love.
sybaritesauvage 
Is it Wednesday already? “She had a brightness that shone from her dark eyes that betrayed a large heart.” Humility is a type of power with great control holding back the beast inside and letting “That little light of mine. . .”
There was a character described in one of Carlos Castaneda’s absurd books (This was an exception) that demonstrated the notion of a person full of life rather than being bound by fear and conformity, there was a spring in his step and a living curiosity that made his eyes bright; sounds like your Chinese grandmother.
A $7 blessing is as foolish to turn down as a sweet gesture from a stranger; SS, you’re double-dipping! 😉