Gifts of Time and Attention

About a third of the way through a first meeting recently, my host sat back, seeming to share in my enthusiasm, smiled, and asked: Now, what can I do for you? There was a definite emphasis on the I and the you. The question came so unexpectedly and sounded so genuine that I was completely taken aback. What can I do for you?

He had done “it” for me by the very sincerity of the question, by listening to my impassioned recounting of the GV Magazine journey and all the amazing people we’ve met along the way and their stories. I could think of nothing in particular that he could do for me at the time, but I was so inspired by the very sincerity of the question as an invitation to brainstorm collaborative possibilities that I now find myself more and more asking the same question of others: What can I do for you? I may not be able to do whatever it is exactly, but then again, maybe I can. Either way, what a brilliant starting point for exploring new and exciting possibilities in our own community.

Give the gift of listening, of collaboration, of friendship this year. With all the conveniences of zippy communiqués and dashing to the mall for that gotta-find-something-quick obligatory gift, nothing has yet come close to the gift of time and attention, a friendly ear, respectful acknowledgment. It costs nothing yet gives more than any toy or gizmo ever could. And in such a busy world, almost everyone understands how precious time is — the one gift that is truly nonreturnable, nonrefundable, nontransferable. At least not yet anyway.

--Krystyn Hartman

Exploring Leadership: Expectation and Surprise

It can be such fun meeting someone for the first time — someone about whom I have no preconceived notions or inside information. Every expression, nuance, inflection, or shared story is unexpected, new, filled with surprise. Never mind what I expected: Expectation can mask an incoming surprise with even the tiniest tidbit of bias. It’s the surprises that reveal the softer side of even the crustiest of curmudgeons. The same effect of surprise can apply to places, events, and adventures, too, of course. Mysteries of life around the bend beckon — eager to be observed, acknowledged, shared.

I’ve had the amazing experience of identifying and interviewing a dynamic network of leaders — retiring, established, and emerging — this past year as part of our editorial research process. Any expectations I had when we began the program were soon dismissed. One surprise followed another with each interview. We noted their similarities, differences, passions, concerns, perspectives, motivations, eagerness to collaborate, and — oh yes — the surprises. Those insightful and often humorous sidebars in otherwise formal conversations allow a glimpse into what drives these smart and dynamic leaders. Dreams, visions, and plans can be revealed along with a sense of personality.

As the leadership tapestry began to take shape in the community fabric, the common threads showed a clear direction: an evolving healthy future for the Grand Valley and Western Colorado built on a strong past and present. I am so looking forward to watching how the tapestry takes shape as these leaders weave their own threads into the community fabric. Very exciting indeed.

Worthy of Print

We’ve had a lot of queries from young writers lately. I usually ask them why they don’t do something on line. “It’s not the same,” they say. “Anyone can do that.”

With each query, I can’t help but ponder a future where print media exists as the selective, truly archival-worthy media. I think of the old parchments and illuminated books discovered in caves and long-forgotten libraries and how important their messages must have been within the context of their time to have been inscribed upon parchment and handmade papers. Inaccessible to so many. Rare and coveted. And when they’re discovered, modern man studies them in awe — a gift from ancient scribes allowing us a peek into their time, a glimpse at what was important in their worldview, important enough to preserve for sometimes thousands of years.

My thoughts float further back in time when important information was engraved in stone or painted on rock walls in accessible and not-so-accessible places. Yet another gift from ancient storytellers.

Perhaps we’re moving into a future of print media where it really is about what is worthy of print. At GV Magazine, we see that as part of our mission each and every month. Is this content worthy of all that must go into it? And that means the stories, the photos, the art, the ads, and the recycled paper it’s printed on. These are challenging and exciting times on the Western Slope of Colorado, rich with stories of Grand Valley life – stories worthy of print.

Speeding Logos

Last week when I pulled into the first stop of our new Roaring Fork Valley delivery route, I couldn’t help but notice the shiny blue pickup-truck parked in the lot next to my car, a big company logo, phone number, and website prominently displayed on the truck’s rear window. That’s what I need, I thought: A magnetic GV sign on the side of my car for delivery days. Logo and website. Yes, that’s a good idea.

For the next 250 miles of delivery rounds, I couldn’t help but look at as many vehicles sporting company logos as I could find. But that’s when it got really interesting. At least nine out of every ten that I’d see were either speeding, the driver talking on the cell phone, or both. One guy almost ran off the road while dialing or texting. I took mental note of as many of those company logos as I could – mainly because I knew I didn’t want to do business with any of them.

I was of course curious as to why anyone would behave so recklessly while waving their company logo at the same time. Why would anyone want to send that kind of message about their business?

I would think that magnetic signs would be a better choice for these folks. That way, if they want to speed and text in and out of traffic (placement), they can do it without announcing (advertising) to the other drivers (target audience) that they’re company is hurried, inconsiderate, and careless (the brand). Just take the sign off the door and place it inside the vehicle if speeding and careless behavior is called for. Good grief.

Oh, and yes, I still want a GV logo on my car for delivery days, but it will definitely be the magnetic type. You know, just in case I get a little behind on those deliveries.

Savor flavor

I learned years ago from an old winemaker that there is no more flavor in a big bite than in a small one. In fact, there is far more flavor in a small bite than in a big one. The pinch of spice thoughtfully added by the cook is completely missed when shoved hungrily past the taste buds, swallowed nearly whole, a wasted flavor nuance. Such a pity too.

There is so much more to savor when considering all that goes into the food that sustains us: The farmer who senses the land and the weather in a way that is part of who he is; an attentive guardian who tends his wheat fields. The hands that know when and how to harvest for the best outcomes; at both the mercy and blessing of Mother Nature on any given day or night. The workers who grind the wheat into meal and flour. The drivers and shopkeepers who bring the flour to market. The baker who rises early in the morning, strong kneading hands preparing a familiar recipe, a pinch of this and a pinch of that. The energy workers whose efforts provide fuel to heat the oven, the mouth-watering smell of a soft-crusted loaf filling the air. A welcoming table generously set for all who wish to share. A moment taken to honor and reflect on such an awe-inspiring journey, followed by a chorus of yummy sounds from smiling faces savoring each soft warm bite.

When times get lean, seems like people divide into two camps: Those who turn to each other and come together; and those who turn against each other and seek to take from one another. The difference between those who participate in bringing bread to the table and those whose interests lie only in consuming the bread is all too clear.

While in New York on wine business many years ago, I had the good fortune of being a guest at a private dinner party hosted by a French Chef and a California winemaker. There were 14 of us seated around a marble-topped horseshoe table, the chef at his island in the center preparing and discussing each course with us; the winemaker standing nearby commenting on why his selected varietals will pair well with each course.

At one point, the chef passed around a white dish containing five tiny and truly exquisite saffron flowers while he described their rarity and delicate nature, adding that in this form they are extraordinary in their expense and extremely difficult to come by. He wanted us to see and appreciate the little flowers before adding them to the next dish he was preparing for us -- the air awash in anticipation.

But then we watched in horror as the man next to me, upon taking the dish, popped two of the little flowers in his mouth -- without hesitation, then folded his arms, looking around, daring anyone to object. The chef had paused to taste the winemaker's lovely Viognier, unaware of the man's greedy deed. When the dish of remaining flowers made it back around to the chef... well, things turned quite nasty.

Security was finally called. The man stormed out, bellowing down the long hallway to the elevators -- only minutes before security arrived.

A precious gift of a few rare and delicate flowers, their unique and subtle flavors unlike any dried or processed version of saffron I'd ever tasted, to be shared and savored by many, and all it took was one selfish consuming maw to violate the honor and connectedness of the moment.

And yet... even though we each received only a small tasting of the saffron bechamel sauce, the soft essence of the delicate flowers lingers in my palatal memories. Unforgettable flavor...

Funny the things we remember, and why.

Welcome to our GV Café

You may have noticed that each issue of GV Magazine opens with an introduction of the contributors, followed immediately by food and wine. This is no accident.

GV Magazine is our Grand Valley Café for stories each month, with each contributor a host, each reader a friend and special guest. And because we live in an agricultural and wine region, we want of course to welcome our friends and special guests with food and conviviality as we ponder local stories.

The GV team is a family. A family of talented professionals who share a strong commitment to the mission of GV Magazine, the mission to celebrate and reflect the dynamic life, landscape, and people of the Grand Valley. It is such an honor for me to create with, work with, laugh and cry with the GV Magazine team. May is our eighth monthly issue. It is because of the experience and talents of the GV team that we are able to create this Grand Valley Café each and every month — and have such a darn good time at it too.

Teamwork is one of those buzzwords that gets bandied about to the point that it can lose its depth of meaning. The May issue of GV is chock-full of stories about successful teams — in the truest sense of the word — in our greater community.

I am so thankful to be part of a team whose members are as open, respectful, and collaborative as they are talented, experienced, and just plain fun to be with. When I consider all the global and national events that have taken place since the launch of our first issue back in October, I am even more amazed at the GV team. Through it all, they never flinched and never wavered when creating each month’s issue of GV.

We’re excited to tell you that we’re growing. We continue to receive amazing and intriguing story ideas from readers. And we delight in introducing a new writer or two each month. We are thrilled that you have chosen to be part of our little GV Café of stories each month. Thank you.