Mysteries, Yes by Mary Oliver
Mysteries, Yes
by Mary Oliver
Truly, we live with mysteries too marvelous
to be understood.
How grass can be nourishing in the
mouths of the lambs.
How rivers and stones are forever
in allegiance with gravity
while we ourselves dream of rising.
How two hands touch and the bonds will
never be broken.
How people come, from delight or the
scars of damage,
to the comfort of a poem.
Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
Let me keep company always with those who say
“Look!” and laugh in astonishment,
and bow their heads.
Some Danish Friends
Annette Liisberg of Galleri Liisberg and me
Christian and Annette Liisberg, Galleri Liisberg
Gert’s sister, Hanne Mathiesen
Stanley and Merete Samuelsen
Musician Stanley Samuelsen
Inger Molich, whose family were the famous Molich boat builders in Hundested, in her exquisite garden.
Wonderful dinner at Inger’s with Stenbiderrogn, sublime Danish caviar
More of her delicious meal
When I come to Denmark, as I have so many times in the past, I am treated like royalty by so many people that I have grown to love over the years. The gallery owners Christian and Annette house me, feed me, are great ambassadors for Gert's and my art and are the best early morning swimming partners anyone could ever hope for. My sister in law Hanne always greets me with open arms, foresees my every wish and rescues me when I need it. Stanley Samuelsen serenades me with his beautiful Faroese music always accompanied by his lovely wife Merete. And Inger Molich, who reminds me of one of my favorite people long gone, Trude Victor, outdid herself last night with her cooking and an unbelievable meal featuring stenbiderrogn, a rare Danish delicacy only available in the spring, which she had frozen for me in anticipation of my visit this summer. Above are some pictures of the people who rock my world here....I am so incredibly lucky and grateful.
Hallelujah
Live in London
And don’t miss this heartfelt, tender rendtion by the kids of PS 22 Chorus.
The song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen does not need much introduction. It is perhaps one of the most internationally renowned songs ever written. The film HALLELUJAH: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song has just been released in the United States and will be released on July 15th in Canada. It is a history of the song itself, an exploration of Cohen's spirituality and testimonies from a wide range of musicians on the effect this hymn has had on their lives. As a Leonard Cohen groupie, I look forward to seeing it as soon as I get back to New York City.
Whole Woman's Health
Please donate to this organization that helps women get the support they need to navigate the abortion bans and get to states where abortion remains legal.
Paintings of the Week
Galleri Liisberg, Summer Exhibition 2022: Gert Mathiesen/Pam Smilow/Annette Liisberg, Hundested, DK
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 the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.