These stories tend to focus on special individuals or couples who have something in particular to say, or represent something specific worth documenting. They certainly aren’t always big names, or popular figures, but can be quiet and unimposing personalities as well—with a story to tell.

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Well, that’s the “Real McCoy!” That spoken phrase usually means that something is either the “genuine article” or the “real thing,” or the “very best”. Like many old sayings, we may use them, but don’t know the origin of the phrase. Given that nobody really knows, we found four plausible theories on this particular idiom ranging from Scottish whisky, industrial innovation, boxing rings, and Prohibition-era rum.

We thought it would be fun to offer a fifth explanation, that we call, Pepino is the real McCoy.

In 1962 there was a classic TV series, “The Real McCoys” about a multi-generational family that migrated to California from the hills of West Virginia. Rather than being similar to the infamous feuding Hatfield and McCoy families (supposedly from the same Appalachian locale) this family chose to be different. They were genuinely good people, doing their best to model inspiring behavior. They lived up to the best qualities that the name “McCoy” now implies.

Pepino’s barn abode

The California McCoys weren’t perfect by any means, but they were honest and hard-working folks, respected by all. They even took on an immigrant named Pepino who was the live-in hired hand on the farm. His living quarters were located in a room built into the farm’s barn, often considered the “bunk house.” When the family was faced with a challenge, Pepino was often the one they turned to for support and solutions. We considered him to be part of the McCoy family, and an integral character in the show.

Pepino was a hard worker, good friend and a team player who was determined to eventually become an American citizen. The story of his strong contribution and personal growth was played out in the many episodes. He loved and respected his adopted family so much, that he wanted to officially change his last name from Garcia to McCoy. And he eventually did just that.

For us, Pepino symbolizes a brave individual, the best of the best, on his path from immigrant to hired hand, to extended family member, and finally becoming a US citizen.

Following is the episode where Grandpa Amos first refers to Pepino as the “Real McCoy.” It’s a very funny episode, yet also quite touching—best to watch in its entirety (If time is short, start at about the 19:00 point.) True to the style of the times in 1962, the show appears dated now. But the values portrayed are timeless and genuinely heartfelt.

Credits and Notes

Video: “ The Real McCoys – Pepino McCoy” courtesy of YouTube and Greg Tate.

Image of Tony Martinez – Pepino, from the “Real McCoys” courtesy of people.com

Tony Martinez (Pepino Garcia), passed away on September 16, 2002, at the age of 82. While Pepino was his most famous television role, he was also a very accomplished musician and stage actor. He notably played Sancho Panza in over 2,200 performances of the musical Man of La Mancha across various tours and Broadway runs. He was the first Latin American actor to perform in the western genre (sourced from “Tony Martinez – Actor,” Wikipedia).

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Espresso. Simple. Rich. Satisfying. But how and why? We accepted the invitation to delve into the mystery.

We typically begin our day in a coffee bar—specifically, Pasticceria Lorenzo in the little town of Pian di Mugnone,Italy, just north of Florence. The coffee is quick and hot, and balances perfectly with a fresh pastry. When we’re in San Diego, we have a similar routine, however, the pace for breakfast is vastly different. In Italy, we drive 20 minutes to enjoy a 10 minute “breakfast.” In California, we walk for 10 minutes and stay for an hour on our devices. It’s a funny contrast, since Italy is known for “la dolce vita,” which usually means lingering and savoring.

In either place the coffee is great, but we started noticing something: the large espresso machine that coffee bars use makes a big difference in the taste and quality of the drink. Hmmm. Who made the machine, we wondered. Frequently, the answer to that question is: La Marzocco. So we decided to do a bit of research to locate the source of La Marzocco, since we knew it was a Florentine company. We struck gold!

An Awesome Machine

Just outside of Florence, in the tiny village of Pian di San Bartolo is a barista’s dream, the Accademia del Caffè Espresso. Housed in the original manufacturing building is a beautiful sunlit space with a designer coffee bar and areas to relax and mingle. But rather than simply the former factory, The Accademia has been transformed into an impressive contemporary museum about coffee! There are incredible displays with either guided or self-directed tours; also immersive tours and education focused on the history and science of espresso are available. Step up to the coffee bar where the barista awaits your order. They are proudly standing behind a gleaming espresso machine with the familiar script, La Marzocco adorning the front. Request an espresso. Then enjoy the magic.

A few sips later, we entered the exhibit space. We had the pleasure of sharing our experience with our own expert guide—Marta, the barista at Caffé Lorenzo. She shared her vast knowledge of coffee with us as we strolled through the exhibits. Displays were hands-on, so we also had a few laughs along the way.

Here’s a little La Marzocco background info: In 1927, the Bambi brothers invented the first ever, original, hand-made espresso machine called the Fiorenza. From that point on they refined and innovated their machines, always taking great satisfaction that each espresso machine was hand-built. Today, the machines are still completely handcrafted in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Scarperia, farther afield from Florence. La Marzocco  is still recognized around the world for its excellence.

Caffè Lorenzo

When we walk into Caffè Lorenzo, Marta makes eye-contact with us in the mirror that spans the length of the machine. Immediately, she begins creating our “usual” coffees. Within seconds, she spins around, places a tiny spoon onto the saucer beside the coffee and places the fresh coffee on the counter before us. It is truly an orchestration. While we’re blissfully sipping our drinks and enjoying a few short and sweet conversations with the regulars, we know that there are so many elements that come into play to make that great cup of coffee. There truly is magic behind the coffee curtain. To begin with, the secrets are hidden in the three major components: la positzione (in this case, Florence); la macchina (the espresso machine); and la barista (the expert). Ahhhh Italia!

Simply Beautiful

One might have the best equipment and still not make the best espresso. That’s where the barista comes in. Operating these machines is not simply pushing a button. Instead, they require a high level of attention and manual precision. To pull a truly excellent shot, the barista must simultaneously master a number of variables. To dig a little deeper, we thought it would be fun to ask Gemini AI for the aspects of operation that make an espresso truly remarkable. Following is our interpretation of AI’s response:

Grind: the Goldilocks dilemma—not too coarse and not too fine.

Dose: They must have the exact weight of dry coffee grounds—within 0.1 grams to ensure consistency.

Distribution: Grounds must be leveled evenly or the flavor is lost.

Tamp: Firm, level pressure (usually around 30 lbs) to compress the grounds to the right density.

Water Temperature: Just the right amount of heat will bring out the best qualities of the coffee used. Only half of a degree can make an appreciable difference.

Ratio: How much liquid espresso should end up in the cup for the best taste, the ratio of grounds to water is the professional’s decision.

Timing: Monitoring the “shot time,” not too fast and not too slow—usually between 25 to 32 seconds.

Pressure: Variable adjustments in the water pressure can bring out the best—a truly incredible art-form, ventured into by only the perfectionist.

Aeration, Texturing: If the drink involves milk, controlling the steam wand properly is a critical factor.

If you are ever in Florence and want a delightful coffee experience, check out the Accademia in nearby Pian di San Bartolo. The photo gallery below will provide a small glimpse into what you will find upon your arrival.

Photo Gallery

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We spend our entire lives “Reaching,” for one thing or another.

We reach for the alarm clock to turn it off or maybe hit the snooze button for 9 more minutes of sleep. We reach for a jar on the top shelf, only to find it beyond our grasp. Standing on tiptoes, we stretch, desperately trying to nudge the jar just a bit closer. We’re constantly reaching just a little more.

We reach for that long sought-after goal. We reach the end of our rope. We even reach for the stars. Babies instinctively reach out for the warm touch of security. And finally, when all is said and done, we reach the end of this lifetime.

Our understanding is that success is in the “grasping.” Whatever we seek must be captured—safe and secure within our hands. But should we come up “empty-handed,” we imagine that something has tragically slipped away from us.

Yet we know that “grasping” and “holding” are only illusions. It’s not possible to “hold onto” anything. Instead, we see that life happens mainly through the act of Reaching. When we focus on the reaching, we begin to understand that the desire, the aspiration itself animates life.

This idea was expressed by great philosophers. Marcus Aurelius said: “It does not matter what you bear, but how you bear it.” This suggests attitude and intention is far more important than the results. Centuries later, Mahatma Gandhi echoed a similar thought: “Whatever you do in life will be insignificant , but it is important that you do it . . .”

Without regret, our intention is to energetically reach and reach and reach, until one day, we will finally grasp a humble truth—that a life well-lived exists only in each moment of striving, in “reaching,” and that in itself is the prize.

Music – Reach

 

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Cheryl woke up this morning with a song repeating in her head. As usual, she sings the song aloud. From that point, the song moves into both our heads, and we find ourselves humming, singing, or whistling the tune all day—much like a an advertising jingle or chorus of a pop tune.

Today’s song was “Sixteen Tons” by Tennessee Ernie Ford. It became his signature hit, inspired by the travails of real-life coal miners in Kentucky. Although the song was written by Merle Travis in 1947, it didn’t become popular until Tennessee Ernie’s deep-voiced version of 1956.

Mining family – 1950s

Despite the age of the song, we find the story relevant today, some 70 years later. The tale is about the plight of the working man, becoming dependent on the “company-owned store” to support their families. Although it was a bargain struck out of necessity, it was a desperately sad realization that survival depended on humbly accepting terms that someone else offered, an intentional indebtedness to those in power.

We often recite a line from The Declaration of Independence, “. . . that all men are created equal . . . endowed by their Creator. . . ” Alas, we are still working on that idea/ideal. But hey, it’s only been 250 years. It takes some time.

Following is Ernie Ford’s version of his signature song. It’s worth a listen. What comes through is his honest sympathy for those working people who simply want to claim their independence, while taking responsibility.

Although few, if any of us would say: “I owe my soul to the company store,” that line becomes the heartbreaking message of the song. The absolute dread that Ford delivers in the line,”I owe my soul,” which is repeated 4 times, underscores the solemnity of the message.  Ernie Ford delivers the phrase as if he could cry. Then, finally (in the video version) he looks up, pleading, while increasing the volume of his booming voice, seeking relief. When he glances downward at the end of the song, he humbly accepts his plight, as though he becomes the very downtrodden worker he sings about.

What a  storyteller.

Lyrics

Some people say a man is made out of mud
A poor man’s made out of muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that’s weak and a back that’s strong
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter, don’t you call me, ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin’ when the sun didn’t shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number 9 coal
And the straw boss said, “Well a-bless my soul!”
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter, don’t you call me, ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
I was born one mornin’, it was drizzlin’ rain
Fightin’ and trouble are my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an old mama lion
Can’t no high-toned woman make me walk the line
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter, don’t you call me, ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
If you see me comin’ better step aside
A lot of men didn’t, a lot of men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel
If the right one don’t getcha, then the left one will
You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter, don’t you call me, ’cause I can’t go
I owe my soul to the company store
————————————————

Source: Musixmatch -YouTube
Songwriter: Merle Travis
Sixteen Tons lyrics © Unichappell Music Inc.,
      Campbell Connelly And Co. Ltd., Merle’s Girls Music.
Elvis Presley Music Inc.
Images – Canva AI

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Hope. The very word implies an intention for a future. When hope is shared among and with others it becomes even more potent. The simple act of holding hope has helped us through some tough times. It’s such a powerful idea that we wove it into the lyrics of our song and story called “Circle of Trust.” We often hear about acts of kindness, when people experience empathy for another and “hold space” or allow a safe, non-judgmental listening. Compassion and trust create a unique “micro” environment. A gathering of such like-minded folks, harnesses an energetic force that just might change the world. Especially in these times of division and uncertainty, we can choose to be holders of hope in a circle of trust.

(more…)

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While going through some old files recently, we came across a story that had long been tucked away. In 2008, Cheryl wrote an original story,  the “Big Green Chair.” It is a memory of her kindergarten year, so circa 1956. She was tasked with taking care of herself while her parents juggled work and family needs. Alone for countless hours each weekday, she filled the time with creative imaginings, reading the encyclopedia, and generally entertaining herself. She developed a  child’s sense of humor, while pretending and observing her surroundings, as well as exploring her inner world. The result was that she became self-sufficient, maybe even too much so at such a tender age. Following is that story exactly as she recounted those solitary days as a little girl on Burton Road in Middletown Ohio.

The Original Story

I was a “latchkey” kid before the phrase was coined, but with one important difference: I was never alone. My mom folded boxes at the local corrugated paper company. Because she wanted to be home with the family in the evenings and to see us off to school each morning, she opted for the night shift. In the mornings, after bowls of oatmeal, and lunches were packed, she faithfully stood at the door and we went on our way.

Each day I’d return home around mid-day. The school bus driver had Mom’s strict orders to watch me until I passed through our front door.  Once inside, I locked the door and stood silently, listening for the familiar sound of my mother’s soft and steady breathing. She was a “gentle” sleeper and it was nice to know she was there.

At times I watched cartoons, without sound, to be quiet. Sometimes I lay upside-down in my huge chair and extended my legs upward and pretended to walk on the ceiling, defying gravity. Other times I looked at pictures in the encyclopedia. Still other times, I napped, tuckered out from a hard morning at school.

Later, when my dad came home from the City Water Works, the house would buzz with noise and chatter. But in the meantime, many hours were whiled away in that chair, a giant gentle hand that held me when everyone was away.  There, nestled in the warmth of my big green chair, I learned about the world and about myself. Within the silence of my own thoughts I grew up imagining that anything was possible.

Written from memory, 1-30-08

You can also visit the our musical story page here, which was written and first published some months later in 2008.

Music

Audio Player

Lyrics

Half a day is passed at school
Then I’m home by noon, it’s time to play

Mama worked hard yesterday
Now she’s sleeping late
So I won’t make a sound

I’ll grab a bite to eat
Prop up both my feet
Settle back into the big green chair

After lunch I read a book
Switch on TV to look
Cartoons fill the screen

Throw my legs upon the back
Swing my hair this way and that
Now my whole world is turned upside down

Without a single care
You could always find me there
Nestled deep into my big green chair

I notice that I’m wearing mismatched socks
Volume D has pictures of each different kind of dog
My purple Kool-Aid stain moustache is finally wearing off
What a shame

Now it’s getting close to four
Soon bursting through the door
My brother comes in

With my sister close behind
They both laugh to find me there
Kind of dozing in my big green chair

Then Mama’s at the stove
And Daddy has just come home
Glad to see them, I jump from my green chair
All together we’re finally
Home again

Credits

From After All, track released September 1, 2008
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics, vocals and production
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar, vocals and production
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering
The Tibbs Family – Inspiration
Images – Gemini

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The quiet story—you know, the one that runs alongside the main one—attracts and inspires us.

We often set our sites on going somewhere “interesting,” or doing something “meaningful.” Those things definitely happen, but what we’ve discovered time and again is that there’s always an unexpected happening that shows-up along the way that we call the “quiet story.” And it’s the quiet one that usually stays with us and means the most.

Dario Cecchini

On a beautiful day in Tuscany, we decided to drive an hour south of Florence to the small town of Panzano for lunch at the restaurant, Officina della Bistecca (workshop of the steak). The owner is Dario Cecchini, who has earned the reputation of being the most famous butcher in all of Italy. That’s quite a statement. He’s been included in some American cookbooks, is known throughout Italy and is a living legend. He’s tall, confident and out-going. His staff has been well trained in the sweet art of conviviality (cheerful and attentive). Dario has such a large personality that when he enters the room, everyone is immediately drawn to him. But here’s the thing—he’s a really nice, caring and generous man and it doesn’t take long to realize that.

Josh, Italian dreaming

We went to the Officina because we knew somebody who had taken an apprenticeship with Dario. Josh held a dream to study the fine art of butchery. Circumstances led him straight to Dario. He wasn’t alone. There were 4-5 apprentices there, from the four corners of the earth. Dario had said “yes” to each of them. He said “yes” to helping them follow their dreams. Josh was smitten with Italy and the Italian people, and rightly so. The only thing better than holding a dream is having it come true and it was happening right before our eyes.

As we sat watching the drama of the moment, Dario quietly stole away from the cheering diners to embrace and nuzzle the face of his older brother Stefano. I don’t think anybody noticed besides us. We relish an endearing expression of affection. After all, what we enjoy most is the quiet story.

Related Video

This short video will give you a glimpse into Dario Cecchini’s world. Going to Panzano is one of those experiences you’ll never forget. When you get to the part where Dario is holding up a bistecca In each hand he is proclaiming that “To beef or not to beef, that is the question.” The crowd roars with approval!

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The real thing

The name Bird-of-Paradise, although originally intended for an exotic bird, is also the popular name of a beautiful flowering plant. After all, the flowers bear a striking resemblance to the bird’s colorful plumage and the shape of its beak. First observed in New Guinea by Europeans in 1522, the bird’s unforgettable appearance spawned myths of having arrived directly from heaven. As a result, the storied fowl became synonymous with power and wealth. Eventually the bird achieved peak status as the National symbol for Papua New Guinea representing freedom and independence.

In contrast, the flower by the same name hails from South Africa, growing wild along the coast and river banks. You might say they are “normal” there. However, in 1773, along came Sir Joseph Banks, a Botanist who recognized the flora as extraordinary, and took the treasured plant back to his home in England, placing his prized specimen in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Due to the striking resemblance between the flower and the bird, the borrowed name “Bird of Paradise” stuck and became the common moniker that followed the exotic plant as it migrated into every warm, frost-free climate around the world.

The incredible Twin

That brings us and our story to one of those warm climates some 250 years later. We were walking in downtown San Diego the other day, as part of our daily routine to a favorite coffee shop. We passed apartments and condos along the way, and by chance, came upon a couple photographing a particular flower (He was apparently the designated photographer while she provided the necessary narrative). There in a flowerbed outside their condo stood one of those gorgeous “bird/plants,” strutting its stuff. We paused to watch as she circled the bloom, swooning and describing its unique qualities. Evidently, what we were looking at was no ordinary “bird-flower.” This one boasted two opposing “beaky things” rather than just one. She declared the anomaly to be a “twin,” and excitedly proclaimed its virtues. This phenomenon of “twin beaks” may or may not be rare, but she was quite taken with it and so we chose to accept her narrative.

For us, this chance encounter with the enamored couple and their flowering Bird was a classic moment where a variety of interesting details came swooping together. A coincidence? A serendipity? Who can say?

In this curious age of AI and “created” reality everywhere we look, we intuitively stopped to briefly connect with real life. We were reminded that there are flashes of sweetness all around us all of the time, we just need to stop and notice. Sometimes we get distracted with “Breaking News,” politics, and world events that are overwhelming. Yet, on a regular Monday morning walk, out of nowhere, various snippets of life from hundreds of years swirled together into a magical encounter. We experienced a heavenly Bird of Paradise that metaphorically flew down and landed at our feet.

Note: The famous Papua New Guinea National Flag with the Golden Bird of Paradise representing freedom and emergence, and the five stars representing the Southern Cross—their proud Pacific location and cooperation with the other Pacific Nations.

Papua New Guinea Flag

Related Story

Monarchs Rule

The Unexpected

Today, an unexpected guest arrived at our home. On a beautiful sunny, cloudless June day in San Diego, something amazing happened. Following our lunch on the patio, we left the door wide open to let outside breezes in. Suddenly, there was a fluttering—a shadowy silhouette against the stark white ceiling.

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This quote comes from the lyrics of the song called “Little Things.” Can you remember that last moment that crept up on you and you laughed so hard that you experienced rare tears of joy? What was it that brought about such a powerful visceral response? Buried within that moment is a treasure-trove of information about some part of you. Aren’t we all puzzles, piecing together the aspects of who we are? Take a look inside—there may be a surprise awaiting.

Related Story

Yesterday Me

Understanding the origin of tears can take a little digging. Do I cry because a tender moment surfaces from my memory bank ? Maybe a secret longing has awakened and it leaps into my throat. Are my tears ones of joy or sadness? Perhaps the source can’t quite be found or articulated. These lyrics were penned years ago in a story called “Yesterday Me.” Although the words weren’t written yesterday, the sentiment persists.

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Pondering recently about the word adventure, we landed on a slight modification: the add–venture. As we step out into the world each day, we have the ability to add something meaningful to enhance our experience or not. Yet, we know that even if we opt to let something pass, that still creates an impact—just a lost opportunity. It just lacks intention. The choice is really whether we make an intentional addition or a deliberate withholding to the world around us.

Step by step

Just getting out of bed each day is the start of a never-before-lived add-venture. Even with iron-clad plans, we acknowledge that they may or may not come to fruition as we imagined. To underscore the serendipitous nature of Life, we like to say, “make a plan, change a plan.”  With that simple phrase, (and a chuckle) we remind ourselves that Life is incredibly dynamic, and admit that we really have no idea what might happen next.

Yet, we accept the “universal dare” each morning by placing a toe on the floor. Then the day begins unfolding, one step at a time. Armed with the power of personal observation, conversation and exchange of ideas, we venture out into the day with high hopes. Within every fresh new choice, we invite potential along with those illusive and unpredictable upsides and downsides. We imagine that we’re seasoned risk-takers, adaptability experts, or even survival specialists, and in some ways we are.

Jump on!

Helen Keller is well known for her quote: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Well, if those are the only two choices, we’ve opted for the daring adventure. Just by adopting that attitude, we’re presented with revolving opportunities that we can grab or simply wait for the next one to come around, we alone decide—like kids choosing when to leap onto the spinning merry-go-round, or climbing to the top of the slide. We can climb on or jump off simply on a whim. We ask permission from no one as it’s entirely up to us. Now that’s spontaneous daring! That’s adventure in motion!  We’re beginning to realize the importance of life lessons learned on the playground.

All things imaginable and more appear before us as we spin around and around and around within this crazy add-venture. It’s a dizzying idea. Even when we think we’re standing still, we’re still, moving. It’s a swirling, twirling existence. You can almost hear the clock ticking off the countless possibilities as our Life spins around us minute-by-minute, all in the course of a day. 

Wishing you the best on your fast-paced, personal daring adventure!

Related Music

Create your day

Below is the song we just finished called “Course of a Day” dedicated to the idea of a daily add-venture of creating whatever you want—or not. Mix the colors and invent a hue that’s never been seen before. It’ your choice. You can also go directly to the music page where you’ll find the entire album called “Hold to the Heart.”

Another Related Musical Story

Once we’ve chosen what to “hold to the heart,” the playful, spontaneous fun begins. This Musical Story called “Swinging Statues,” speaks to the childlike innocence that emerges when we let go of inhibitions and spin ourselves into an exciting and always surprising future.