I always wanted to start a TV network which would be Good News 24/7. Call me naive but I feel if we are shown the true heroes of our society: the teachers, the nurses, the human rights activists, the good samaritans, or as Mr. Rogers said, "the helpers" instead of the dregs, we would all be inspired to rise to the occasion.
This blog, which I will send out every Sunday morning, is my small attempt to remind us that good can win over evil, that the arts are the mainstay of human existence, that we must work hard to fight for what is right and that democracy is not a bystander sport. Here goes Blog Post Number Two.
three things we love
National Dance Institute is one of my favorite non-profits. They use dance and music to instill in students a love of the arts, a passion for learning and a sense of confidence. Seeing them perform in person is such a joyous experience but you can watch them here in the meantime. Their Birmingham Children’s March, choreographed by the brilliant Kay Gaynor, is so beautiful and timely. Watch here.
For those of you who know me, you know I have experienced a lot of loss in my life. When my husband died suddenly in 2013, I set out to understand everything I could about death and dying. It has been my passion ever since and I have read extensively on the subject. In 2017, along came Leslie Kean's excellent book "Surviving Death: A Journalist Investigates Evidence of an Afterlife" and it basically was a summary of everything I had studied in one single book. I was so happy to see that this has now become a six-part Netflix documentary series entitled Surviving Death. It might just blow your mind--you will never think of life again in the same way.
Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen in Hydra, Greece Photo Courtesy of Babis Mores/Roadside Attractions
I've only been a groupie to one musician in my life: Leonard Cohen. My interest in him, his music and his poetry has not subsided at all since my teenage years. I have been particularly touched by the lifelong relationship of Leonard and his Norwegian love Marianne Ihlen, inspiration to many of his songs and poetry. Here I share a somewhat obscure interview about her and Leonard, given by an old friend of Marianne's. Very touching...
painting of the week
Gert Mathiesen, Longer Boats Neon Linoleum Cut, mixed media linocut on paper, 38” x 82 inches, available as a giclee print in various sizes
My late husband, Danish painter, printmaker and potter Gert Mathiesen was my partner in crime for over twenty five years. In addition to doing our own art, we often collaborated. His work and the memory of his spirit continues to inspire me every day. Gert carved this particular large linoleum piece while sitting at a table on the beach in Puerto Rico--in the sun, he said, it would cut like butter.
photo by Johanna Resnick Rosen
About The Author
New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow created “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection.