Take it easy, but take it.

(Photo by trustynick via creative commons/flickr and storycorps.)

Sometimes, when I think about my years in Chicago, I have bittersweet memories…but when I think of Studs Terkel and the life he lived, and the way he was Chicago, I can’t help but feel grateful that I once lived in the same place as that amazing man.

He wanted his epitaph to read: Curiosity did not kill this cat.

There’s really nothing I can say that he didn’t say for himself, but I’ll add my voice to the chorus of those who have been celebrating his life since his passing this last Friday. I will miss you, Studs Terkel. Rest in Peace …”Take it easy, but take it.”

“I hope for peace and sanity — it’s the same thing.”

“I read somewhere that when a person takes part in community action, his health improves. Something happens to him or to her biologically. It’s like a tonic.”

“But once you become active in something, something happens to you. You get excited and suddenly you realize you count.“

“I want, of course, peace, grace, and beauty. How do you do that? You work for it. “

For those of you who may not be familiar with his work – as an activist, as a writer, as a legendary voice in radio, as a jazz and baseball lover, and as an all around irrepressible human being, here are a few links…

Studs Terkel.org – via The Chicago Historical Society

Studs Terkel: He’ll never be silenced

Edward Lifson’s last interview with Studs

And one last thing,…please VOTE!
Do it for Studs.

“In a democratic society, you’re supposed to be an activist; that is, you participate.“