Beach Barn Winery, Illinois

What a strange day. It began beautifully, in the quiet comfort of my van, surrounded by mist and rain, completely absorbed in music. I played Cucurrucucú Paloma and was so moved that I decided to record it and share it on Instagram. I worked on my own song, Rain, and explored the music of Rosa Balistreri. It was one of those precious mornings when I felt deeply connected to music, and through music, to myself.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfNLZ2cNRXe/?xtok=c3R2eW1yejVqZGRn

And then, in an instant, everything changed.

My Córdoba 10, my first real guitar, fell and broke. Ten years together, through happiness and heartbreak, unforgettable moments and quiet discoveries. I kept telling myself, È solo un oggetto. It’s just an object. But it wasn’t. She had accompanied me from the very beginning of my musical journey, and losing her felt like losing a little piece of my own story.

Needing perspective, I jumped on my bicycle and headed toward Inspiration Point. Along the way, a beautiful horse approached me, curious, strong, and free. Was it a sign? Probably not. Just a beautiful encounter that somehow lifted my spirits.

At Inspiration Point, surrounded by the vast beauty of nature, my troubles suddenly seemed very small. 

But the journey back became an adventure of its own: darkness falling over rocky forest trails, bats flying around me, and my phone battery nearly dead. I eventually made it back to the vineyard, relieved and exhausted, with just 2% battery remaining.

And now, reflecting on the day, I realize that the last song I played and recorded with my Córdoba was Cucurrucucú Paloma. A song filled with longing and love, played during one of my most emotional musical moments.

Perhaps that was our goodbye.

It’s remarkable how much of ourselves we leave in the things that accompany us through life. A guitar is wood and strings, but after ten years, it becomes memories, emotions, and a witness to our personal journey.

I will find another guitar. But I won’t forget this one.

Thank you, Córdoba 10, for ten beautiful years of music. I’ll miss you.