This weekend was filled with people who were passionate about what they were doing.

My husband and I experienced the best gourmet/wine dinner event at The Veronica in North Bend on Saturday night. We sat at a table of 14 people who were passionate about wine. Rich Funk, the winemaker of Saviah Cellars wine from Walla Walla, was so exuberant when speaking about the characteristics of each of his wines (chardonnay, merlot, “The Jack” cabernet and two syrahs), it was like listening to Robert Parker Jr. His passion was obvious in his sparkling eyes.

Roweno, his wine distributor, was quite the marketer as she passionately developed a relationship with her prospective clients. Eric, The Veronica’s owner, wore many hats as he poured wine, served food, cleared plates and acted as maitre d’ throughout the evening. I learned from his wife, Veronica, that the wine bar restaurant was his passion. Veronica herself was bubbling with enthusiasm as she spoke of her passion for teaching ballet.

Michael Vetsch, the chef, prepared courses of gourmet food that I never imagined could be so colorfully presented and taste so delicious. Did you know Eric hired Michael through craigslist? Michael’s passion is cuisine.

If you haven’t heard Danny Godiner playing his acoustic guitar, you’ve missed the musician of the year. He is so passionate about his music and is truly “a diamond in the rough” here in North Bend.

On Sunday morning, I heard one passionate motivational speaker, Chris Widener, at Church on the Ridge. He asks you to ask yourself, “What is my purpose on this earth?” and, “Why am I not pursuing my passion?” Chris pursued his passion and is living his dream all over the United States. (Check out his books “The Angel Inside” and “Twelve Pillars.”)

Sunday evening was the finals on TV for “Dancing with the Stars.” Did anyone count how many times the word “passion” was used during the interviews with the dancers? Didn’t the dancers just make you want to be dancing like they were?

So now, ask yourself these questions: What is my passion? Am I living it? I suggest you begin living your passion before it’s too late. Don’t be afraid to dream and then pursue that dream until it becomes a reality. Everyone in this article pursued their dream, and now they’re living it. What’s holding you back?

Laura Smart

North Bend