"I keep putting fuel in the tank and surprise myself sometimes at how far it takes me. Sometimes the engine stalls, though, and you just have to appreciate where you are."
Ah Tbilisi—Stalin’s birthplace and for me a place of personal discovery as well as for you.
There on assignment for the Soros Foundation, I arrived at the airport at 2 a.m. in a snowstorm. My autocratic grandfather was born in Tiflis Russia; my autocratic father in New York. On modern maps of Russia. I never found Tiflis.
Fighting to stay awake while the driver hummed and the windshield wipers sighed, I noticed the road sign as we exited the highway. It said “Tibilisi (Tiflis)”. It explained allot.
My father died at 73, I’m 86. Leave regret behind. The only way forward is forward.
Love this so much! Thank you for the delight, the inspiration and the charm that is you. I would love to celebrate your birthday with you, my dear new friend. I get you… but you”ll have to come to Vancouver… I don’t have the budget to travel just now. 🥳Karen
love the idea of travelling - whether in the world as David or in our own way through being curious and open to adventure... I shall have a look at Abigail thomas now!
'My deep sense of regret, and the terrible circumstances of these deaths, are at the heart of the memoir I’m writing.' We love this notion David. Forever forward 'til it's over.
“I don’t recall where I learned this, but over the years I was prone to outbreaks of anger when things didn’t go as I would have liked. But somewhere along the way, I learned the simple concept of letting go, and moving on.”
Thanks for your personal perspective and insightful observations on the road we all travel. I look forward to reading your memoir.
I had not thought of firesign theatre in forever. (I thought it was fireside). My father had an album and the only riff I remember is: We are all bozos on the bus.
Anyone who makes a Firesign Theatre reference is high on my list of favorite people. What a journey you are on. Kind of inspires me. Kind of frightens me. But I'd like to hear more!
Ah Tbilisi—Stalin’s birthplace and for me a place of personal discovery as well as for you.
There on assignment for the Soros Foundation, I arrived at the airport at 2 a.m. in a snowstorm. My autocratic grandfather was born in Tiflis Russia; my autocratic father in New York. On modern maps of Russia. I never found Tiflis.
Fighting to stay awake while the driver hummed and the windshield wipers sighed, I noticed the road sign as we exited the highway. It said “Tibilisi (Tiflis)”. It explained allot.
My father died at 73, I’m 86. Leave regret behind. The only way forward is forward.
Now I have to look up Abigail Thomas.
She’s wonderful. https://substack.com/@abigailthomas
Very much appreciated this, especially "Let go and move on."
Love this so much! Thank you for the delight, the inspiration and the charm that is you. I would love to celebrate your birthday with you, my dear new friend. I get you… but you”ll have to come to Vancouver… I don’t have the budget to travel just now. 🥳Karen
love the idea of travelling - whether in the world as David or in our own way through being curious and open to adventure... I shall have a look at Abigail thomas now!
What a beautiful interview, so inspiring. How very moved by the story of the three deaths of his family happening so closely together
What an adventurous spirit
Yes, absolutely agree that Abigail Thomas is an incredible source of inspiration and her writing is the absolute best!
Well done thank you for this.
'My deep sense of regret, and the terrible circumstances of these deaths, are at the heart of the memoir I’m writing.' We love this notion David. Forever forward 'til it's over.
“I don’t recall where I learned this, but over the years I was prone to outbreaks of anger when things didn’t go as I would have liked. But somewhere along the way, I learned the simple concept of letting go, and moving on.”
Thanks for your personal perspective and insightful observations on the road we all travel. I look forward to reading your memoir.
I had not thought of firesign theatre in forever. (I thought it was fireside). My father had an album and the only riff I remember is: We are all bozos on the bus.
Really enjoyed reading this! Great insights.
I enjoyed reading these reflections. I am sure they will remain with me. Thank you David and Sari. 🙏🏽
Glad you enjoyed this!
Yes, life “experience” and life “well lived” give way to some excellent quotes, some of which you have shared..
I too need to research Abigail Thomas. 😘
Anyone who makes a Firesign Theatre reference is high on my list of favorite people. What a journey you are on. Kind of inspires me. Kind of frightens me. But I'd like to hear more!
replying to my own post after reading other comments.....the Firesign theatre quote I remember is "Forward. Into the past." Always loved that.
And I thought that I was a world traveler!
This one made me think of you!