One of my favorite quotes comes from the novel Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse. Hesse was a frail, spectacled little German man who sat down one day to write the story of a rich prince named Siddhartha. “Sidd” (my nickname, not Hesse’s) casts off all his wealthy possessions and gives the proverbial middle finger to his giant palace inheritance. He sets out to wander the world, seeking the true meaning of existence. It was kind of the original “go backpacking and find yourself” situation. Sidd ends up meeting The Buddha … and a whole cast of other enlightening characters. Hesse goes on to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. I’ve gone on to read this book five times. Which is approximately three more times than I’ve read any other book. There’s something so beautifully calming in the prose. It’s verbal valium when life starts flicking me in the forehead.
The quote that’s stayed with me from Siddhartha more than any other is this:
“We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.”
Like I said … Verbal Valium. Calm down little ones, says Hesse. Every day is progress … even when it seems like you are chasing your own tail.
I spent these last six days in Alabama, catching up with family, eating peanut butter fudge, petting the dog, napping on the sofa and watching reruns of Parks & Recreation. It was glorious. It was a chance to slow down, stay in and snuggle-spoon my exhausted brain. I landed at 1 a.m. night before last, refreshed and excited to see my city. In honor of our planet celebrating it’s own birthday next week, I thought I’d post a few photos of New York situations that made my year. The best times always involve some combination of People, Food, Music & Rooftops. If you haven’t read Siddhartha, I highly recommend it. If you have, I recommend picking it back up for a second go round. Or, in my case, a sixth.
May you all have a wonderful last week in 2013 and may 2014 find you farther up the spiral staircase. I hear at the top of that thing, there’s cool people, music, food … and a bitchin’ view of life’s purpose on the horizon.
The Food Moments in 2013 …
A Few People of 2013
The Music of 2013
So long 2013 … we loved you. Thanks for the perspective
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