Usonia Video
I felt it was very important not to let this opportunity go by so we hired a film crew to come shoot footage to document the event and conduct interviews with Usonians, past and present.
It has been a long time coming but we finally have a short video/teaser which is an overview of the community and what it means to all of us that have been connected to it over the years...
Have a look and let me know your thoughts. I welcome the feedback! My hope is that turns into a bigger project...
National Dance Institue Event of the Year Excerpts
Just coming off a high of spending the weekend immersed in the wonder that is National Dance Institute, New York's premier non-profit arts education organization that brings children together through inclusive dance and music programs in the New York City public schools and beyond.
This week was the performances of their Celebrations and SWAT teams entitled Earth Song. It was the culmination of a year of study on the environment. Below are a few videos for you to feast on--there is nothing like seeing them live but this will have to suffice. I have seen them perform ever since my daughter particpated in their amazing program beginning 21 years ago. I can honestly say I only missed one or two annual events that take place every Father's Day weekend. If you are in town then next year or thereafter, you won't want to miss it. People literally walk out of there saying this is the best thing I have seen in NY this year, not just the best kid's program...It is a shot of joy straight into the heart...
2 Strawberry Recipes
by Betty Crocker (remember her!)
INGREDIENTS
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/3 cups Bisquick™ Original Pancake & Baking Mix
2/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oven to 425°F.
In large bowl, mix strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.
In medium bowl, stir Bisquick™ mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter until soft dough forms.
On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls.
Bake 16 to 17 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.
STRAWBERRY GINGER LIMEADE

by Millie Peartree
Courtesy New York Times Cooking
INGREDIENTS Yield: 8 servings
1 tablespoon zest and 1½ cups juice from 12 to 14 large limes, plus 1 for garnishing
¾cup honey
1(3-inch) piece ginger, peeled and chopped
1 cup mint leaves picked from 1 bunch
1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
Ice, for serving
PREPARATION
*
1
combine lime juice, honey and 4 cups water in a large pitcher.
*
2
To a blender or food processor, add ginger, ½ the mint leaves, all the zest and ½ cup water, and blend until smooth. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the mixture into the pitcher, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
*
3
In the same blender or food processor (no need to clean), add strawberries and ½ cup water. Blend until smooth and strain into the pitcher. Stir and chill until ready to serve.
*
4
Taste for sweetness and add more honey (or sugar) if need be. Muddle remaining mint leaves in glasses, add ice and pour limeade over. Garnish with slices of lime.
Painting of the Week
Orange Fantasy mixed media on canvas 60” x 40”
Charity of the Week:
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.