Blog No. 253: Human/Animal Connections, Next Steps After October 18th: We Can All Do This, Hasselback Chicken

October 26, 2025

Human Connections with Wild Animals

Those who know me know that I’m a sap for animal stories. I couldn’t help but be touched by the connection these humans have with wild animals they have had contact with. I wouldn’t try this at home, but I think a lot of what keeps us separate from the animal kingdom is fear and mistrust coming from both sides. These touching encounters brought tears to my eyes...

Next Steps: We Can All Do This

GET-OUT-THE-VOTE ELECTION DMs

Thank you Jess Craven of Substack, who really spells out a way to make sure we win everywhere on November 4th. Please copy these simple election-info messages, adapt them as you like, and then paste into text messages, emails, or DMs to friends and family in the state/city/county in question. This is called “relational organizing” and it’s actually more effective than postcarding, phonebanking, or even canvassing! People listen most to people they know! Please send these messages!

[If you see a mistake or an important election I’ve missed email me at hijesscraven101@gmail.com. I haven’t covered every single election happening but I’ve tried to get to all of the big ones. Find EVERY election happening on November 4 here.]

VIRGINIA
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important elections in VA on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and from what I’ve heard winning these Virginia elections is key to putting guardrails on him. Please vote for Abigail Spanberger for governor, Ghazala Hashmi for Lt. Governor, and Democrats up and down the ballot. Literally every race matters. Dems aren’t perfect but they’re pro-choice, pro-democracy, and anti-Trump. We’ve got to elect them everywhere we can. If you need help finding your polling place you can go to https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/polling-place-lookup/. Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

NEW JERSEY
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important elections in NJ on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and from what I’ve heard winning these New Jersey elections is key to putting guardrails on him. Please vote for Mikie Sherrill for governor and Democrats up and down the ballot. Literally every race matters. Dems aren’t perfect but they’re pro-choice, pro-democracy, and anti-Trump. We’ve got to elect them everywhere we can. If you need help finding your polling place you can go to https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-polling-location.shtml Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

PENNSYLVANIA
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important elections in PA on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and from what I’ve heard winning these supreme court retention elections is key to putting guardrails on him and protecting the presidential elections in 2028. Please vote YES to retain Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht. They’re pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ and pro-democracy. But there’s more! Please aso vote for Stella Tsai for Commonwealth Court and Brandon P. Neuman for Superior Court! And if you’re in Bucks or York County you have important school board races, too! Please vote for the Democrats! If you need help finding your polling place you can go to https://vote.pa/. Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

CALIFORNIA
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important election in CA on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and believe it or not winning Prop 50 is key to putting guardrails on him–we likely can’t win the midterms without it. Please vote yes–it’s the only question on the ballot, which should have been mailed to you. You don’t even need a stamp to mail it back! If you need more info on why to vote yes this is good https://www.independent.com/2025/10/08/vote-yes-on-californias-prop-50/ Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

NEW YORK CITY
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important election in NYC on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and believe it or not electing Zohran Mamdani is key to putting guardrails on him–Cuomo is Trump’s pick and we can’t have him winning. Please vote for Mamdani! If you need info on your polling place go here: https://www.vote.nyc/page/find-your-poll-site There are other important elections happening too. Please vote blue (anti-Trump) up and down the ballot! Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

GEORGIA
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important statewide elections in GA on November 4. I know you’re as worried about climate change as I am, and winning these Public Service Commission elections is actually super important to our future–and to lowering our utility bills! Please vote for Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard. There will likely be city elections on your ballot, too, and they’re really important. We’ve got to elect Democrats everywhere we can if we want our kids to have a livable future–and grow up in a democracy. If you need help finding your polling place you can go to https://georgia.gov/vote-early-person. Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

MINNESOTA
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important special elections in Minnesota on November 4. The balance of the state legislature will come down to the results and we can’t let MAGA win! If you’re in SD-47 ( Woodbury in Washington county and the southern part of Maplewood in Ramsey county) please vote for Rep. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, a Democrat running to protect a seat in the Minnesota Senate. If you’re in Minnesota SD-29 (includes much of Wright County, and parts of Hennepin and Meeker counties) please vote for Louis McNutt, who’s running to flip a seat in the state Senate blue. If you need help finding your polling place you can go here https://sos.mn.gov/election-administration-campaigns/elections-calendar/senate-districts-29-and-47-special-elections/ Thanks and please tell anyone you know in those towns!

MISSISSIPPI
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important special elections in Mississippi on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and winning elections for Democrats everywhere is key to putting guardrails on him. Please vote for Dems up and down the ballot. They aren’t perfect but they’re pro-choice, pro-LGBTQ, pro-democracy, and anti-Trump. We’ve got to elect them everywhere we can. If you need help finding your polling place you can go to https://myelectionday.sos.state.ms.us/VoterOutreach/Pages/VOSearch.aspx Feel free to hit me up with questions and I’ll try to help answer them! Thanks!

MAINE
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important special election in Maine on November 4. I know you’re as worried and upset about Trump’s abuses as I am, and winning this election is actually key to putting guardrails on him and the MAGAs trying to make it harder to vote. Please vote NO on Question 1. This measure, championed by Maine conservatives, would upend election procedures, including by imposing a barrage of new restrictions on mail voting and requiring voter ID. We’ve got to beat it. If you need help finding your polling place you can go here . Thanks!

Douglas County, Colorado
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important school board elections in Douglas County on November 4. Conservatives have a 4 to 3 majority, and the right-wing bloc has sided with anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and undermined a state health survey. But on November 4 all four seats currently held by conservatives are up for grabs. Please vote for the Democratic-supported slate (Clark Callahan, Kelly Denzler, Kyrzia Parker, Tony Ryan). School boards are SO IMPORTANT! Find your voting info here: GoVoteColorado.com Thanks!

OTHER Counties in Colorado
Hi. Hope you’re well! Just dropping a line to make sure you know about the super important school board elections in Colorado on November 4. Aurora Public Schools, Cherry Creek School District, Jefferson County and Denver Public Schools are all having school board elections with huge consequences for kids. Please vote for the Democratic-supported candidates who won’t attack LGBTQ kids, ban books, or force MAGA ideology down anyone’s throat! School boards are SO IMPORTANT! Here’s a bit more about these elections https://coloradonewsline.com/2025/10/16/colorado-election-2025-school-boards/
Find your voting info here: GoVoteColorado.com Thanks!

MAYORAL RACES!
There are tons of Mayoral races I didn’t have time to write texts for, but if you live in (or know people who do) Connecticut (Bristol, New Haven, Stamford, Hamden Milford, New Britain, Danbury, Norwalk, or Stratford) they have Mayoral races where Dems need to win! Miami, Fl has a Mayoral race! So does Atlanta, Georgia, Topeka, Kansas, Annapolis, Maryland, Boston, Massachusetts, Dearborn, Michigan, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, Manchester, New Hampshire, Gloucester Township, New Jersey, Jersey City, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Binghamton, New York, Buffalo, NY, Syracuse, New York, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, PA, Columbia, South Carolina and Seattle, Washington! You can find out who the Dem candidate is here: https://boltsmag.org/whats-on-the-ballot/2025-general-election/

Hasselback Chicken Recipe

CNN Town Hall October 15, 2025 with Bernie Sanders and AOC

Molly Baz is a passionate cook who is determined to make all of us as enthusiastic as she is about food, great ingredients and literally the joy of cooking (apologies to Julia Child for borrowing the phrase). My husband Gert always loved hasselback potatoes so I was immediately attracted to this recipe. I prefer Chicken thighs but know that chicken breasts are less fatty and healthier for you so I am always looking for a chicken breast recipe that isn’t bland and dry. I’ve made hasselback potatoes before but didn’t realize that method could be done with the breasts of chicken.

HASSELBACK CHICKEN
Ingredients
* 3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes (about 1 large or 2 medium)
* 1 lemon
* 6-8 herb sprigs from a pack of poultry herbs (or a combination of rosemary, sage, and thyme)
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
* One large bone-in skin-on chicken breast (about ¾ pound)
* With a very sharp knife. Slice 3/4 pound Yukon gold potatoes as thinly as possible. If you can't slice your potatoes thinner than about ⅛-inch thick, you can just roast all of them underneath the chicken, on the baking sheet.

* Very thinly slice 1/2 lemon. Cut 3 tablespoons butter into small cubes.

* Place one bone-in chicken breast on a work surface. Make crosswise incisions, spacing them about ½-inch apart, cutting all the way down to the bone.

* Very generously season chicken with salt and lots of ground black pepper, opening the "slices" in order to season thoroughly.

* Slide one slice of potato into each slit, as well as the lemon slices, cutting them in half if necessary to fit. Add sprigs of rosemary, sage, and/or thyme into every few folds, as well as the cubed butter, letting whatever butter doesn't fit just sit on top of the breast.

* Drizzle a small baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil, schmear with your fingers to coat, and shingle the remaining potato slices on top, letting them overlap a bit to create a fish scale kind of look. Season generously with salt and pepper.

* Place the hasselbacked chicken on top and drizzle everything with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, giving special attention to the potatoes in the chicken, to help them brown.

* Bake 20 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven, tip it to one corner so the oil and butter can pool, and spoon or brush the chicken (and potatoes and lemon in the chicken) with the fat. (Feel free to drizzle more olive oil on the chicken or potatoes if anything seems dry.)

* Return to the oven and continue baking until the potatoes on the edges of the baking sheet are crisping and golden, and the lemons and potatoes in the chicken have taken on a bit of color, about 18-24 minutes more. At this point, the chicken will be cooked through.

* If you want the potatoes on the baking sheet crispier, remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest. (If any potatoes in the chicken need more time, you can add them to the baking sheet as well, but I like the contrast of how some of the potatoes don't get entirely tender.)

* Increase temperature to 475 and return potatoes to oven until crisped to your liking, likely 8-14 minutes more.

* Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the chicken breast and potatoes, season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Oatmeal Tree mixed media on paper 60” x 22”

Charity of the Week:
ACLU

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 252: Phil Ochs, Cats, CNN Town Hall

October 17, 2025

Phil Ochs

It is a good time for us to remember Phil Ochs: the songwriter, political activist and author of more than 100 topical songs of the 1960s and 70s...I was first introduced to him at Apple Hill Camp when I was about ten years old. My parents were leftists and they sent me to what Woody Allen referred to as a "Jewish socialist summer camp" when I was a kid...That is where I learned a whole bunch of protest songs, many of them written by Phil Ochs. They have stuck with me all these years later--I still remember every word.

Here is a selection of my favorites--no better time then to revive them now and salute this very talented and prolific songwriter who died tragically way to early, when he was only 35.

I'm Not Marchin Anymore

Draft Dodger Rag

There But For Fortune

The Highway Man

Changes

If you would like to delve deeper, here is a documentary all about this remarkable combination of musician/journalist/songwriter/politcal activist.

Cats, Energy, Vibrations and Edgar Cayce

I am an animal lover. When it comes to dogs and cats, I have always been partial to dogs but this youtube video above has given me a new perspective and just might make me a cat person too...

If even just a few of these observations about felines is true, I want to learn more...Thanks to discoveries in modern science, knowledge from ancient history through the Egyptians, the Celts and the Vikings and teachings from the the trance recitations of Edgar Cayce (known as the sleeping prophet), we have learned about the extraordinary abilities of cats.

I didn't know that:
*Every purr from your cat may be more than affection, it could be the exact healing frequency your energy needed to receive...

*Cats have an ability to detect electromagnetic fields

*They can read our energy

*The Egyptians believed that cats were living portals between the physical and spiritual worlds

*A cat’s purr vibrates at a frequency of 25 to 150 hertz, which is the same frequency at which muscles and bones repair themselves.

Bernie Sanders/AOC CNN Town Hall

I dropped one of my segments on this blog to include this very important CNN Town Hall with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). They spell out all the most important issues of the day--clearly and succinctly. Please share this with any of your friends and acquaintances on the other side--these two have the ability to speak to all of us and we need to have to stop just speaking to the choir...

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Black Heart mixed media on paper 9” x 14”

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible
NO KINGS DAY OCT. 18th

**Please show up on October 18th! and click image to** **donate** **and find a march near you… Bring a friend or two!**

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 251: Do Protests Make a Difference, Mary Oliver Poem: Song for Autumn, Words of Wisdom

October 11, 2025

Do Protests Make a Difference

Feeling conflicted about showing up on No Kings Day on October 18th? Never been to a protest before? Don't believe it will make a difference? Think again!

Protests are the backbone of resistance. Showing up on the street, nonviolently, is a very valuable tool we have in our arsenal and has been proven to affect change all over the world throughout history...Still don't believe me: take a look at the links below:

The '3.5% rule': How a small minority can change the world
by David Robson, BBC correspondent

Do Protests Make a Difference, CBS News

Why is Protest Important from Amnesty International

We all complain...Now do something! SHOW UP ON OCTOBER 18TH at
NO KINGS DAY and be counted--No excuses! You have the power to make this the biggest protest in history! We are on our way but we need your help... Click here for a protest near you...

Song for Autumn by Mary Oliver

SONG FOR AUTUMN

by Mary Oliver

In the deep fall

don’t you imagine the leaves think how

comfortable it will be to touch

the earth instead of the

nothingness of air and the endless

freshets of wind? And don’t you think

the trees themselves, especially those with mossy,

warm caves, begin to think

of the birds that will come – six, a dozen – to sleep

inside their bodies? And don’t you hear

the goldenrod whispering goodbye,

the everlasting being crowned with the first

tuffets of snow? The pond

vanishes, and the white field over which

the fox runs so quickly brings out

its blue shadows. And the wind pumps its

bellows. And at evening especially,

the piled firewood shifts a little,

longing to be on its way.

“Song for Autumn" by Mary Oliver
Reprinted by the permission of The Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency as agent for the author.
Copyright © 2005, 2017 by Mary Oliver with permission of Bill Reichblum

Words of Wisdom

These words of wisdom were shared with me in my Wednesday morning yoga class by the wonderful teacher Stephanie Winchenbach. Spoken by James Van Der Beek of Dawson's Creek fame, how do we define ourselves..."What am I?" It is short and well worth the reminder and listen.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow Blue Tree mixed media on canvas $8500 And my granddog Frenchy, not for sale…

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible
NO KINGS DAY OCT. 18th

**Please show up on October 18th! and click image to** **donate** **and find a march near you…**

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 250: Jane Goodall/Krista Tippett Interview, Bernie AOC on the Shutdown, Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen

October 4, 2025

Jane Goodall/Krista Tippett Interview (Revisited)

I posted this interview with Krista Tippett and Jane Goodall a few years ago but thought in light of Jane Goodall's death this week that it would be good idea to repost it again from blog No. 21. The title of the conversation from the nature and culture magazine Orion Magazine is The Shadow of Humanity

"It used to be that we thought we were the only beings capable of using tools. And that our intellect was way beyond any other animals in the animal kingdom. And we were the only ones who had feelings and the ability to self-reflect. Dismissing of animals as inferior to humans was a myth we told ourselves (not sure why that would make us feel good). Jane Goodall was a pioneer in the field of animal intelligence, leading the way in Well, take a look at crows! And elephants, whom Aristotle remarked as "the beast which passeth all others in wit and mind". Not to mention gorillas. Jane Goodall and Krista Tippett reflect on this subject in an interview in Orion Magazine. These days, I venture to say that animals might just be smarter than us humans…think QAnon...

Next time you are looking for something to watch, you might want to take a look at this wonderful documentary about her entitled The Hope

Bernie Sanders/AOC Explain the Shutdown

Photo courtesy Gage Skidmore (gageskidmore.com)

Bernie Sanders and AOC clearly explain the government shutdown and what it means for normal Americans.  

Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen

EVERYBODY KNOWS
Still one of my all time favorites--for me Leonard Cohen is it! Click to hear him tell it like it is in a beautiful version of this song--love that instrument in the background but can't figure out what it is--please write it in the comment if you know what it is...

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died
Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long-stem rose
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah, give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah, when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Leonard Cohen / Sharon Robinson
Everybody Knows lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Concrete Blonde also did a great cover on this same song as did many others.

My Studio this Week

Treee of Life Series: Midnight mixed media on paper 60” x 22” $4000

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 249: KINDNESS!, Mountain Climber Sheroze Kashif, Martin Niemöller Quote

September 27, 2025

KINDNESS!

In all the 4+ years that I have been writing this newsletter, I want to encourage you to watch this video (click here) and share it far and wide and with everyone you know.

It's a compilation of acts of kindness put together from Steve Hartman's CBS Evening News "On The Road" series.

How is it that I have not heard of him before--his show has aired for a long time now. If it has the same effect on you as it did on me, it will make your face hurt from smiling.

I do believe kind people are the majority.

Hartman won two well deserved 2013 Edward R. Murrow Awards (presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association) for the CBS Evening News. Three of Hartman's stories won in the Best Writing category.

Please share with me your comments on the video--I'd love to know if it had the same effect on you that it did on me...

Mountain Climber Shehroze Kashif

You never know who you are going to meet in Maine--so many interesting people--and you never know who you are going to run into in, a sauna of all places! But since I talk to everyone, this is actually the second blog post I have dedicated to someone I met in that way, in this case in a YMCA in Boothbay.

This time I happened to be sitting next to a guy from Pakistan, which was already a little unusual in lily white Maine, and this was definitely no usual guy. Shehroze Kashif aka the "Broad Boy" holds the world record for being the youngest person to summit all fourteen 8000+ meter mountains.

I have always been fascinated by people who climb mountains and in awe of their ambition, although I could never imagine myself being that driven to do something like that. But Shehroze fell in love with the mountains on his first visit when he was 11, and one can say he fell in love and it was almost that he was born to climb...

Here is a short documentary entitled Above the Sleeping Giants about this young mountaineer who became Pakistan's youngest to climb all fourteen 8000+ meter mountains--fascinating and definitely as close as I will ever get to these sleeping giants...

Quote from Martin Niemöller

QUOTE FROM MARTIN NIEMÖLLER

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—This quote was attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany.

My Studio this Week

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 248: Pep Talk from Bernie Sanders, Ian Volkov Speaks His Truth, No Kings Day Protest

September 19, 2025

Pep Talk from Bernie Sanders

This is the speech we all need to hear right now. It is short but will give us courage to keep going...

Please listen and allow him to be our fuel...What would we do without Bernie?

If there are numbers in the street, the media is forced to pay attention…

And while we are on the subject of pep talks, here is another one from the national treasure Heather Cox Richardson, spoken on September 18th. She is so wise, so calm, and we are lucky to have her as one of the most important voices in America right today, America's history teacher and one of our fearless leaders...

Truth Speaker Conductor Ilan Volkov

Click image above to hear Ilan Volkov’s impassioned speech to his audience at the BBC proms.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up and stand out, to stick your neck out even when others deem it is inappropriate to say something at that particular day or time. Ilan Volkov, prominent and renowned Israeli conductor, used the opportunity he had in front of a serious classical music audience at BBC Proms to speak his truth when he had the opportunity to reach a lot of people. And as he responded to a heckler, "You can go if you don't want politics--politics is part of life." I beg you to do whatever is in your power to stop this madness--every little action matters...

The pain he expresses in his heart, I feel it too...

Nationwide Demonstration October 18th

SO SHOW UP! Click image above to find a protest near you.

As many of you know, I usually like to focus on positive, optimistic stories in this blog and to steer clear of the news of the day. God knows we have enough of the darkness in our daily lives and I think it is imperative that we try and stay steadfast in preserving hope and not letting them take away our joy. But sometimes I just can't avoid trying to rally the masses, especially when I feel that we all have to get active and not just gripe.

On October 18th, there will be a mass nationwide protest (nokings.org) and I would like to urge you, whether you have protested before or not, to get out there on October 18th--plan ahead now to be free that day and recruit some of your friends to join you. Here is the link for you to find a local protest near you (zoom in to find your location).

The truth of the matter is that those who remain silent, whether they like it or not, are complicit. Please realize that it is so important that we have numbers in the street that day--to demonstrate to our lawmakers that we do not agree with the attack on our democracy and the desecration of the U.S. constitution and human rights. We need desperately, as one of the most effective tools right now, to show that we are not going along with this administration before it is too late. And while you are at it, get involved in other ways as well--on the local level, through boycotts (look at how successful the Tesla boycott has been--and think back to the United Farmworks Union strike in the 1960s).

I have been impressed with so many people in Maine who are out there on the bridges of their towns week after week with signs of protest but we need more of us. It is energizing to participate and it also shows the public, many of them honking in support as they drive by, that we are out there trying to resist and that they should join us... My mother was a victim of Nazi Germany and there were many that were against the regime but kept their mouths shut. We cannot make that same mistake over and over again...I believe we are the majority...so let's go! For the sake of all of us...

Born during the AIDS crisis, this pink triangle poster refers back to the symbol known for its association with the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper, 30” x 22” $1500

Charity of the Week:
Indivisible

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 247: Gabor Mate on Joy and Play, Growing a Sweet Potato Indoors, Crispy Rice Salad

September 14, 2025

Gabor Mate on Joy and Play

The original Christopher Robin stuffed animals, now living at the New York Public Library. Click image to read more about them.

I loved Winnie the Pooh. My daughter loved Winnie the Pooh. Who didn't love this treasure of a book called Winnie the Pooh! Generation after generation is familiar with this classic and it's characters: Milne's real son Christopher Robin's stuffed animals: the loveable Winnie (named for a brown bear in the London Zoo), Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and Tigger.

The Hungarian-born Canadian physician and addiction expert is no exception. Gabor Maté expounds on one of his favorite children's book and why it means so much to him. His explanation contains a lesson for all of us. Have a quick listen--it's an important reminder for all of us.

Click on this image above to hear Gabor Maté’s important lesson…

Growing a Sweet Potato Vine

I just moved into a new place that is somewhat lacking in light and greenery. Came across this "How to grow a sweet potato" online and thought I would give it a try. I always loved the intense green of the sweet potato vine leaves you see growing in planters all around NYC and have heard they couldn't be easier to grow. And if you get the right shape potato, the sweet potato itself looks beautiful and almost like some exotic mini African tree trunk. Follow this youtube video to find out how easy it is.

Crispy Rice Salad

CRISPY RICE SALAD
From Sivan's Kitchen on Instagram

INGREDIENTS FOR SALAD🥗
🥬1/2 of a savoy cabbage
💚about 4 green onions
🫛about 2 cups sugar snap peas chopped
🌿1/2 bunch fresh mint
🌿1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
🫛1 cup shelled edamame
🥑1 avocado

or for variation:
•4 Persian cucumbers
•1/2 bunch fresh mint
•1/2 bunch fresh cilantro
•about 5 scallions
•1 cup shelled edamame
•1 avocado
•1/2 cup chopped peanuts

INGREDIENTS FOR DRESSING:
🫙1/4 cup soy sauce
🫙1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (it’s a bit sweeter)
🛢️2 tbsp. Oil
🫙1 tbsp. brown sugar
🍋‍🟩1/2 lime
🧄1 garlic clove

INGREDIENTS FOR CRISPY RICE:
•2 cups of white raw rice cooked and cooled
•1 heaping tbsp. chili paste
•3 tbsp. Oil

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. PREPARE THE CRISPY RICE:
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and in a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chili paste, and vegetable oil. Mix well.
* Spread the rice mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, tossing the rice every 10 minutes to ensure even baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
* Once crispy and golden, remove from the oven and let cool. This can be done ahead of time.

2. PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:
* Chop all your vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
* Add the edamame and diced avocado to the bowl.

3. MAKE THE DRESSING:
* In a small bowl, combine the ingredients.
* Whisk together until well mixed.

4. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:
* Add the chopped roasted peanuts and the cooled crispy rice to the bowl with the vegetables.
* Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note: If preparing this salad ahead of time, add the avocado, crispy rice, and peanuts just before serving to maintain their texture. The crispy rice will become slightly soggy if it sits in the salad for too long.

Painting of the Week

Tree of Life Series, mixed media on paper, 60” x 22” $4000

Charity of the Week:
Southern Poverty Law Center

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 245: No Place Like Maine, About Bees, Crumble Recipe (Copy)

September 5, 2025

There's No Place Like Maine

Nothing like a family vacation in our favorite vacation spot in the state of Maine, "the way life should be!"  I am not sure all vacation places are like this but Maine seems to attract generation upon generation of summer people who continue to carry on the family tradition...our family included.  Our special spot is mid-coast.  

This year there are sixteen of us in a huge house and you could say it is a bit of a United Nations--we have two Chinese, two Danes, one Brit, a Greek, two Puerto Ricans and the rest of us mundane Americans (although many of us hold multiple European passports)...Feel so lucky to be able to gather and that everyone wants to come time and again...so many beautiful memories over the years.  Blessed...

My nephew Aaron Schoenfelder has documented much of his experiences in the state with these wonderful paintings--creativity does flourish in our breed...

About Bees

click image above to see more animal prints by Pam Smilow and Gert Mathiesen

My friend Regina is one of the foremost beekeepers in Maine and she has mentored many newcomers to the field.  I had the good fortune of suiting up with her one day and going into one of her four hives and having a look.  Totally fascinating!  I was a little nervous at first but realized I was totally protected by the suit and the bees weren't interested in me anyway...

We all love honey.  Here is a crash course on the wonder of bees and that sweet divine nectar they produce:

Click to watch a brief video, courtesy Flow Hive US, honeyflow.com

Click to watch how beeswax is made, courtesy Flow Hive US, honeyflow.com

And on my travels across bee-land, I came across this cool Australian company called Flow who have invented a new kind of beehive, easier on the beekeeper and easier on the bees.

Courtesy honeyflow.com. “With our new invention it was now possible to harvest honey from a beehive quickly and easily, without disturbing the bees and without requiring a honey shed or special extraction equipment. We were convinced that our invention could change beekeeping forever. Now it was time to introduce the Flow Hive to the world.”

Click image to shop all these innovative beehives by Flow Hives

Steve and Maia's Famous Crumble Recipe

My beautiful mom and daughter, many moons ago!

MAIA AND STEVE'S CRUMBLE

Topping: 
mix together 

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

Filling: 
mix together 

3 cups fruit #1

2-3 cups fruit #2

1/4 cup flour
 
2 tbsp brown or white sugar 

Spices (cinnamon or vanilla etc)
Bake at 375 degrees for approx. 40 minutes

Painting of the Week

Painting by my very talented nephew Aaron Schoenfelder. Click image to see more of his work.

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 246: Child Prodigy Identifies Music, Tennis and Boris Becker, Billy Collins Poem

August 31, 2025

Toddler Identifies Classical Music

Not much to say about this one except click here and take a listen. How does one explain this! Isn't it wonderful that there is mystery and magic in the world...

Tennis and Boris Becker

It is U.S. Open Tennis time right now--it has been going on for two weeks now and the finals are this weekend. This is one of the sports I really enjoy watching (and in the past, playing) so I always look forward to this time of year. It reminds me of my Dad too--he was a big tennis player and took my sister and I to some of the U.S. Open tournaments, even way back when when it was still held at Forest Hills.

I recently met the filmmaker Alex Gibney and his wife Anne DeBevoise and decided to have a look at his documentary on Boris Becker entitled Boom Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker since I've been in the tennis mood. I remember Becker pretty well--he was of my era--a very exciting time in tennis--and the film brought me back to the primary players of that period. It was fun seeing some of the more recent interviews in the film, all these men players all grown up and looking older. My favorites were Bjorn Borg (I think everyone's favorite) and Guillermo Vilas and my least favorites were John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors (America's sore sport, poorly behaved players in my humble opinion) ...

Boris Becker was a German wunderkind, the youngest player to win Wimbledon--he already had two of those titles by the time he was 19. Aside from his stunning sports prowess and his sheer power, he also had a colorful underside when he ended up in jail for tax evasion a bunch of years later...Becker has a very interesting story and this film does a good, thorough job of covering it as well as showing an insider's look at the sport and what it takes psychologically as well as physically to be a champion. Gibney is a great storyteller and I highly recommend this documentary, available on Apple TV

Forgetfulness by Poet Laureate Billy Collins

FORGETFULNESS
BY Billy Collins

The name of the author is the first to go
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read, never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

Long ago you kissed the names of the nine muses goodbye
and watched the quadratic equation pack its bag,
and even now as you memorize the order of the planets,

something else is slipping away, a state flower perhaps,
the address of an uncle, the capital of Paraguay.

Whatever it is you are struggling to remember,
it is not poised on the tip of your tongue
or even lurking in some obscure corner of your spleen.

It has floated away down a dark mythological river
whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall

well on your own way to oblivion where you will join those
who have even forgotten how to swim and how to ride a bicycle.

No wonder you rise in the middle of the night
to look up the date of a famous battle in a book on war.
No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart.

Painting of the Week

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 244: Michael Singer LIVING UNTETHERED, The Secret Life of Four, Five and Six Year Olds and the Documentary CHASING CHILDHOOD, My Mother Edith Smilow's Prized LINZER TORTE

August 24, 2025

I’ve had a busy few week and not much time to write so I decided to launch my very first ever BEST OF from past Things We Love entries…Hope you enjoy revisiting them or seeing them for the first time if you missed them before.

Michael Singer Living Untethered

Click image to see a review of this book.

Just finished Michael Singer's book Living Untethered--it made a really big impression on me. If I had to summarize it (and I might massacre it, I am warning you), I would say that it is very clear account of what it is to be inside of you, why the mind does what it does, how the heart opens and closes and why we have such trouble "being here now." When we encounter an interaction that is uncomfortable, we push it away in order to protect ourselves instead of letting the experience come in and go out again--i.e, if we have a bad encounter with a snake, we then associate every time we see something snakelike (i.e., a piece of rope, a big worm) to that bad experience and it brings up the past trauma over and over again even though it is not the reality in front of us. When we store up these past experiences, they compound and become a mess of blockages that inhibit our energy flow, prohibit us from our natural state of wellbeing and affect our spiritual growth. Singer attempts to shed light on this by illustrating how the moment in front of us is not bothering us but we are bothering us. He shows us that we have the capability of freeing ourselves from this scenario, leaning away from the noisy mind and changing our focus to what is right in front of us, the reality as seen clearly in the stillness. Away from worldliness into spirituality. A lot to work on but being clear and aware is the first step...

The Secret Life of Four, Five and Six Year Olds and the Documentary Chasing Childhood

Click image to see the very important documentary Chasing Childhood: a must see for any parent of young children…

So much for me these days is trying to find some distraction from what is going on in politics and the world...and it is a struggle because I know that looking the other way is what enables the status quo to exist--I suppose there must be some kind of balance between burying my head in the sand and seeking joy in other things.

This entry is in the category of seeking joy: The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds is a heartwarming and often humorous, sometimes distressing, British television show that gives us amazing insight into the emotional and social development of children. A specially designed playroom is the setting of the show where we can observe, through hidden cameras, a group of children in the midst of their free play. As viewers, we have the opportunity of watching them make friends, communicate with each other, juggle leadership roles and behave and navigate life in a group setting... The show's expert psychologists offer commentary on the children's behaviour, providing insights into how they are developing and offering advice for parents and educators. This is one of many episodes of The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds which can be found on youtube.

This is a good follow up to my recent post on Chasing Childhood, the documentary I recently wrote about in a previous blog post and one no parent of young kids should miss-- it accentuates the importance of free play in childhood.

My Mother's Prized Linzer Torte

This recipe is my mom’s crown jewel. She made it for every special occasion and it was anticipated and beloved by every member of our extended family and friends alike. It is my great pleasure to share it with you right now. She would be happy to spread the word…

EDITH SMILOW'S LINZER TORTE

1 stick and 1 tbsp. butter

2/3 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 cup all purpose flour

1 1/3 cups ground almonds

2 squares semi-sweet or unsweetened chocolate, grated

Dash of Kirsch (optional)

Dash of cinammon

Three types of jam mixed together (for later)

Mix/Beat sugar, butter, egg yolks together--can be done in a food processor. 
Add the rest of the ingredients except for the jam until everything is mixed together. 
Place dough in refrigerator for 1 hour or more wrapped in plastic wrap.

Divide dough in two parts, one slightly bigger than the other. 
Roll out each part between two pieces of lightly floured wax paper. 
Place the bigger half of the dough in a greased spring formed pan about an inch up the sides as well. 
Spread a layer of the (mixed together) three jams on top (my mom used raspberry, strawberry and blackberry but the type of jam is your choice). 
Use the other smaller half of the rolled dough for the lattice work by cutting into 1 inch wide strips and arrange in a lattice design over jam layer. Don't worry if it breaks--you can just press it together. 
You can also fill the spaces between the lattice strips with a little more jam if you would like. 
 Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and crust is browned. 
Cool completely. 
Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Painting of the Week

My latest commission for a wonderful couple in New Harbor, Maine.

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 243 : William Kentridge, Animal Telepath Sharon Loy, Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton Music

August 15, 2025

Artist William Kentridge

I'm still hitting myself that I missed this William Kentridge exhibition in NYC by one day...Painful... South African William Kentridge (born 1955) is, in my humble opinion, one of the most interesting artists alive today...a real artist's artist. Some people have even deemed him the Picasso of South Africa. Kentridge is most known for his large works in charcoal and his animation, although he does not limit himself to just that--with chalk, with film, with charcoal, with metal, he crafts his drawings, paintings, sculpture, operas and film.

His latest exhibition centered around the idea of studio as self portrait--how does one make sense of the world with the tools and techniques of the studio. According to his artist statement, "I have never been able to escape Johannesburg, and in the end, all my work is rooted in this rather desperate provincial city. I have never tried to make illustrations of apartheid, but the drawings and the films are certainly spawned by, and feed off, the brutalised society left in its wake."..."I am interested in a political art, that is to say an art of ambiguity, contradiction, uncompleted gestures and uncertain ending - an art (and a politics) in which optimism is kept in check, and nihilism at bay." And on his drawings: "The drawings don't start with 'a beautiful mark'. It has to be a mark of something out there in the world. It doesn't have to be an accurate drawing, but it has to stand for an observation, not something that is abstract, like an emotion."

The Hauser & Wirth Gallery website shows a big selection of the works in this show--have a look and let me know your thoughts in the comments...

Animal Telepath Sharon Loy

Do you ever have the impression that so much of what we have been taught is wrong...Take animals for example. So many of us have just accepted the paradigm that humans are superior beings, the only conscious ones, the only ones capable of evolving, the only ones with feelings, the only ones who are able to use tools... Animal telepath Sharon Loy knew all that was not true ever since she was a little girl--acutely aware that our spirits bloom when we are connected with animals.

I hope you will take the time to watch this inspiring mini documentary about Sharon Loy and the animals (and humans) whose lives she has touched...Guaranteed to cheer up your day, no matter what state you are in...Magic does exist in the world!

Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton Music

Click the image above to hear the album Live at the Legion

Spent the early morning hours lying in bed listening to Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton's relatively new album Live at the Legion, suggested by David Kowalski, aka vinyljunky by his own admission, owner of Deep Groove Records in Brunswick Maine. It's a great record store and the go to place if you are looking for absolutely anything vinyl. The red white and blue vinyl version of this album is one of their very many offerings.

William Lee Apostol aka Billy Strings (the name given to him for his prowess in that arena) and Bryan Sutton have put together their spin on a mix of traditional bluegrass and folk influences including the work of Doc Watson, Norman Blake and Tony Rice and have even included a number written by Bob Dylan. They have made these traditional tunes alive again, "innovating on and carrying their songs to new heights for a new generation of listeners."--Henry Carrigan of Folk Alley.

Rolling Stone wrote an interesting article on Strings a few years back if you want to take a deeper look at his tumultuous and wondrous life.

Painting of the Week

One of my all time favorite pieces of Gert Mathiesen (1951-2013) which if it hasn’t moved hangs in the home of a wonderful family in Berkeley, California.

Charity of the Week:
Unicef Aid to Gaza

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 242 : One Red Lego, Adama Bakery, Zucchini Tots

August 9, 2025

One Red Lego

If you believe that we can receive signs from our loved ones who have crossed over, here is an amazing story that will confirm your belief. And if you are not a believer that our souls survive our body, this might just make you think again...

I love Laura Lynne Jackson for writing her book Signs and for being our guide into the world of psychic abilities and mediumship and for disseminating this One Red Lego story of Tara Stilwell and the sign she received from her son Wilder.

Tara, thank you for sharing your beautiful story of connection with Laura Lynne and the world and for having so much grace, beauty and strength...

Share

The Adama Bakery and Foundation

Women baking bread at the Oruchinga Settlement Camp.

The ADAMÂ Foundation is dedicated to baking bread and building community in refugee camps. My friend and college roommate Claudia has been trying to put them on my radar for quite a while now and I finally took it off the back burner and had a look.

Founder of the Adama Foundation, Israeli Ayelet Berman-Cohen has had a long time interest in indigenous cultures and the plight of people who have lost their homes and family due to war. Berman-Cohen also relies heavily on her dreams and has used them throughout her life as her guides. In one of her dreams, she dreamt that women, whom she had long considered her “enemy,” would bake their native bread, and share it with her.

Who said dreams cannot come true...

The Adama Foundation grew out of this dream inspiration, building its first bakery in the Oruchinga Settlement Camp in Southern Uganda in 2020. The camp is home to over 9000 refugees from Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and other parts of East Africa.

Adama set out to train and empower the refugees, especially women, with skills that will enable them to earn a livelihood; to become a focal point for the community; and to feed the most vulnerable refugees – the children, on a regular basis." I was immediately impressed by their mission, their success and the real help they are giving to women and children in the refugee camp of Oruchinga Click here to explore more about them and their current projects.

Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton Music

ZUCCHINI TOTS
Courtesy Market Grow

Ingredients:
* 2 grated medium zucchinis
* 1 large egg
* ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley (optional)
* 1 clove of garlic, minced
* ½ tsp. onion powder
* ¼ tsp. salt
* ¼ tsp. black pepper
* Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Grate the zucchinis.
Squeeze the liquid out of the zucchini on a cheese cloth or clean kitchen towel.

3. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well and shape the mixture into small, oval-shaped tots and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.

5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy!

My favorite Maine August joke about zucchini:
"Why do people lock their cars in Maine in August?
To ensure that people don't put zucchini in it..."

Painting of the Week

Charity of the Week: Adama Foundation

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 241: Carl Jung on Human Connection, Stanley & Astrid Samuelsen Tribute to George Harrison, Peter Beinart on Gaza

August 1, 2025

Carl Jung Wisdom

There is so much of Carl Jung's wisdom in this 43 minute youtube video and the more I know about this Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychologist, the more I embrace his philosophy and school of analytical psychology.   

For me, the most important things in my life are my art and the connections I have with my family, friends, and people in general whose paths cross mine.  According to Jung, there are no accidents and people don’t just show up by chance—-they come to us as guides and messengers.  Jung believes every human interaction is sacred data, every relationship a spiritual classroom and every heartbreak is a syllabus for transformation.  But people come into your life to reflect the very thing you are not willing to see, your fears, your wounds, your worth...It is your soul calling in whatever is needed, not what your ego wanted but what your evolution demanded...that is the way we grow...and  

Tribute to George Harrison by Stanley and Astrid Samuelsen

I have shared music with you before from my Danish/Faroese musician friend Stanley Samuelsen and here I present to you a full tribute album to George Harrison he made with his talented daughter Astrid Samuelsen. I love their choice of the five songs--sit back and enjoy this beautiful and touching music by my favorite Beatle, played with loving care by this father/daughter duo...

"Stanley Samuelsen is one of the most highly praised Faroese songwriters. His melodic and beautifully haunting songs are accompanied by his impeccable fingerstyle guitar playing, which some might hear is influenced by esteemed guitarists such as Stephen Stills and John Renbourn."

"As the daughter of beloved Faroese musician Stanley Samuelsen, Astrid Samuelsen has been rooted in music since birth. Together, they have performed countless times and, with Astrid contributing to several of Stanley Samuelsen’s releases. In 2014 they released the critically acclaimed tribute EP Long, Long, Long, featuring interpretations of songs by George Harrison. Astrid has been nominated for two Danish Music Awards: first in 2014 as Talent of the Year at the Danish Music Awards Folk, and again in 2016 when she, together with De Underjordiske, was nominated for Live Act of the Year."

Peter Beinart on Gaza

This entry falls into anything but the upbeat category but I think it is a very important discussion to listen to. It might make me some enemies because this is not an easy subject to talk about, and in so many ways, this critical issue is way overdue to address, but please take the time to hear journalist and political commentator Peter Beinart have a serious conversation with Jeremy Ben-Ami, President of J Street (the political home of pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy Americans) on the subject of Gaza, Israel, October 7th, Hamas, and the future of the Middle East.

Peter Beinart is is a contributing Opinion writer for The New York Times and a professor of journalism and political science at at the City University of New York.

And since we are talking about the tragedy that is Gaza, I will also include Mandy Patinkin's comments on the same subject.

Product of the Week: Botanical Tea Towels

check out these and other products based on our art on our website

Tea Towels: 6 different design, cotton/linen blend. Shop this and other products based on our art in the artSHOP section of my website: www.pamelasmilow.com/shop-all

Charity of the Week: Doctors Without Borders

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 240: Andrea Gibson, Debbi DiMaggio Podcast with Me, Obama Sings Amazing Grace

July 26, 2025

Tom DiMenna tonight is at City Winery in NYC: 7:30pm Story Songs of the 70s: Music of Jim Croce, John Prine, Leonard Cohen along with all time favorites Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and Harry Chapin…Tickets still available

Andrea Gibson (1975-2025), Poet Laureate of Colorado

Photo Courtesy Boulder Library Foundation. Click image to read more about them.

So many tributes right now to this obviously incredible person, Andrea Gibson, poet laureate of Colorado, who recently left this planet after living with ovarian cancer for four years. I wish I had known more about them before. In honor of their beautiful poetry and their well-lived life, here is one of their poems that speaks to me and to the content of my newsletter as well:

A List of Things I Love

I love. That could be the end of the sentence, but I love sentences. I love words huddled together like strangers trying to survive a frigid night. I love rock sculptures built in windstorms. I love sandcastles crafted inches from the waves. I love the drama of an 80’s ballad. I love grandparents holding hands in rocking chairs on the porches of old houses in northern Maine. I love penguins, though I’ve never met one. I love how shocked I was when I realized my Superman cape couldn’t lift me into the sky. I love that all these decades later, I can still be that exact same kind of surprised.

I love cucumbers straight from the garden. I love old typewriters even if they don’t work. I love imagining I am a bird who is imagining what it’s like to be human in the dead of winter, wearing an upside-down nest made of yarn atop the head. I love wishing wells and the dreams that fill them.

I love scared rescue dogs who can’t live in homes with small children. I love the kids in junior high talent contests who always forget their lines. I love the nervous love in their parents’ chests. I love mother starlings racing home to their babies’ open and rowdy beaks. I love the perfect smiles of people with crooked teeth. I love daydreaming about the pep talks butterflies give to depressed caterpillars. I love that bumblebees taste with their feet. I love when it’s so cold out I can walk atop the sparkling snow. I love tiny libraries. I love stained glass windows in people’s homes.

I love how my partner takes karaoke far too seriously. I love my very first crush in the 4th grade, wherever he is, whoever he became. I love phone booths in London. I love ketchup chips from Canada. I love Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. I love the six perfect holes in my most worn pair of boots. I love that pigeons can recognize themselves in photographs. I love that laughter is more contagious than the flu. I love thank-you letters mailed to teachers twenty years after they graduate. I love the romance of merge signs.

I love watching people pull over on the side of the road to take pictures of a rainbow. I love that I can fix almost anything with shoelaces or duct tape. I love listening to my partner yell, “Andrea! Where did my shoelaces go this time!?” I love pointing out the window at our singing wind chime.

I love listening for the quietest notes of the loudest songs. I love carnivals in the parking lots of tiny towns. I love paper planes with love notes written inside. I love watching children realize that the seashells on the beach are free. I love the perfect contentment of a kite caught in a tree.

I love coffee shops on Saturday mornings. I love the kind kids who have hard lives. I love the mean kids who haven’t yet learned a better way to survive. I love that after chemotherapy, my straight hair grew back in curls. I love the tiny hurt that makes each pearl. I love trying to jump over puddles and failing.

I love that cows have best friends. I love that fleeting moment of annoyance while deep in writing a poem, someone interrupts to ask me to come look at the sunset. I love the instant that follows, when I recognize that to be a true poet, I must abandon every poem for every pink sky.

I love the pink sky and the sound of my grumpy neighbor opening his door at the same time that I do. I love both of us peeling off the husks of our minds to taste the sweetness of the world’s truth. I love what I have in common with people I have nothing in common with.

I love that my best friends kiss me on the forehead whenever I am sick. I love the baristas in fancy coffee shops who never ever smile. I love old diners with signs that say, “Stay A While.” I love the desert. I love the sea.

I love how much longer this list would be if the sunset were not, in this very second, calling me.

And I love all of you, friends, for caring about what I love. What are you loving today?

Love, Andrea

Debbi DiMaggio Podcast Interview with Me

Debbi DiMaggio Interviews Me: Click image for the whole podcast

Wonderful podcast on much more than real estate with Debbi DiMaggio

I usually don't like sharing this kind of thing because it feels like I am showing off and I get nervous when I do interviews and end up sounding like an idiot. Furthermore I don't usually like the way I look on camera but this time it actually went off without a hitch and I am actually proud of the interview.

I took a pitstop in Portland Maine on my way to New York City and the Press Hotel in Portland Maine was kind enough to let me find a quiet place in their lobby to tape the podcast. Debbi DiMaggio, a client of mine who has become a friend is a great interviewer, aside from being a California real estate broker par excellence. She put me totally at ease, prompted me with good questions and I definitely know the material since it is my life...

Many of you know a lot about me already but if you don't, have a listen--it's a good way of getting to know my background, my approach to my art and some of what I have been up to all these 68 years...

Amazing Grace sung by President Barak Obama

I think we all need to hear this again. Obama sings Amazing Grace.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A PRESIDENT!

Painting of the Week

Metallic Flower Power Series mixed media on paper 44” x 90” $9000

Charity of the Week: Doctors Without Borders

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 239: Between the Mountain and the Sky Documentary, The Legacy Danish TV Series, David Gittens: Renaissance Man

July 19, 2025

For those in NYC, my friend Tom DiMenna is reappearing at City Winery on Sunday July 27th at 7:30pm for another round of Story Songs of the 70s—this time with an expanded list of covers including the music of Jim Croce, John Prine, Leonard Cohen along with all time favorites Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and Harry Chapin..Everyone who came last time enjoyed a wonderful evening with this talented musician and his band. Hope you will join me. For Tickets: https://citywinery.com/new-york-city/ticket-selection?eventId=story-songs-of-the-70s-04li6a

Between the Mountain and the Sky Documentary

Don’t ever say one person can’t make a difference. Meet Maggie Doyne!

My friend Karen Mulvaney introduced me to the documentary Between the Mountain and The Sky (a Duplass Brothers Production), and in fact, I found out in the credits that she and her husband Tom were the producers of this beautiful film. It is well worth watching--will have you laughing and crying and realizing that yes, one person (and a Jersey girl at that) can make a difference, and in this case, impact in a huge "love" way the life of 50+ orphans in Nepal. Not to mention so many others who she has reached, like me, who are left deeply inspired...

Meet Maggie Doyne, a young woman who during her gap year between high school and college decided to participate in a program volunteering with children in India. One thing led to the next and the next thing you know, Doyne, together with her program partner, Top Malla, now runs a school, children's home, women's center, and girls' safe house in Surkhet, Nepal. There are many steps in between which the film documents, taking us on an exciting, inspiring and heartwarming story about "Mommy" Doyne and her kids. With the founding of the foundation Blink Now, a non-profit organization founded by Doyne in 2007 that provides financial support and management oversight to the Kopila Valley School, Children’s Home, Women’s Center, Health Clinic, Big Sisters' Home, and New Campus in Surkhet, Nepal, Doyne has cemented her humanitarianism in Nepal in a huge way...

Hurry up and watch this film--looks like it is about to be taken down very soon from online...and then will be available in film festivals and theatres and for rent...Click here to watch...

I highly recommend it! And so does CNN, who awarded Maggie Doyne the CNN 2015 Hero of the Year.

Danish TV Series
The Legacy

I recommend The TV series The Legacy (Arvingerne), now on PBS. It is a soap opera but a Danish and smart one at that. It tells the story of an artist Veronika at the end of her life and the legacy she left to her husband and children, all of whom you get to know very well throughout the series (three seasons).

I don't think this series could have been made in the United States--it is much more intelligent than your normal run of the mill soap opera with layers upon layers of truths about greed, fame, family and familial ties, loyalty, societal norms, the art world, child rearing, selfishness, infidelities, love...you name it, the series covers the full range of human emotions and foibles. It is wacky, weird, and unconventional, and the characters are in many ways Danish to the bone and definitely not American characters. The acting and writing are of very high quality...depicting real characters having complex, flawed, real relationships, that are allowed time to grow, and that inevitably lead you to ponder your own family and your own experiences...

According to one reviewer, "this was one of the wildest, craziest and most fascinating foreign series I've ever watched!... completely unique and original, compared to 99% of what we see in Canada and the U.S...

Another reviewer described the writing, acting, directing, etc., to "show a level of artistic merit that puts the great majority of UK and American shows to shame." I really enjoyed the series and binge watched a lot of it. Maybe you will enjoy it too...

David Gittens: Inventor, Artist, Humanitarian

David Gittens, inventor of this amazing car, the Ikenga, envisioned out of a session with the Spiritualist Society in London in the 1960s.

David Gittens is a remarkable man! I met him as a kid--he was my cool Uncle Stan's friend and colleague and he recently reached out to me, looking to find his old friend, my 95+ year old Uncle... When I looked him up to remind myself of who he was, I knew instantly that I wanted to include him in a blog post as I had discovered an absolute treasure trove! This guy has done everything! In fact, so much so that I have been having a hard time writing this because he has accomplished and done so many interesting things, I didn't know where to start and what to include--way too much for one brief column.

Let's start by saying he is an designer and an auto and aviation pioneer--creator of the 1967-69 Ikenga motorcar, the 1977 Ikenga Catamaran, and the 1986-92 Ikenga Autogyro aircraft--all of which are today still considered utterly futuristic.

The Ikenga Motorcar, 1967-69. Gittens “channeled” the design of the car.

**Ikenga 530Z Autogiro, i1958-1965, featured n the collection of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.**

Growing up an African American kid in Brooklyn, David Gittens, now in his late 80's, can claim so many additional titles to his name: commercial photographer (freelance, staff for Car and Driver for many years), videographer, musician, interfaith worker, leader of seminars at the Smithsonian, painter, creator of a solar heated shower in collaboration with Unicef, creator of an incredible 23 string guitar, spiritualist--I could go on and on...

Here is a wonderful, very personal interview with Shahzad Sheikh, AKA the BrownCarGuy that covers much more than just cars. Through the course of the interview, Gittens talks about his life story and it is really fascinating and inspiring...And now, at 86, he is still at it, continuing work with kids on his humanitarian Art/Peace/Heart Project he founded in 1999 celebrating love and kindness.

I am so happy to be reacquainted with this amazing person. Here are some additional links if you want to explore more:

David is also a musician and invented and built this 23 string guitar. Click image to hear him play this amazing instrument—a song called You Are Love—You Are Loved.

**Click to read more about his online, free-to-download, Arts/Peace Project for students of all ages.**

An article about him in the Sarasota Herald Tribune
Email: dwij@aol.com
Music/videos:https://vimeo.com/
user9399249/videos
Inspirational/Visionary Art: http://dwij.org/dwij/gallery.html

Music on my 23-string creation with soundscape artist Edward Cosla: https://youtu.be/CzIr_ndIIJ0

Aircraft design segment:http://dwij.org/dwij/aircraft.htm

Rare first flight film: The 1988 Ikenga 530Z Autogiro:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65GTibxR2hY

The Ikenga Story:
http://dwij.org/dwij/530Z_history.html

Automobile design segment: http://dwij.org/dwij/ikenga.htm

Rare film: The 1968 Ikenga MK II GT:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7rCTfU06o

Painting of the Week

They glow! Painting by Pam Smilow, turntable by Brian Eno…

Charity of the Week: BlinkNow Foundation

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 238: Hands, Time Magazine Top Digital Creators, Strawberry Shortcakes

July 11, 2025

Beautiful Hands

Courtesy Sean Alonzo Harris—click image to see more of his photography.

Courtesy Sean Alonzo Harris—click image to see more of his photos.

Time Magazine List of Top Digital Creators

Time Magazine just came out with their first list of Top Digital Creators 2025. I think it is a terrific resource for those of us that might want to learn more about what is going on on TikTok and other social media platforms we are not so accustomed to. Start small, and explore a few of them at a time--it's a good way to keep current and abreast of what is journalism online these days...And for us older generation, you might want to skip down to the leader section first--some (not all) in the entertainment section seem a little inane for my taste...

Strawberry Shortcakes

It is the last hurrah of fresh strawberry season and I am a big fan of strawberry shortcake. So here goes: a great recipe from Alexander Robert of substack's Alexander Bakes

For the shortcakes:
 1 1/2 cups (190g) all purpose flour
 1/4 cup (30g) almond flour
 1/4 cup (35g) medium grind cornmeal
 3 tbsp (38g) granulated sugar
 1 tbsp (9g) baking powder
 1/2 tsp kosher salt
 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
 1 cup buttermilk (or cream)
 Turbinado sugar (or more granulated), for topping (optional)
  For the strawberries:
 2 cups strawberries, halved or quartered
 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  For the whipped cream:
 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
 3 tbsp granulated sugar
 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 400º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the biscuits: Add the all purpose flour, almond flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt to a mixing bowl. Whisk together, then add the butter and pinch it into the dry mixture until it’s broken down to the consistency of breadcrumbs (no big chunks).
3. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir together just until no dry clumps remain and a soft, wet dough forms. Scoop 1/3 cup portions onto the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart each— I divided the mixture into 8 biscuits (if you want smaller servings, do 10-12 instead). Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of each biscuit, then bake them for 18-20 minutes. They won’t gain too much color, but the edges will be golden brown. cool completely.
4. Macerate the strawberries: While the biscuits are baking, add the strawberries and granulated sugar to a small bowl. Stir every 5-10 minutes. The juices will begin releasing and the strawberries will soften slightly.
5. Make the whipped cream: add the cream, sugar, and vanilla bean paste to a large measuring cup. Use a hand blender to whizz the mixture together on high speed, until it turns into a thick whipped cream (you can also just do this in a stand mixer instead, but this way is really fast).
6. Assemble: Pair the biscuits with their twins. Place a bottom biscuit (I use the less cute ones) on a plate and top with a good scoop of whipped cream. Spoon some of the macerated strawberries and their sauce over the whipped cream, then top with another biscuit. Repeat for remaining biscuits and serve immediately!

And another of my favorite fruits is watermelon. Look at this masterpiece, also by AlexBakes. Looks like cubed cucumbers, feta and watermelon with some herbs thrown on top. So gorgeous and creative!

Painting of the Week

Thiese paintings found a good home in a beautiful apartment in Forest Hills, New York.

Charity of the Week: Unicef

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 237: Good Advice from Heather Cox Richardson, Ariel Stachel, Mistranslations

July 5, 2025

I try and flood this newsletter with joy, good will and love to counter and fight against the dark, sad mood of mourning I am sure many of us are feeling right now. We cannot give up but we also can't let them bring us down and take away our joy. I am reminded of the scene in the Brazilian film I'm Still Here where, upon having their picture taken, the mom insists that they all smile...watch the trailer to the end to see what I mean and if you have a chance, this is an amazing and timely film that mirrors what is happening to our country, just as it did in Brazil in the 1970s.

Good Advice from Heather Cox Richardson

Heather Cox Richardson gave what I consider a pep talk on her instagram Political Talk of June 26th.  

In it she stated: "There is joy in creation and joy in hard work and where we are right now is really miserable in a lot of ways  but now is also a time for us to 
meet new people, try new things, to reach out and make your own life the most creative it can be...I keep reiterating that authoritarianism cannot thrive in a land where people are making community connections and are doing so with joy. So I urge you to keep on doing whatever it is that makes you want to keep on."  

Thank you Heather Cox Richardson!  I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly and if ever there was a national treasure, you are it!

If you are looking to start some kind of creative practice in art, hit me up.  I can help you jump start it and give you practical advice and encouragement to get going...

Ariel Stachel

Actor Ariel Stachel (The Band's Visit, Law and Order SVU) was born in Berkeley California to a Yemini Jewish father and a New York Ashkenazi mom...and has struggled with identity his whole life, being both Arab and Jew. He is currently at work for the past six years on a play about his experiences and has put some of it on instagram. In this day in age, where anti-semitism is on the rise (with many thanks to Benjamin Netanyahu, in my humble opinion), I share with you one of Stachels's talks on the subject-- I think what he says is important and worth a listen...

Mistranslations to Make You Laugh

These mistranslated signs made me laugh outloud over my morning coffee on the day we got the reults of the Senate vote (the one that Murkowski caved on).  If something could make me laugh that day, it must be funny, right? I hope it gets at least a few chuckles out of you too. 

AIRLINE TICKET OFFICE: "We take your bags and send them in all directions"

HOTEL LOBBY: "The lift is being fixed for the next day.  During that time we regret that you will be unbearable."

HOTEL ELEVATOR, PARIS: "Please leave your values at the front desk."

SIGN IN MEN'S RESTROOM IN JAPAN: "To stop leak, turn cock to the right."

HOTEL JAPAN: "You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid."

THE LOBBY OF A MOSCOW HOTEL ACROSS FROM A MONASTERY: "You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday."

HOTEL FOR SKIERS, AUSTRIA: "Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension."

TOURIST AGENCY, CZECHOSLOVAKIA: Take one of our horse-driven city tours.  We guarantee no miscarriages."

AD FOR DONKEY RIDES, THAILAND: "Would you like to ride on your own ass?"

LAUNDRY IN ROME: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time."

HOTEL IN ZURICH: Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose"

COCKTAIL LOUNGE, NORWAY: "Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar."

CITY RESTAURANT: "Open Seven days a week, and weekends too."

IN A PUMWANI MATERNITY WARD: "No Children Allowed."

IN A CEMETERY: Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves."

IN A SWISS RESTAURANT: "Our wines leave you nothing to hope for>"

IN A NAIROBI RESTAURANT: "Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager." 

Oh, how we all need a good deep laugh right now!

Painting of the Week

This painting found a good home in a beautiful house outside of Chicago.

Charity of the Week: Unicef

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 236: Carl Jung Self Discovery, Artist Oladimeji Alibi, Two Refreshing Cold Summer Soups

June 29, 2025

Carl Jung and the Journey of Self Discovery

Illustration from Jung’s The Red Book—Click image to see the pdf of the whole book

Illustration from Jung’s The Red Book. Click image to see more of Jung’s art.

I have long been fascinated by Carl Jung and his holistic approach to psychology. His concept includes a much broader sense of the term to include aspects of the unknown, the intangible and the spiritual. That makes a lot more sense to me and in fact is the source of his conflicts with Freud, who believed everything had its source in sexuality. In addition to our own experiences, thoughts, memories, Jung believed that we were also influenced by the history of our civilization, what he termed the collective unconscious, and how cultures across the globe share similar versions of the same story.

This short documentary (less than twenty minutes), one in a series of educational films by George Lucas and Lucas Films serves as a primer to Jung's life and work, his theories on the unconscious, his relationship and eventual split with his original mentor Sigmund Freud, and even addresses, head on, the claims that Jung was an anti-semite. If you, like me, are interested in learning more about Jung, this is a great place to start...So many of Jung's ideas and contributions, a figure who was very far ahead of his time, are now deeply woven into our lives in more ways than we realize....

Artist Oladimeji Alibi

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the Nigerian artist Oladimeji Alibi, introduced to me by Prince Mapp, a co-worker of my daughter Morgan.

Olademeji met and married an American of Nigerian descent and moved to the States about a year go. He came to visit me in my studio a couple days ago just to talk and compare notes. He, like me, works in a variety of different media including painting, sculpture, textile design and clothing. An incredibly versatile artist, I thought I would share some of his art here and point you in his direction (instagram: ) if you are interested in learning more about him and his work. One thing I found amazing was the affinity he had to my husband, the late Danish artist Gert Mathiesen's work, as seen in his textile patterns and designs. Whether in Denmark, Nigeria, Australia, or anywhere in the world (Keith Haring also comes to mind), we all seem to share similar references and a collective consciousness.

Two Refreshing Cold Summer Soups

CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP 
2 to 4 servings
Courtesy Melissa Clark and the NYTimes Cooking App

INGREDIENTS



1 pound cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise and seeded

2 cups buttermilk (or use 1½ cups plain yogurt plus ¼ cup water)

1 large garlic clove, peeled and smashed

2 anchovy fillets (optional)

2 small whole scallions, trimmed

½ jalapeño, seeded, deveined and chopped

½ cup packed mixed fresh herbs (like mint, parsley, dill, tarragon, basil and cilantro)

½ teaspoon sherry or white wine vinegar, more to taste

¾ teaspoon kosher sea salt, plus more to taste

4 slices baguette or other bread, toasted

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

½ lemon

Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

1 ear of corn, shucked, kernels sliced off

Fresh dill, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine cucumber, buttermilk, garlic, anchovy, scallions, jalapeño, fresh herbs, sherry vinegar and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed.



On the toasted bread, smash the avocado slices. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, squeeze the juice of the lemon half over the top and finish each with a drizzle of olive oil and some pepper. Transfer to a plate and set aside.


 Distribute soup between 4 bowls and garnish with raw corn kernels and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve avocado toast on the side.

GAZPACHO SOUP 
(with one surprising ingredient*) 
serves 8-10
 INGREDIENTS
combine 3 garlic cloves, pressed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2-3 cups tomatoes, chopped (about 4 tomatoes)
2 cups cucumbers, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion,chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/3 cup veg oil, chopped (just kidding)
1-2 teaspoons salt
 1/2-1 teaspoon tabasco, depending on how spicy you want it
 *32 oz. bottle of clamato juice


Chill and enjoy. My dad really enjoyed this soup when my cousin Joanne Kahn would serve it at our annual family pool parties at her house in Westport--many moons ago.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on canvas, 80” 54” $8500

Charity of the Week:
National Dance Institute

Pet of the Week:
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."
please send me photos of your favorite pets with a brief description and/or story

PIXOTE, rescue kitty soulmate, submitted by childhood friend Amy Hirsch

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 235: Picasso at the Gagosian Gallery in NYC, National Dance Institute Event of the Year, The Dogs Poundcake and Milkshare Revis (Copy)

June 27, 2025

National Dance Institute Event of the Year

Father's Day is not my favorite holiday since both my own dad and my daughter's and son's dad (my late husband Gert Mathiesen) are no longer with us but what makes up for it is the pure joy of experiencing National Dance Institute's Event of the Year performances at the Skirball Center of NYU, where over 200 kids from New York City public schools perform every Father's Day Weekend. This year's theme was The Evolution of Rock and Roll, complete with (loud) live music (my apple watch warned me I was way above the safe decibel level--I didn't mind). NDI's Event of the Year is always fabulous and a shot of real pure joy...Definitely a highlight of my year every year. I know it will not do it justice but here are a few clips to give you a taste so you are sure to attend next year's Father's Day weekend shows if you are in New York. Next year marks their 50th year--the best kids' organization in the New York City public school system. Not everyone goes on to be a dancer but they make lifelong arts lovers and confident kids out of anyone the program touches...To prove the point, many of the organization's teaching artists and administration (including their Executive Director Germaine Jones) are alumnae. Check out the NDI website for future events.

Picasso
at the Gagosian Gallery

The current Picasso exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery in NY includes art in the collection of Picasso's daughter Paloma Picasso--some of the pieces have never been shown before to the public.  The exhibit is not a large show but it includes some real gems, and represents the breath of Picasso's work--everything from painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics--he did it all...In every single one of those mediums, there is no other artist in my book that even comes close...

The Friendship of Pound Cake and Milkshake: Two Deaf Dogs

Everyone who has ever had a dog (and I have had four over the years) knows that deep feeling of love and joy that only a pet can bring.

I have been following my two favorite instagram dogs Pound Cake and Milkshake for a while now, featured on James Coburn's instagram @Make.Life.Happen--two deaf dog rescues who were adopted by a loving family and found not only a loving home but each other too!

I'd like to invite you to send me photos of your favorite dog (or any other pet you love) and I will share some of the images in a future newsletter...And Let me start the chain by introducing you to Frenchy, my daughter Morgan's and her boyfriend Danny's rescue from Tennessee who I get to take care of quite often (or she takes care of me, more like it)..

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper 12” x 15”

Charity of the Week:
National Dance Institute

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...

Blog No. 234: Brave Souls in the Military, Immigrants Make Us Great, Rice Paper Recipe

June 14, 2025

Special note: As I handed each police officer a flower today at the demonstration down Fifth Avenue in New York City, I said: “With this flower I’d like to show that we are peaceful protesters and I want to thank you for your service. We’re all in this together and I hope that your allegiance will be to the United States Constitution and not to the one person in the White House. Thanks again for being our partners in this. As I pointed around us, I said: “look at us—so beautiful—a nationa of immigrants!” We need to work together and we need the police force and the military to be with us. America does not believe in kings…

I have been to many demonstrations in my 60+ years and never before did I feel that the police force was actually on our side in this. Great feeling! I gave out probably thirty flowers and aside from smiles and thank yous from almost every single officer, I even got myself a warm hug from one of them.

Brave Souls in the Military

Who would have ever thought we would be here, in America, in 2025! My dad did! I often think back to him, who became politicized in the army durng World War II, was active in left wing politics and civil rights during his whole life, lived through Joe McCarthy times, and who warned me many moons ago to keep myself off lists, to give money but do it anonymously, and generally be aware that fascism is lurking right around the corner...

Today I feature a few very brave souls in the military who are daring to speak out, in the face of real life consequences, in order to make the point that as military people, they have sworn an oath to the consitution, not to one man...Call me an optimist, but I am hoping that there are many more people like them, who are not interested in entering into combat with their own fellow citizens...
Click this link to hear from another courageous soul standing up for freedom.
And Congressman Mike Levin calls attention to some more military personnel standing up-- Here's another hero he has highlighted on his website.

This is a very important part of our work in the future to counter the weaponization of our own military against us...

Immigrants Make America Beautiful

Illustration by Elizabeth Jabar of Hinge Collective, Waterville, Maine Click images to see more of her work.

Illustration by Elizabeth Jabar of Hinge Collective, Waterville, Maine

What makes America great? I would argue that a lot of it is because of our diversity. Thank you Jimmy Kimmel (and so many of our previous presidents) for speaking out and reminding us of what makes America so beautiful...

And here is an organization that reminds us of why people come to the United States. "NEW AMERICAN STORY PROJECT's current project, Welcome Children: Voices of the Central American Refugee Crisis focuses on unaccompanied Central American minors who journeyed thousands of miles to reach the U.S. They tell their stories in their own words while legal, social science and policy experts provide perspective, up-to-date data and detailed context. We hope to foster greater understanding about the ongoing humanitarian crises in Central America." To read their stories in person, click here.

Click here to download a free poster by artist Micah Bazant

Crispy Rice Paper Rolls

CRISPY RICE PAPER ROLLS
as seen on instagram @tastyiri_en

INGREDIENTS
10-15 rice paper sheets
3 cups shredded cabbage (approx. 9 0z)
1 medium carrot, grated
1 1/2 cups slided mushrooms
7 oz cooked shredded chicken
1 tbsp soy sauce

INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all the ingredients and cook in a skillet on medium-high heat.
Place ingredients on rice paper, fold it in four, repeat the process and cook in a pan on both sides...Watch Iri's video here for complete illustrated instructions...

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow, mixed media on paper 52” x 52” sold

Charity of the Week:
American Civil Liberties Union

Source: old-age-young-at-heart-chorus-mark-nepo-no...