Blog No. 289: Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix, La Maison du Pastel, Thai Mango Salad

Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix

I don’t want to say too much about this sweet, touching movie that I watched last night, based on an adaptation of the 2022 novel of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt.

Starring Sally Field (who in my opinion is as beautiful as ever) as a widow and janitor in a small town aquarium in Washington state, the film, narrated by an Octopus named Marcellus, is all about that creature’s observations of human relationships and the human condition. Here’s the trailer. I highly recommend this film! Don't miss it...

I am a big fan of Sally Field and she has been around the block many many times, receiving many accolades along the way. To have a look at her illustrious career, have a look at this video.

La Maison du Pastel

I love the good old fashioned way of doing things—take a look at this shop in Paris, France: La Maison du Pastel. They have been making pastels by hand for artists since 1879--Degas and Monet used their pastels! The technique for making them has not changed after all these years. Whether you are an artist or not, you have to appreciate the lusciousness and depth of these exquisite colors.

If you plan to visit La Maison du Pastel, make sure it is on a Thursday--the only day this shop is open, located on Rue Rambuteau in Paris, France.

One of the comments posted below the instagram post made me laugh:
"Universe please reincarnate me as the lady who makes cookie dough colour pastels in this little shop in this little courtyard in Paris and only has to deal with customers one afternoon a week." 💫

Click images to see their shop

Photo courtesy La Maison du Pastel. Today, the company is run and operated by just two women — Isabelle Roché, a distant relative of Henri Roché, and Margaret Zayer.May 12, 2026. Click image to purchase these wonderful pastels that give me heart palpitations in a good way because of the richness of the color…

Thai Mango Salad

Chef Carmen Sturdy’s delicious Thai Mango Salad recipe. Follow her

Recipe courtesy Carmen Sturdy @everylastbite on instagram.

INGREDIENTS
2 large mangoes peeled and cut into strips
1/2 english cucumber cut into matchsticks
1/2 red onion thinly sliced
1 thai red chili stem and seeds removed, very thinly sliced
1/2 cup peanuts or cashews roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped mint
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

DRESSING
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp sesame oil

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl add the mango, cucumber, red onion, red chili, chopped nuts and herbs.

In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, coconut aminos, fish sauce, honey/maple syrup and sesame oil. Taste and adjust the flavours as desired.
Right before serving pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Serve.

Painting of the Week

Pam Smilow. Midnight Blues. mixed media on canvas. 54” x 80” approx $8500

Charity of the Week:
Doctor's Without Borders

Book 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.