My Tiny Sliver of Sanity
I’ve been trying to devote more time to reading this summer and have developed a routine that helps to make this more likely to happen. So around 2pm or so in the afternoon, I drag my folding chair, coffee, and a book to our balcony. When I say balcony, I use the word lightly.
We live in a condo building that was apparently built during the height of preposterous building regulations in our city of St. Paul. Back then contractors could only build balconies that were no more than 3 ½ feet from the building. Hence our tiny sliver of a “balconette”. Some of the penthouses above us have recesses to allow for a more reasonably sized balcony but the rest of us have this 3 ½ feet to try to make the most of.
After quite a bit of research I found a narrow folding chair (the Cliq) that works perfectly in this small space. It’s not cheap, mind you, but it’s well made, folds down to almost the size of a water bottle, and will probably last me the rest of my life.
Summer Reading
For now I’m reading a book that has been on my wishlist for the better part of a decade, “The Creature From Jekyll Island” about the formation of the Federal Reserve System in 1913. I’m three chapters in now and have to tell you it’s just as terrifying and eye-opening as everyone says it is.
After learning more about how our modern world of finance was devised so much more about our country and the world makes sense. Knowledge isn’t always comforting but knowledge is power. Reading this makes me appreciate the efforts of Satoshi Nakamoto so much more.
I’m also reading Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk. As a fan of Tesla’s cars and a shareholder I wanted to learn more about the many facets of the man at the helm of all this innovation.
I’m nearly through this book and have to say Elon is the epitome of the “tortured genius” stereotype. He’s someone who is deeply misunderstood by a lot of mainstream society. I believe that the best of intentions drive most of his decision making. One thing is for sure, I would never, ever bet against him. I also believe that despite all of the things he's created we’ve only seen a small glimpse of what he’ll accomplish in his lifetime.
What are you reading right now?
All for now.
Be well and make the most of this day. Thank you for reading!
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Balcony is a savior during the summer as well as hanging out laundry in winter. Here old houses have large and even L shape balcony; however, new houses have smaller ones or no balcony.
It's nice to have access to the outdoors. Our balcony has been a great little escape for me. I'll even bundle up when it's colder and sit out there just so I can feel the sun.
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Ah, the golden years...
I've never understood those narrow balconette thingies. Like, they're cutie on Airbnbs in like Portugal or whatever, but they don't seem practical at all. Still, you seem to have found a use, so kudos to you. Do you find the Elon bio is good? I've been meaning to read about him, but can't choose between the fifteen different bios that seem to be at bookstores. :D
I've been reading some essays by Emma Jung, and now I'm re-reading Zafon's Cemetery of Forgotten Books trilogy to get in a Barcelona mood.
Yeah, this building was built in 2005 and a building just went up across the street and they all have full-sized balconies. I try to turn my chair away from the building so I don't get too envious/pissed. Lol.
Walter Isaacson does an excellent job with the biography. It's neither a hit piece nor does it read like it was written by a fanboy, which I appreciate. It paints a pretty accurate picture of Elon's past and who he really is. I appreciate him more after reading it. I just wish America would value him more.
Oh nice! How are you liking them?
Sounds like what I'm looking for. It seems so many people are either one or the other. Gotta have a firm opinion on everything don't we?
:))) I'd wave. Just sit in the foldout, all cramped, and wave. Let them be uncomfortable for a change.
Fine. Emma is an easier writer than her husband, so it helped me get a better understanding on some basic Jungian concepts... And Zafon is one of my favorite writers. He's very melodramatic, but a stunning writer. Highly recommend if you haven't read him. :)
I highly recommend it. He's a polarizing figure in a particularly polarized time. I'm appalled by how few appreciate his accomplishments here in America during a time when we could really use something to unite us and give us something to believe in other than witnessing the decline of the empire and endless wars.
Haha, maybe I'll try the wave today...I'll probably end up on TikTok. I should buy some hind of funny hat to add to the effect.
I'll have to look more into those authors. I'm always searching for new and different things to read. : )
I actually have The Creature from Jekyll Island right next to my lakeside bed, where I do most of my reading, but it ain't night-time material, nor is it lakeside material. You've inspired me to take it home and give it a go during daylight hours.
I love Charles Dickens. My night-time reading is currently The Pickwick Papers, which I had never read before. I gotta say, it might turn out to be my least favorite of his novels. I skim a lot. But every other story is engaging at least, and now and then a cross word puzzle will be easier for my having read it.
That is so weird about the balcony width! Do you have two of those chairs, so you guys can sit out there facing each other? Regulations often make no sense. For instance, in my hillbilly town one is allowed to have, at most, five chickens. But the minimum sold anywhere, by some other regulation (state I have been told) is six.
That's awesome! It's not a light read, let me tell ya. If you're into finance, history, and wonder how the hell we've gotten into the mess we're in today this book pretty much sums it up. I just keep asking myself, "How in the world did they pull this off?" and all under the guise of protecting the consumer. Whenever the government says they want to protect us against anything that should be a sure sign to protest.
I like Dickens too, I like the age he writes about. It was such a time of deep division between the "haves" and the "have nots", much like the time we live in today.
The balcony is crazy and reminds me of something on a movie set! We do have two of the chairs but my wife has never tried sitting out there. It's a little claustrophobic, especially for those who're leery of heights because you're right on the edge and five floors up. That's so crazy about the chicken regulation! It goes to show you how much the people writing the laws know about the laws they're creating.
Like all regulations that, in truth, simply tighten the nooses around our necks. Surreal!
Yeah, I felt a bit uneasy just looking at your picture of your balcony.
This particular one was huge. It set up the taxpayer bailouts of the banks, the never ending cycle of the devaluation of the dollar, and forever wars.
I'm putting a lot of trust in the engineers of the building when I step out there. Lol
I don't get it. That building code specified ridiculously narrow balconies set up taxpayer bailout of banks? How is it that any of us still trust the traitors in our governments?
I was referring to the Federal Reserve System when I mentioned taxpayer bailouts of the banks, the never ending cycle of the devaluation of the dollar, and forever wars. I think there are a lot of people in this country who are just distracted, defeated, and delusional.
Oh haha. Not balconies then. There are some pretty far fetched connections, but not that far fetched I guess. I'll have to finally read that book.
Most of us. I do not share this delusion, and it frightens me that so many do, simply accept as whole cloth any stories their government and agencies feeds them, no matter how obviously flawed the stories are.
I feel like I connect with the mindset of the founders of cryptocurrency much more after reading the book. I understand now how much of a lifeline cryptocurrency will be when the entire financial system falls apart.
I was among the distracted until the Housing Crisis of 2008. That was when the alarm went off for me because I was directly effected. Our friend from St. Thomas was also telling us about inept FEMA was during the double hurricanes of 2017. FEMA provided nothing until after the first week and then it was Skittles, bottled water, and canned beans with hotdogs. She said it was up to the citizens to take care of each other. I feel like only when you experience something directly or hear first hand accounts of something does it really hit home.
I’m reading Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian and just started Andrew Roberts’ biography of Napoleon.
“So many books. So little time.” — Frank Zappa
I really enjoy biographies. There's never been a quote that was more true than that. Frank Zappa was extremely intelligent.
Your balcony routine sounds perfect for a summer afternoon brother. I'm intrigued by "The Creature from Jekyll Island." How are you finding it so far?
It's a great book if you want to understand how the modern world of finance was set up. All of the most powerful banks basically set up a cartel in 1913 that still operates today.
That's facts brother it was a serious thing
Would definitely get this particular book.
I like powerful books.
Thanks for the recommendation 👍
You're welcome.
I was struck by that folding chair that you say will last you your entire remaining life. In any case, acquiring items of exceptional quality can be expensive at first, but if it delivers what it promises, it will be more than economical.
Interesting that you are reading about the origins of your country's Federal Reserve. Considering your initial impressions, it should be a read for anyone who wants to know how our financial world works, regardless of what country you live in. From your reading about the unfinished biography of Elon Musk, I don't know what to tell you. It remains to be seen where it ends up. Well, being a contemporary guy, maybe it will be the next generations who will make a more accurate judgment.
Greetings.
That's my philosophy about things, higher quality is always less expensive in the end. I originally had a $10 chair from Amazon and it worked but it was so uncomfortable and not convenient to fold. This Cliq chair is so much better.
Once our current state of political extremism ends I think Elon will go down as one of the most important figures in American history. I'm not sure how long this will take, maybe long after I'm gone.
Thanks!
Thank you, my friend, too.
I need to start reading, but I just can't find anything to grab my interest.
Books have to really capture my attention for me to start them. Otherwise I'm devouring podcasts and streaming videos. There's so much left to learn.
I want to like podcasts, but people talking non stop gets on my nerves sometimes :)
What am I reading right now is of course reading social media like your writing on this hive platform. I also like reading social media such as Facebook or news on the Internet. Have a nice day, Eric.
Thanks, enjoy your week Eliana!
Yeah right, sometimes reading is tiring, but it's only when we read we can be more knowledgeable and knowledge is power, have a great summer.
Thanks, you too!
I divide my reading time between psychology books (going from one to another without any direction) and fiction. I tried keeping up with my "study" books in the evening, but that doesn't work for me. I need fiction to unwind and get away from reality. Right now I'm reading Jeff Vandermeer, who is just crazy enough for me.
Your books seem quite interesting, especially the one about Musk.. still trying to make up my mind about him. But, as I have trouble keeping my mind away from everyday politics and problems, I prefer to get lost in post-apocalyptic worlds populated with various monsters. At least those I know are not real.
I really feel for you and your tiny balcony. Not that mine is some great terrace... The downside is that it's too hot outside these days so it's not all that pleasant in the afternoon.
Fiction is a great escape, it can be like a vacation. The Musk biography is one of the best I've read and really like the fact that politics are left out. In many ways Musk is apolitical, he''s just not a fan of the direction the Dems have taken. I'm a fan of Isaacson's work though and have connected with quite a few of the biographies he's written.
This condo and its little balcony has been a life lesson for me. Lol. When we first bought this condo we didn't plan on spending much time here and just using it as a home base for travel. That seemed to be working out until the pandemic and then just when we were starting to travel again last year life threw us another curve ball that's preventing us from traveling for the foreseeable future. We're looking for a larger place now, probably somewhere out of the city with a big yard and more room. We have sweltering heat in a lot of places in the US too! Ohio was very hot/humid when I was down there, Phoenix just broke an all time record for heat yesterday. I bet your balcony is nice in the morning or late at night.
I should make out time to read more books honestly.
The balcony is quite small but the folding chair is a great addition.
It's one of those things that are difficult to find time for these days, this is why I schedule 30-60 min every day for reading. That balcony is so ridiculously tiny! Lol.
I have been busy recently academically that I haven't been having time to read but I will definitely resume back in soon to come
Cool, I hope you find time. Audiobooks are a savior when you're really busy. I used to listen to those during my commute.
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It is important to have this space inside the house and it is used both in summer and winter