Reasons to be proud

We are constantly told that we need to grow, both personally and professionally. And to measure how much, we can use all kinds of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).

Today, I registered an extraordinary growth. I received a text message from my sister. It was in Italian. 

KPIs are now exceeded!

The bell rings

The bell rings to announce... geometrical shapes.

A small note forgotten by Nephew becomes a sweet discovery. My Nephew is grand!

Dead Smoke - Nebojša Jevrić

The short stories included in 'Dead Smoke' are perhaps not the easiest to read, and the reader will go through various stages of despair in the face of the horrors of human existence. But this does not make them any less valuable or necessary, for as you read them, little gems of kindness, boldness, diligence, and stoicism shine through indulgently.

But perhaps the most valuable thing that any reader gains from reading these stories is the conviction that the past is not lost if we ignore it, but must be analyzed, discussed, and dissected, not necessarily to facilitate understanding, but to avoid repetition. Also remarkable is the way in which Jevrić captures the essence of each story, without too many detours or actions that fragment the reader's attention, who is immediately exposed to the core of the story, like a chasm yawning directly at their feet, leaving them no escape or chance to distract themselves.

 

A few excerpts:

‘...

The dead Serbs are being moved from the Serbian part of Sarajevo.

One man had enough money to take his dead father with him, but left his living mother at home.

 

…

The old man held a piece of paper with the message: "When I didn't have warm clothes, I had the strength to fight the cold. I was used to it; but when you promised to help me, I started to believe in promises. I gave up the fight. I believed you."

 

...’

Childish perspective

A large puddle on the park path. I walk in single file with other adults, finding a spot on the side where we can walk without getting too wet.

We walk slowly, careful not to step on each other. To our left, a little boy walks directly through the puddle and shows us what we may have already forgotten—walk straight ahead and you'll get there faster.

I smile and am glad I haven't forgotten that sometimes children can have bolder solutions than adults.

Splash, splash, let's go!

Risks

I was sitting and laughing with Nephew, remembering a Christmas funny moment. And, suddenly, Nephew says:

'I don't know why, but in ten years I expect to find this mentioned in one of your books.'

 

I was silent, amused, and then I concluded that it's not at all out of the question.

I think they say this about writers – be careful what you tell them, it could be the subject of their next book.

Loredana recommends „Când ești mic, ești fantastíc” ('When you're little, you are fantastic)

In her latest video, Loredana Bookinista08 talks about my new children's book.

I was very happy to find out that she liked the stories with magical realism. The other day, Nepot (my nephew) confessed to me that he was so impressed by the story "The Laughter That Skipped a Couple of Haircuts" that he now looks more carefully at people when they laugh; he even caught himself waiting to meet his own Laughter. If you are curious to learn about your own Laughter, you can order the book here.


And if you want to listen to Loredana's entire review, please watch from minute 9:41 to 12:12.

Let’s remain fantastic!

Why?

Every action has a motivation behind it.

The motivation behind writing the book “What Shall We Do About Health (?/!)” is simple. I want people to make informed decisions, to ask for at least a second medical opinion, and to beware of jobber-doctors (money-grubbers) and lackadaisical-doctors (bland, uncaring).