I’m in California, criss crossing the state through October 17th. Let me know if you want to see some of my new work. I am doing shows in San Diego/La Jolla and the Bay Area and am also available also for private appointments. You can reach me by phone 917-239-3789 or by email at pamsmilow@me.com for details.
Alain de Botton on Love
I don't know about but it seems that everywhere I turn there is another podcast, article, or talk about relationships: the secrets of successful connections, how to get along better, the ingredients of a successful marriage and how to define and find love...Something we humans all tend to seek...Maybe it is because we are so little connected these days since we are all so busy on our phones...
For a definitive discourse on the subject, I looked to an On Being interview that Krista Tippett conducted with Alain de Botton, Swiss-born British author, public speaker and founder of The School of Life,
The interview is entitled
The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships." To quote him, "Love is a painful poignant touching attempt by two flawed individuals to try and meet each other's needs in situations of gross uncertainty and ignorance about who they are and who the other person is but we are going to do our best…that is a much more generous starting point…"
On the ancient Greeks and their pedagogical view of love: "One of the greatest insults that you can level at a lover in the modern world apparently is to say "i want to change you." The ancient Greeks had a view of love which was essentially based around education. "Love is a benevolent process where two people try and teach each other how to become the best versions of themselves…They are committed to increasing the admiral characteristics…"
A lot of wisdom here. Well worth the listen or the read...
Jimmy Carter and Guinea Worms
Jimmy Carter with a device that eliminates guinea worm larvae from drinking water
Always nice to hear a success story, especially when it involves a wonderful former president who just turned 99 and the end of a terrible, extremely painful disease. Through the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter has dedicated his life after his presidency to doing good on so many levels, including his work on human rights, tropical disease eradication, world peace and his most notable work with Habitat for Humanity.
Since 1986, The Carter Center has led the international campaign to eradicate Guinea Worm disease, an extremely painful and debilitating disease that at that time afflicted 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia. Working closely with ministries of health and local communities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and many others, to date the worldwide count of Guinea Worm cases is now down to an astonishing 6!
Autumn Songs
Here is a nice playlist of some of my favorite songs to welcome the Autumn Season...
Neil Young Harvest Moon
Gordon Lightfoot Seven Island Suite
Simon and Garfunkel Leaves That Are Green
Coldplay Yellow
The Mamas and the Papas California Dreamin/
Vivaldi Autumn
Painting of the Week
Midnight Moon, mixed media on canvas, 54” x 84” $8500
Charity of the Week:
Robin Hood Foundation
“Robin Hood is New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization. We support low-income families by building and fueling the most impactful nonprofits across all five boroughs that are elevating people from poverty.
Over three decades, we’ve invested more than $3B in New York City to ensure low-income families are on pathways needed to realize economic mobility.”
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.