Oh I love this newsletter in particular Ryan! My Dad (a farmer) has always said that rituals are an essential part of a happy life. I used to think that was such a boring comment, but I can see it now!
Another great article. Made me think of the Japanese tea ceremony too. i.e. drinking tea is not the important part or the reason why people make tea for their guests. It is the ritual where people clean and make tea in the same old manners that matters. These subtle things are the ones that give us a sense of purity, tranquillity, respect and harmony.
Now I understand why your father never featured on Outback Opal Hunters, the people on that show are all about finding gemstones, not about the moving of dirt!
Time is the only constant measurement we have, yet its what we make time for that we measure ourselves against.
I just enjoyed reading that so much, the connection you found between your dad's mining and your writing, and the description of Sicilian life. So clever how you weave it all together.
Every morning I let one dog out of my son’s room, and the other (bigger and crazier) dog out of the downstairs laundry. I get their bowls and they jump around excitedly, waiting to be fed. I make them sit, and stand back to watch them enjoy their breakfast/lunch/dinner. The littlest dog, Vasco makes this weird contented growl when he gets his bowl. Giorgia the mad Labrador jumps up vertically as high as my hands that hold the bowl. It’s a funny and enjoyable chore, and my little morning ritual. Thanks for your writing, always something to think about.
Love this. The older I get the more I move toward a simpler life. I still haven’t nailed the rituals part, but I’m working on that. I like the idea of physically working at a rhythmic pace on something.
One of your best. Purpose is what we want, not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
One of my favourites so far!
Wonderful, as always, Ryan.
Oh I love this newsletter in particular Ryan! My Dad (a farmer) has always said that rituals are an essential part of a happy life. I used to think that was such a boring comment, but I can see it now!
Another great article. Made me think of the Japanese tea ceremony too. i.e. drinking tea is not the important part or the reason why people make tea for their guests. It is the ritual where people clean and make tea in the same old manners that matters. These subtle things are the ones that give us a sense of purity, tranquillity, respect and harmony.
Now I understand why your father never featured on Outback Opal Hunters, the people on that show are all about finding gemstones, not about the moving of dirt!
Time is the only constant measurement we have, yet its what we make time for that we measure ourselves against.
100% honest Ryan.. no funds have been received...yet!
I just enjoyed reading that so much, the connection you found between your dad's mining and your writing, and the description of Sicilian life. So clever how you weave it all together.
Every morning I let one dog out of my son’s room, and the other (bigger and crazier) dog out of the downstairs laundry. I get their bowls and they jump around excitedly, waiting to be fed. I make them sit, and stand back to watch them enjoy their breakfast/lunch/dinner. The littlest dog, Vasco makes this weird contented growl when he gets his bowl. Giorgia the mad Labrador jumps up vertically as high as my hands that hold the bowl. It’s a funny and enjoyable chore, and my little morning ritual. Thanks for your writing, always something to think about.
Thanks for this lovely reminder that our daily rituals give us meaning and a sense of purpose.
Always brings a smile to my face seeing your Out of Office notification Ryan!
Looking forward to picking up my copy of the Ballad of Abdul Wade when I'm next back in Oz too!
Love this. The older I get the more I move toward a simpler life. I still haven’t nailed the rituals part, but I’m working on that. I like the idea of physically working at a rhythmic pace on something.
This truly resonates with me. Grazie mille.
.....and not a mention of coffee...bravo ☕️
Thanks for this beautiful piece, Ryan
Has got me thinking…. Well written as always