Not sure how I stumbled across your story, but I’m so glad I did! Beautifully written. I’m travelling back to Nepal tomorrow, and this was the perfect read before my trip. There’s something magical about that place, as your story illustrates. I’d love to believe the journal was “real” and if I happen to go to Pokhara, I might go in search of it…
I’m so glad you did, too, Andrea - thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and safe travels back to Nepal! I’m more than a little jealous. ☺️
Had a look at your Substack; am I correct in piecing together that you lived in Kathmandu for a time? So cool. Definitely try sound healing if you get the chance this time around… And wishing you continued success with your jewelry business!
You mentioned in your latest post that you’re stepping back to reconnect and reflect on work and life. No pressure at all, but you might enjoy these pieces I’ve shared recently - coming at things from a different angle, but circling some of the same questions:
Likewise, Andrea! Excited to hear your impressions of your return to Nepal, having lived there for so long! Wow...! May I ask what you were up to there?
Its a note on our present life that you 1st consider it a fake. I grew up in a time where photos represented the ultimate proof that something was real. (A tiny window in time that is now gone and even the old pictures are in doubt due to digital manipulation).
Maybe thats why I became a photographer.. sadly today little stands the test of fake or real, its all up to us as individuals to find our way in belief or distrust. What would happen in our lives if we distrusted everything and everyone? Conversely what would happen if we trusted everything and everyone? I know where my heart and soul wants to be and is. I was born in 1958 so that connects me to your story, I met you in Pokhara so that connects me to your story, I am searching for someone, so that connects me. So many connections its hard to fake that, the diary simply mirrors our lives our desires and we search on the journey until we find someone to share it with and then as Gandalf says ,its no longer a journey of searching, its an adventure shared! I grew up on Tintins adventures, they may not be real but they inspired a lifetime of searching and travel, Maybe the diary must never sell so that it can be shared and inspire others to keep searching and never give up.
Beautiful musings, Matt! Oh man, I grew up on Tin-Tin's adventures, too - here's to their lifetime of searching and travel! 🍻 I love your question - "What would happen in our lives if we distrusted everything and everyone? Conversely what would happen if we trusted everything and everyone?"
It makes me think of a mentor of mine from long ago. He said that he chooses to go through life "trusting everything and everyone" - not blindly, but open-hearted. Because, although sometimes it means he gets taken advantage of, it also means that he can move through the world in a more soulful way.
For that experience, he was willing to pay the price.
Maybe you're right... Maybe that journal is meant to stay there inspiring others to keep wondering, keep wandering, and never give up.
You've got me hooked! I can't wait to read more of the House of Snow!! My first instincts say YES- go back to Nepal, see what thread finds you when you try to go back to the shop and find the journal again. Maybe the timing wasn't right and you weren't ready to uncover what you are now. Especially after sitting with its message for this many years. In any case, I'm so excited to read what's next :)
Aw, thanks for the kind words, Kaja - and for the perspective! Yeah, your "The timing wasn't right" assessment feels so relevant in so many ways 😆 Excited (and maybe a bit intimidated) to keep digging into this!
Not sure how I stumbled across your story, but I’m so glad I did! Beautifully written. I’m travelling back to Nepal tomorrow, and this was the perfect read before my trip. There’s something magical about that place, as your story illustrates. I’d love to believe the journal was “real” and if I happen to go to Pokhara, I might go in search of it…
I’m so glad you did, too, Andrea - thanks for taking the time to read and comment, and safe travels back to Nepal! I’m more than a little jealous. ☺️
Had a look at your Substack; am I correct in piecing together that you lived in Kathmandu for a time? So cool. Definitely try sound healing if you get the chance this time around… And wishing you continued success with your jewelry business!
You mentioned in your latest post that you’re stepping back to reconnect and reflect on work and life. No pressure at all, but you might enjoy these pieces I’ve shared recently - coming at things from a different angle, but circling some of the same questions:
https://www.thelighthouse.ink/p/the-search-for-the-ninth-path
https://www.thelighthouse.ink/p/severance-the-plot-against-you
Enjoy Kathmandu, and stay open to the mystery. It seems especially abundant there. 😉
I did! I lived there for about two and a half years. And thank you for following, looking forward to reading more of your work!
Likewise, Andrea! Excited to hear your impressions of your return to Nepal, having lived there for so long! Wow...! May I ask what you were up to there?
Screenplay, I tell ya! 😍
Haha, life imitates art imitates life! 😆
Its a note on our present life that you 1st consider it a fake. I grew up in a time where photos represented the ultimate proof that something was real. (A tiny window in time that is now gone and even the old pictures are in doubt due to digital manipulation).
Maybe thats why I became a photographer.. sadly today little stands the test of fake or real, its all up to us as individuals to find our way in belief or distrust. What would happen in our lives if we distrusted everything and everyone? Conversely what would happen if we trusted everything and everyone? I know where my heart and soul wants to be and is. I was born in 1958 so that connects me to your story, I met you in Pokhara so that connects me to your story, I am searching for someone, so that connects me. So many connections its hard to fake that, the diary simply mirrors our lives our desires and we search on the journey until we find someone to share it with and then as Gandalf says ,its no longer a journey of searching, its an adventure shared! I grew up on Tintins adventures, they may not be real but they inspired a lifetime of searching and travel, Maybe the diary must never sell so that it can be shared and inspire others to keep searching and never give up.
Beautiful musings, Matt! Oh man, I grew up on Tin-Tin's adventures, too - here's to their lifetime of searching and travel! 🍻 I love your question - "What would happen in our lives if we distrusted everything and everyone? Conversely what would happen if we trusted everything and everyone?"
It makes me think of a mentor of mine from long ago. He said that he chooses to go through life "trusting everything and everyone" - not blindly, but open-hearted. Because, although sometimes it means he gets taken advantage of, it also means that he can move through the world in a more soulful way.
For that experience, he was willing to pay the price.
Maybe you're right... Maybe that journal is meant to stay there inspiring others to keep wondering, keep wandering, and never give up.
You've got me hooked! I can't wait to read more of the House of Snow!! My first instincts say YES- go back to Nepal, see what thread finds you when you try to go back to the shop and find the journal again. Maybe the timing wasn't right and you weren't ready to uncover what you are now. Especially after sitting with its message for this many years. In any case, I'm so excited to read what's next :)
Aw, thanks for the kind words, Kaja - and for the perspective! Yeah, your "The timing wasn't right" assessment feels so relevant in so many ways 😆 Excited (and maybe a bit intimidated) to keep digging into this!
I’m so excited for you and for us as well!! 💛
Thanks Kaja! 🤗 We'll keep pulling on the thread!