Tag: dailyprompt

What’s the weirdest coincidence you’ve ever experienced?

The weirdest is life itself. Things happen!

What’s a book you never finished but still think about?

I could mention a number of books but here is one: When Nietzsche Wept.

TBH: I found it a little pompous and the plot with very slow. I like the subject – Nietzsche’s relationship with Lou Salomé – and the general premise is very promising but somehow does not deliver for me.

It is one of those books where I get to a certain point, wonder what is happening next, and then cannot go on. But always wonder how it ends. Maybe I should skip to the end and find out!?

Which fictional world would be the most fun to vacation in?

This is not a fictional world but rather a world about which I have read.

I would like to vacation in the Optina Pustyn (during the 19th century) – Russian religious community that is famous for its elders. It is everything about which I dream. And it is Russian (cf the last tsar). The above icon is in my book of icons.

I am not writing more but it would be so special I doubt very much I would ever leave. So maybe a permanent move?

If you could go back and witness any historical event, which one would you pick?

This changes every day but …

I would like to witness the last days of Tsar Nicholas II, especially the death of Rasputin. They are somewhat removed from each other but form a single event. If I could also see St Elisabeth the New Martyr that could really make the event.

Anyway …

If you had to get a tattoo right now, what would it be and why?

Oh wow!!! Great question. I have two tattoos – one of Kierkegaard and the other my favourite quote – so I am not anti-tattoo.

Most likely, if I were to get another, it would be a Russian orthodox cross. Something simple! My tattoos are meaningful to me, they describe a period of my life. In the last year I have read much Russian literature with much appreciation. And some has been religious. So a Russian cross!

Maybe like this:

How did you meet your significant other?

I did have a significant other but no more. And it is way too painful!!! So …

When did meet Him? At my baptism He introduced Himself but it took me a few years to get back to Him. I am still really bad with staying in touch but He is super kind and always welcoming. I try and He really appreciates it.

If you could relive one day from your past, which day would it be and why?

There are many days I remember with fondness, I would not want to relive any!

Why? My memory is better than the reality because it has a layer of time and emotion. Meeting a person is only special because of who they became to me. So some moments are special because of what came after them. So memory of what happened is better than the actual event.

How strange is that?!

If you could erase one event from history, what would it be?

I wouldn’t!!! Because today would no longer be today. Yes, there are super sad events in the past. But those events, alone with the super nice ones, shape the now. And the now would no longer be the now without those events.

What’s a conspiracy theory you actually find believable?

While I am not sure what officially qualifies there is one I heard that makes me think: Sean Puff Daddy Combs was actively involved in the death of Tupac Shakur. And, btw, Tupac and Biggie Smalls are living it up in a secret location.

Am I alone?

Also: I think there is some “insight” in Sedevacantism and Conclavism but I cannot locate it.

How do you deal with uncertainty?

Hmmm?! The assumption, methinks, is that “uncertainty” is something difficult that needs a choice. Well, I simply embrace it! Uncertainty is part of every moment and fighting it takes away energy from living. Control what I can control and surrender the rest!

Or, I surrender again to Jesus! Methinks it is central to monastic life – focus on Jesus. Uncertainty will come but Jesus will remain the same.