“…and when the tension receded there was calm, the calm that is called before the storm, but is in reality the foundation of a human life, waiting there for us between the steps of our march to our mortality, when we are compelled to pause and not act but be.”
― Mohsin Hamid, Exit West
There’s been cause to pause this week with the loss, from their own hands, of two well known, talented and creative people. That and reports of suicide rates sharply increasing in the U.S.
Was a sad week indeed. Tony B once did a great write up about Detroit: https://www.wxyz.com/news/read-anthony-bourdain-s-blog-post-about-detroit-i-love-detroiters-
What I liked and respected most about Bourdain was he focused on areas, scenes and foods seldom seen in mainstream media and there always seemed to be something good come out of it. Plus he was such a natural storyteller and one of those people you’d hope to have as a friend. Sad indeed.
Btw Earl just thought you’d like to know something on the backend of your site seems to be causing some delays?
Thanks, Mark. I may have some kind of caching issue causing update delays. Working on it! :-)
The loss of lives can be painful for family and friends, whether that is expected or unexpected. Add to that the feelings of why and loss is painful.
Love this image!
Thanks on the image, Monte. Yes, death is often a loss and then there are times when it is a release and a relief. With suicides, it’s almost always a loss and there’s also a sense of helplessness that no one knew or no one could help prevent it…especially in a case like Bourdain who seemed to have it all. In general, the 26% increase in suicides here in the U.S. since 1999 has a great deal to do with our broken healthcare system. I’m afraid we can only expect suicides and mental illness related violence (mass shootings) to continue to become worst as big budget cuts are being made in mental healthcare detection and treatment. Sad. :-(
I hadn’t heard of Tony Bourdain before. It seems like he was an interesting kind of fellow who lived a fascinating life to say the least. Who is the second person you wrote of?
What a beautiful image you’ve captured. The landscape looks amazing. I’m imagining living in a little cabin with that view. That would be something.
I also like the quote. Calm, the foundation of human life. I like that.
Thanks on the image. Yes, I could do a small cabin there! :-)
The second person, who was actually the first, was Kate Spade, a well-known fashion designer recognized mainly for very fashionable purses. She committed suicide early last week followed by Antony Bourdain last Friday. Both hung themselves. Both in the same age group.
Beautiful. I love open empty landscapes like this prairie. I guess I need to visit Montana soon. :-)
I would recommend Montana anytime. This was during my first visit and I fell in love with the “big sky” state. I’m hoping to return and explore more of it.
Alexander, thanks for the visit and kind comment. :-)