From the Balcony
I started this newsletter a few years ago when I was producing my death podcast, and many of you joined me at that time. Since then, my focus and interests have quite naturally migrated to what I learned from when I was steeped in death, namely, how to enjoy every precious moment of life. I’d like to think that’s what I do now, more than ever before. It’s one of the great pleasures of having survived into the second half of life.
For me, enjoying life to the fullest meant leaving home and hearth and traveling out into the big world. Now that I am “out there,” it’s easy for me to look back and see the seamless path from where I was to where I am. I could have never seen it looking forward.
As one of my faithful readers (thank you!) you know how often I quote Steve Jobs from his 2005 commencement address to Stanford, where he said:
You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.
If you haven’t done so already, it is worth the time to watch Job’s entire commencement address, which is nothing short of awe inspiring.
As I follow my own dotted path, the Grim Reaper follows me like a shadow, reminding me not to miss the opportunity I’ve been given, that is, to live abundantly. So when I visited the rather morbid Catacombe dei Cappuccini in Palermo, Sicily the other day, I quite understandably emerged from the tombs with a few thoughts. You’ll find those in the video below.
I was prohibited from taking photographs in the catacombs, so I kyped a few from the Internet. They are shown below.
Before I release you from pictures of decaying mummies and on to more positive things, I will leave you with a few related links that I think will interest you.
The Catacombs in Rome
I mentioned in the video that I visited the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini in Rome a few years ago. They had a profound effect on me, which I wrote about at the time. You’ll find that essay here.
The Stunning Photos of Klaus Bo
If you are hankering for more photographs of death (and why wouldn’t you?) then I suggest you check out my interview with Danish photographer Klaus Bo, who made a profession of visiting death rituals worldwide and capturing them on film.
On the Upbeat!
Okay then, enough about death! Please allow me to cheer you up with some happier news! Fabi and I submitted the manuscript for our book “Far and Wild” to the editor, where it is now, and we expect to have it available for sale in a few weeks. Yay!
In the meantime, check out the awesome cover designed by our fabulous friend Fabio Cocchi, whose fabulous and fun wedding Fabi and I attended in Favignana, an island off the coast of Sicily.
That’s a Wrap!
Are you enjoying my migration from death to life? Do you find my Mad Musings helpful? What do you think? I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t be shy! Please leave a comment here on Substack. What do you like? What do you not like? Please let me know!
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