NftM #3: Looking at the world from a balcony

Hello,

As we ease into our new routines and start dreaming of the day when all of this is over, we begin finding strength in the strangest of places: a rekindled friendship, a newfound intimacy with coworkers or neighbours, and the sound of our authentic voice which we so often drowned in work, travelling, errands, and distractions.

 The pandemic has razed many of the assumptions we had about the world and our lifestyle, leaving only uncertainty. But it also means plenty of opportunities to discover and build.

Of course, it will not be easy for everyone. For people saving lives under less than ideal conditions or keeping society running amid a catastrophe, mourning the loss of a loved one, or missing the job that used to put food on the table, the road is far steeper. But they don’t have to walk it alone. We have to be there for each other.

Whatever your situation is, I hope you find a tether to hope. 

Here are some interesting things for you:

1. This 18th-century automaton is a fascinating combination of artistry and scientific achievement and a sample of what we could consider a very simple, yet incredibly complex programable computer. 

2. Fashion historian and YouTuber Karolina Żebrowska shares some insights on how to survive lockdown from a 1940s booklet. 

3. Life as we know it may be over, forever. It’s only natural we’re grieving. 

4. How does a large altarpiece panel disappear? After an art heist in Belgium 86 years ago, there are still some missing pieces in the puzzle.  

5. In quarantine, we’re trying to drown our boredom in an endless supply of music, TV shows, and movies. How about we start getting comfortable with silence again?  

6. Bonus, because beautiful music is always welcome. Listen to Alex Turner singing Tame Impala's 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards.'

Photo: Cecilia Morales

5 things that keep me up at night

1. The almost imperceptible moves and shakes of my building, while I lay down in bed at 3 am, with images of collapsing buildings from those engineering disaster shows flashing through my head. 

2. All the things I wanted to do but didn’t do.

3. All the things I said that I shouldn’t have said.

4. All the things I intend to do in the morning and probably won't do, again, perpetuating the cycle of sleepless guilt.

5. All the story ideas that come to me in the middle of the night, with all the lights off, surrounded by darkness and silence and only my thoughts as company. I still have those in dozens on notes on my phone. One day, I might find the courage to post them.

So, what keeps you up at night? Have you found something cool on the internet you'd like to share? I’d love to know. Drop me a line at [email protected] or give me a shout on Twitter.

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Thanks.

Cecilia