“If we have not found the heaven within, we have not found the heaven without”
– James Hilton, Lost Horizons
If that quote resonates with you, then you’ve come to the right place!
My name is Randy Morse. I’m a publisher, political scientist, author, artist, broadcaster, singer/songwriter, and mountaineer. I’ve been in love love many times, married twice, have three extraordinary children, two spectacular granddaughters and a decidedly dedicated dog. I’ve lived and worked all over the world. I’ve lunched mano a mano with the wealthiest man in the world (at the time — now, fallen on hard times, he’s merely the second or third wealthiest person in the United States), and eaten roasted goat while hunched around a fire with fierce, bandolier-draped tribesmen in Kashmiri no-man’s land. I helped create Bangladesh, sold liquor in Stockholm, saved lives in the mountains (and almost died myself)… in short, I’ve led what you might call an “eventful” life.
As a result, I’m often asked to share my insights on life generally, from settings that have ranged from seedy bars in Mombassa, to the stages of theaters and convention centers, packed with breathless attendees. While the specific topics vary, the general thrust of what I have to say, I’ve recently realized, is surprisingly similar:
Be happy.
I’m as aware as the next guy that we live in a world fraught with danger, depression, doom and gloom. However, here we are, still alive and kicking, so the current state of the planet begs the very personal question: what are you going to do about it?
Ore more precisely, how do you choose to live your life? because — news flash — no one else is gonna live it for you, my friend.
Being happy is simple. And, like most things that are simple, it’s hard. Which is why I’ve created the Nirvana Chronicles. A place where you can regularly turn for a dose of optimism, beauty, hope, and inspiration. Often with a large dollop of humor. So take a deep breath and spend a little time nosing around the site. And remember:
It’s going to be alright.
I think this is such an important topic, I may create a new e-zine. What do you think?
I’ve noticed that many people equate the notion of Nirvana with a physical place. While this pretty much misses the point entirely, it’s an understandable error. And to be fair, sometimes being in a place that’s beautiful and/or serene makes it easier to feel that way as well — to be that way.
Which is the main reason I live in Kaslo.
Kaslo is Nirvana-like in much the same way the fictional Alaskan village of Cicely was in the wonderful TV series from the early ’90s, Northern Exposure (see below if you’re not sure what we’re talking about — you’re in for a treat). A tiny town of 1,000 quirky, hard-to-pin-down inhabitants, all of them drawn — for one reason or another — to live in this isolated, spectacular part of the world.
Kaslo, like Cicely, is the perfect setting for an ongoing, inspirational, moving, funny, provocative, ongoing discussion of what it means to be alive — and happy — in a world that far too often seems completely out of control.
And now for a little treat. Carve 12 minutes out of your busy day. Dim the lights, pour yourself a nice glass of wine, and enjoy these suitably wintry but ultimately uplifting clips from Northern Exposure. As you watch, imagine a place an awful lot like this, a place that actually exists. Welcome to Kaslo — our version of Nirvana!
And finally, as a reward for your perseverance, here’s a catchy tune that captures the KASLO zeitgeist, referencing the Nirvana-like region our fair village resides in. I’ve escaped — you can too!
Sounds good so far,,,,,,,,,,,,…………..but why is the 2nd video private?
Sorry — I simply forgot to check “public” at YouTube. Should be fixed — and available — now. While on the subject of videos, here are a couple of others, focused on artists and musicians: this one is for musicians, and this one is for artists.