I try and flood this newsletter with joy, good will and love to counter and fight against the dark, sad mood of mourning I am sure many of us are feeling right now. We cannot give up but we also can't let them bring us down and take away our joy. I am reminded of the scene in the Brazilian film I'm Still Here where, upon having their picture taken, the mom insists that they all smile...watch the trailer to the end to see what I mean and if you have a chance, this is an amazing and timely film that mirrors what is happening to our country, just as it did in Brazil in the 1970s.

Good Advice from Heather Cox Richardson

Heather Cox Richardson gave what I consider a pep talk on her instagram Political Talk of June 26th.  

In it she stated: "There is joy in creation and joy in hard work and where we are right now is really miserable in a lot of ways  but now is also a time for us to 
meet new people, try new things, to reach out and make your own life the most creative it can be...I keep reiterating that authoritarianism cannot thrive in a land where people are making community connections and are doing so with joy. So I urge you to keep on doing whatever it is that makes you want to keep on."  

Thank you Heather Cox Richardson!  I couldn't agree more wholeheartedly and if ever there was a national treasure, you are it!

If you are looking to start some kind of creative practice in art, hit me up.  I can help you jump start it and give you practical advice and encouragement to get going...

Ariel Stachel

Actor Ariel Stachel (The Band's Visit, Law and Order SVU) was born in Berkeley California to a Yemini Jewish father and a New York Ashkenazi mom...and has struggled with identity his whole life, being both Arab and Jew. He is currently at work for the past six years on a play about his experiences and has put some of it on instagram. In this day in age, where anti-semitism is on the rise (with many thanks to Benjamin Netanyahu, in my humble opinion), I share with you one of Stachels's talks on the subject-- I think what he says is important and worth a listen...

Mistranslations to Make You Laugh

These mistranslated signs made me laugh outloud over my morning coffee on the day we got the reults of the Senate vote (the one that Murkowski caved on).  If something could make me laugh that day, it must be funny, right? I hope it gets at least a few chuckles out of you too. 

AIRLINE TICKET OFFICE: "We take your bags and send them in all directions"

HOTEL LOBBY: "The lift is being fixed for the next day.  During that time we regret that you will be unbearable."

HOTEL ELEVATOR, PARIS: "Please leave your values at the front desk."

SIGN IN MEN'S RESTROOM IN JAPAN: "To stop leak, turn cock to the right."

HOTEL JAPAN: "You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid."

THE LOBBY OF A MOSCOW HOTEL ACROSS FROM A MONASTERY: "You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday."

HOTEL FOR SKIERS, AUSTRIA: "Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension."

TOURIST AGENCY, CZECHOSLOVAKIA: Take one of our horse-driven city tours.  We guarantee no miscarriages."

AD FOR DONKEY RIDES, THAILAND: "Would you like to ride on your own ass?"

LAUNDRY IN ROME: Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time."

HOTEL IN ZURICH: Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby be used for this purpose"

COCKTAIL LOUNGE, NORWAY: "Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar."

CITY RESTAURANT: "Open Seven days a week, and weekends too."

IN A PUMWANI MATERNITY WARD: "No Children Allowed."

IN A CEMETERY: Persons are prohibited from picking flowers from any but their own graves."

IN A SWISS RESTAURANT: "Our wines leave you nothing to hope for>"

IN A NAIROBI RESTAURANT: "Customers who find our waitresses rude ought to see the manager." 

Oh, how we all need a good deep laugh right now!

Painting of the Week

This painting found a good home in a beautiful house outside of Chicago.

Charity of the Week: Unicef

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.