One hell of a life

and a recipe for whipped ricotta to share with friends

Where were you when you were 44? Where will you be when you’re 82?

I’ve been thinking about time a lot lately, and about how we spend this precious coin. No matter how we spend it, or when our time is done, I think we’d all want to say “I’ve had one hell of a life.”

Experiencing the mastery of two very different artists this week brought that home for me in a powerful way. One who died at 44, one who is still going strong at 82. In both cases, lives lived to the fullest, raconteurs holding up a mirror to ourselves while they look over our shoulder.

The connection between the two is hardly obvious. So what exactly do Anton Chekhov, the celebrated Russian playwright, and Tom Jones, the prolific Welsh singer, have in common?

Shaped by circumstance

On the surface, the two men could not be more different. Born 80 years apart, you might be hard pressed to find the connective tissue between the two. But dig a little and the through lines are there.

Both had tuberculosis. Chekhov was diagnosed at age 26 and with that pronouncement, knew his life would be significantly shortened. It ultimately caused his death in 1904. Fast forward to 1952 and a 12-year-old Jones spent two years in bed battling the same illness. The progression of science was on his side, and he is still very much alive at 82.

This reckoning with mortality can’t help but shape us, sharpen our passions, focus our attention. And it can also free us to do what is truly fulfilling.

Chekhov was a physician who initially wrote to make money. As his ambition and skill grew, so did his innovation. He made no apologies for being a challenging writer, breaking conventions. And yet, he understood the need to be playful, joyful.

Do silly things. Foolishness is a great deal more vital and healthy than our straining and striving after a meaningful life.

Anton Chekhov

For Jones, becoming a pop star was a dream. As he said “When I realised I could sing for a living - do what I loved and be paid for it - I thought, 'This is unbelievable. Unbelievable!' And that feeling has never left me.” Yet he was - and is - so much more than the sugar-spun hits that made him a mega star in 60s. With influences ranging from pop, R&B, show tunes, country, dance, soul and gospel, Jones continues to explore, to push the boundaries of his prodigious talent, and to face mortality with deep-throated song.

On Monday we saw Sir Tom Jones perform at Massey Hall. He was incredible, with a joie de vivre that filled the hall. The songs were heartfelt, reflecting his deep love of music in all its glorious forms. Many were from his latest album Surrounded by Time, which hit number one in the UK on its release. If you doubt the mastery of his voice, watch this beautiful version of I Won’t Crumble With You if You Fall from that recording.

And yesterday we went to a performance of a new adaption of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya at the Crow’s Theatre. It was moving, funny and full of the drama of the complicated skeins we weave with our human relationships. A 124-year-old play that felt as fresh and relevant as it might have at its first showing.

We’re the richer for their passion and their love of their craft. Both men might well say they had one hell of life. It’s worth listening to Jones sing about it.

When I'm dead
Please don't philosophize or feel regret
Just remember me when I said
I had one hell of a life
One hell of a life
I had one hell of a life

Throw my ashes to the wind
Watch them blow into the sea
Well throw me, throw me in
You can cry up there on cliff
Scream to heaven and work your grief
But throw me, throw me in

When I'm dead
Please don't philosophize or feel regret
Just remember me when I said
I had one hell of a life
One hell of a life
I had one hell of a life

One Hell of a Life, written by Katell Keineg

Whipped ricotta

serves 4 as an appetizer

When I’m in the throe of things, when I’m contemplating deep issues, or trying to find a calm centre, making something simple and delicious is what I love best.

I first had this spectacularly good ricotta spread at A Voce, Andrew Carmellini’s first NYC restaurant. While A Voce is long gone, this dish lives on at Locanda Verde, possibly my favourite Italian restaurant in New York. Easy to make, delicious to share, it’s the perfect snack to have with a glass of great wine and some Tom Jones on the stereo.

Ingredients

2 cups sheep’s milk ricotta

½ cup whole milk

1 teaspoon kosher salt

A pinch of Maldon or other flaky salt

1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 teaspoon each fresh thyme leaves and dried oregano

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Toasted sourdough bread for serving

In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta, milk and salt together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Taste and add more salt if needed. Place the ricotta mixture in a serving bowl and with the Maldon salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Top with the olive oil and serve toasted bread alongside.