Anna Breytenbach Documentary

I just love this woman, Anna Breytenbach. So soft spoken, so present, so centered, with what seems to me such a deep internal wisdom. I have shared information about her before but I think it is worth revisiting this documentary--truly an extraordinary human being!

It might be too late but her impossible task is to somehow facilitate our reconnection with the earth --"I feel profoundly touched this is not just about our communicating with animals as amazing as that might be. The essense is sustainability and how we as humans can find a way to recomnnect with the rest of the living planet."

Early Summer Recipes

I am not usually prone to pasta salads but this is truly a delicious one, courtesy of Alison Roman through her blog A Newsletter. It was served at a family gathering recently by my wonderful niece Maia, who is a great cook!

PASTA SALAD WITH PEAS AND PARMESAN
serves 6

Ingredients
12–16 oz. short or small-ish pasta, such as cavatappi, small shells, rigatoni, fusilli
Kosher salt
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
10–12 ounces snap peas, halved lengthwise
1–2 cups peas (fresh and blanched or frozen and thawed*
4 oz. parmesan, pecorino or other hard, salty cheese, coarsely chopped
1–2 cups herbs, such as parsley, basil or tarragon
1–2 cups pea shoots, if available, parsley tender stems and leaves, if not
*for blanching fresh, I usually go 60–90 seconds, until they’re bright green and tender. For frozen, I simply cover them in hot water from the tap to quickly thaw.

Instructions
1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until al dente, or perhaps slightly past al dente, since this is the only time you’re cooking the pasta (i.e. it doesn’t go back into a skillet or anything). Drain, rinse with cool water and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, combine lemon zest and juice, garlic, scallions, and ⅓ cup olive oil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and add pasta (it’s okay if it’s still warm as long as it’s drained well), toss well to evenly coat all the pasta.
3. Add snap peas, peas, parmesan, herbs and pea shoots (or more herbs) and toss to combine. Add more salt, lemon juice, black pepper or olive oil to taste.

Warriors Coach Steve Kerr

I don't spend a lot of time watching sports but when I do, it is usually to watch tennis or basketball. I am a big Warriors fan--the love of that team has worn off on me due to my countless trips to the Bay Area over the years. I especially love Steve Kerr, who not only is an awesome coach but often outspoken on the issues of the day. His father was a victim of gun violence--in fact he was murdered in Lebanon in 1984--shot by terrorists. Here he is speaking about the Uvalde massacre and his feelings on gun control, in case you missed hearing them when he originally spoke them at a press conference on May 25, 2022. My sister and I would always ask each other--where is the outrage...Well, here it is!

Charity of the Week:
Southern Poverty Law Center

Supporting victims of civil rights abuses and hate crimes in the US.

Paintings of the Week

Beautiful outdoor spot for two of my Trees in Penticton, Canada.

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.