Heaven On Their Minds

Growing up I must have listened the the original cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar hundreds, if not thousands, of times. In fact, I actually remember wearing out my mother’s original copy and her getting me a replacement for a birthday present one year (likely age 7 or 8). It remains one of my favorite albums of all time. I still know every single word and can sing it, every part, from beginning to end.

The film version is also brilliant. Directed by Norman Jewison and staring Ted Neeley as Jesus and Carl Anderson as Judas. Two more perfect actors could not have been found for these roles. Judas especially as the Broadway production started Ben Vereen in the role (for which he won a Tony). I believe Carl Anderson to be the better singer for this particular role that calls for a mixture of fear, anger, and love in the tone. I love too the film’s unspoken opening premise of a bunch of hippies getting off of a bus in the middle of Israel to stage a modern day passion play.

Seriously, I could go on for a very long time about this musical. My mother is an actress and director so I grew up with a deep love and respect for musicals in general and this one particularly. It excels on just about every level one can measure. For now, the video above I hope is evidence enough for you to see the film if you have not already. In my opinion, one can never have too much heaven on their minds.

(via Mr. Mann, who managed to point out a piano gaffe I had not ever noticed before but now will not ever be able to un-hear.)

What’s Broken?

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those occasions when I have the foresight to sit down and do a clear and comprehensive capture and review of all of my commitments, one of my favorite exercises is one I have come to call “What’s Broken?”. The process is this:

  1. Grab your capture tool of choice (I prefer pen and paper).
  2. Go to a room in your home.
  3. Look around and ask yourself “What’s Broken?”. Broken can mean many things, from “The layout of this room is not working as well as it could.” to “I need to sort through the stack of papers on that table.” to “Need to replace the lighbulb.” Get everything, from big tasks to small ones. The point is to capture as many items that grab your attention in one sitting and get them into a system of action you trust so that those things are not niggling you each time you enter the room (subconscious or otherwise).
  4. Repeat for each room.

This works great and I always feel a lot more on top of things having simply quantified them. I can then set up context specific lists that I can focus more clearly on. For instance, setting aside an hour per room each week and knocking as many things off the list as possible. It is immensely satisfying and can change your whole attitude about the spaces you dwell in.

This method can also be useful at work. Take a half hour to capture what’s broken about your job or work environment. Even the things you think you can’t change. Because capturing everything will allow you to take action on the things you can change and, at the least, identify the things you can’t.

Lately, this has me thinking about expanding this exercise to less obvious places. For instance, taking inventory of my social networks that are not working as well as they should. Or even my real world relationships. Taking a hard look and asking “What’s broken?”.

Unseen or ignored problems will only be solved by identifying them. Bringing these to your attention and quantifying them is the first step to eradicating them. For me, this has proved a very effective question in many areas of my life.

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Grab Bag

I’m feeling particularly empty of words today. The reasons likely many but not worth the mention. Therefore, I have a grab bag of stuff to share. Mostly promotional for people I believe in. That said, these are all things that I feel you could benefit from knowing. So, here goes…

  • Caesura Letters: Paperback Subscription — I’ve mentioned my friend James Shelley’s subscription newsletter, Caesura Letters, before. That said, he has just released a new option for those that would prefer not to receive more email or would like a regular collection of the emails in print. He sent me a copy as a gift and it is stunning! Seriously, the email is great but, if you are a lover of real books, this is the way to go.

  • Frictionless Freelancing — I’ve also mentioned this one by my friend Aaron before. If you are a freelancer, thinking about becoming one, have ever wondered what it is all about, or just like a well written instructional full of wisdom and insight, here you go. I’m a freelancer. Have been for over 20 years. This is the book I wish I would have had when starting out. When people ask me about getting into freelancing, this is one of the two books I now recommend (this is the other one, for what it’s worth). Seriously, freelance folks, get it. It’ll help.

  • Sweating Commas: Professional Editing for Independent Writers — Look, writers who are serious about their writing know the value of a good editor. I know I sure do. I’m very, very, picky when it comes to editors. I have had some bad experiences in the past. There are only two editors I have ever worked with that I like and would work with again, Jason is one of them. He edited my Minimal Mac Book for me and he made it better than I ever could have on my own. Well, his new service is now available to any independent writer who wants to make sure the words they put out into the ‘verse’ are clear, correct, and polished. I recently interviewed Jason on my podcast about it. Take a listen if you want further info. Good stuff.

  • The Distraction Podcast Episode #10 — I recently made a guest appearance on this podcast and am really happy with the way it turned out. We covered a iety of topics from my involvement with Minimal Tools and app development, to my unusual approach to life and death, to the idea that every moment holds the potential to change your life. Lots of deep and heavy stuff. Check it out when you have the chance.

As always, thanks for reading anything I write. Your support means a lot to me. Especially, for those that have felt compelled to say thank you through a kind and generous donation.