Summer Destination
To West Stockbridge, MA for "TurnPark"
Plan a weekend trip to West Stockbridge, MA this summer. It is a charming, small, sleepy looking town in the Berkshires. But appearances are deceiving at times. We say that because West Stockbridge has so much to offer without the city noises, pollution or crowds. We discovered TurnPark during our most recent expedition to this lovely Berkshires jewel.
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TurnPark is a sculpture park that you should visit on a special weekend or anytime you need a change of scenery. Nature - at its finest - serves as the perfect exhibition space for a number of marvelous sculptures. The collection of works is spread throughout a lovely setting by a river where the sun is playful with a few disco balls and playful waves. Birds singing, fresh air, and timeless human creations - in iron, clay, glass, wood - and green lawns for you to run around, read or daydream for hours. Plan your trip to TurnPark in West Stockbridge, MA. Einstein and Bohr are waiting.
Igor Gomberg and Katya Brezgunova are the responsible masterminds behind the amazing Turn ParkArt Space.
Igor Gomberg and Katya Brezgunova are the responsible masterminds behind the amazing Turn ParkArt Space.
Becoming One of the Best Coppersmiths in America
Jim Hamann
Jim Hamann is the founder of Duparquet Copper Cookware based in Rhode Island. He is a first-rate craftsman responsible for the finest copper cookware handmade by him and his small team in his own shop. Jim has all the reasons in the world to be proud of his products. He is approachable and friendly despite being the force behind the revival of coppersmithing in America.
What would the world look like if a considerable amount of people challenged themselves to learn something of value thoroughly and passionately? What if the majority of explorers and creatives shared their findings and talents and made a living that way? What if the rest of us, truly valued this type of creativity and artistry for what it is and we let go of our obsessions with cheap stuff and expensive marketing campaigns?
What would the world look like if a considerable amount of people challenged themselves to learn something of value thoroughly and passionately? What if the majority of explorers and creatives shared their findings and talents and made a living that way? What if the rest of us, truly valued this type of creativity and artistry for what it is and we let go of our obsessions with cheap stuff and expensive marketing campaigns?
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Look at all the products that Jim Hamann sells through his Duparquet Copper Cookware. Buy anything you can afford now. See how the current crisis puts him closer to understanding absolute truths, both positive and negative. Ask yourself the questions Jim asks, “What thoughts do I have that are pipe dreams? What thoughts do I have that are universal?” Keep moving forward.
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Chef Chris Cosentino
Food Does Not Need To Be Difficult
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Chef Chris Cosentino is a visionary with many passions and endless energy to achieve a lot while also making friends and leaving a mark as he moves forward. He co-owns four award winning restaurants and he is involved with projects that make a difference in important ways. Some examples include cycling for No Kid Hungry, winning Bravo's Top Chef Masters, speaking openly about mental health, and now being involved with initiatives to get as much assistance as possible for the restaurant business as it is hit hard by the current pandemic. This is your chance to learn more about a master chef who is focused, creative and remains unsettled, but humble.
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Photo credit: Alex Zyuzikov |
As Chef Chris says, Some of the innovative and creative ideas come in a time of need, and this is that time. A need to help, a need to be positive, a need for love and guidance, just to name a few basics.
The goal is to come out of this as a ball of energy and positivity, to help everyone get back to their lives again with excitement, and not fear.
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The goal is to come out of this as a ball of energy and positivity, to help everyone get back to their lives again with excitement, and not fear.
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American Quilter's Society
A Story of Pride & Success
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We have had the good fortune of speaking with Meredith Schroeder, the Founder of the American Quilter’s Society. She is a successful leader, a community builder, a far-sighted, big-hearted nurturer. She hails from Paducah, KY, and she is a star for everything she has done for Paducah, for the community of quilters, and for quilting as an American art form with the power to soothe body, mind and soul. Ms. Schroeder has the energy we all need through especially during this horrible global pandemic. It's true that her business decisions have changed as a result of COVID19. Her main concern is “thinking about the best way to keep our employees employed and safe.”
Stay focused! This will pass. We will be stronger for it. |
Flower of Life - Sharon Schamber |
If you are an avid quilter, share some of your quilting experiences with us. Ms. Schroeder believes that quilters are the most caring, sharing and positive people. That’s the best company we need now more than ever.
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Brooklyn at its Best
Coffee Shop Edition
In a day like today, or any day for that matter, find a cozy nook to daydream or do real work surrounded by good people and chill vibes. That’s what we had in mind when we picked these cool coffee shops around Brooklyn. If you’re in NYC or a short ride away, visit them all. If you are far, far away, check them out for some ideas on how to achieve that essential awesomeness created in every single one of them:
Matchaful. Bluestone Lane. Toby’s Estate Coffee. Blue Bottle. Variety.
They offer coffee, tea, matcha, sweets & treats, and various house specials. What they have in common is that they provide a delightful comfort zone inviting us all to enjoy life with every breath we take, every sip and every bite.
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Matchaful. Bluestone Lane. Toby’s Estate Coffee. Blue Bottle. Variety.
They offer coffee, tea, matcha, sweets & treats, and various house specials. What they have in common is that they provide a delightful comfort zone inviting us all to enjoy life with every breath we take, every sip and every bite.
Read more...
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5 Amazing NYC Bookstores and Their Summer Picks
Summer reading lists are available everywhere. We decided to twist it up a bit.
How about visiting some of the coolest bookstores in NYC and letting them share their picks with us? Every bookstore is a universe on its own. It’s where you go, when you feel down, when you’re bursting with inspiration, it’s the right space when you want to be by yourself with a book or where you want to pick something special for someone special, starting with yourself.
If you haven’t visited Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill, you have to make it happen as soon as possible. It’s a magical place where magic never fades. The Strand is an institution. It’s that first love that never ever dies. powerHouse Arena, in Dumbo, is a powerhouse that never disappoints. Then on a nice summer day, how about a ferry trip to ETG BookCafe in Staten Island? It’ll be a treat you’ll remember. Finally, set a date to check out Turn The Page Again! in Bayside. They’re more than a bookstore and theirs is a commendable mission that needs your attention and support.
Read! Support literature. Support your local bookstore. Visit any and all of the NYC bookstores we have featured here and search for more. Enjoy your summer and let your imagination take flight with all of the books suggested by our favorite NYC bookstores.
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How about visiting some of the coolest bookstores in NYC and letting them share their picks with us? Every bookstore is a universe on its own. It’s where you go, when you feel down, when you’re bursting with inspiration, it’s the right space when you want to be by yourself with a book or where you want to pick something special for someone special, starting with yourself.
If you haven’t visited Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill, you have to make it happen as soon as possible. It’s a magical place where magic never fades. The Strand is an institution. It’s that first love that never ever dies. powerHouse Arena, in Dumbo, is a powerhouse that never disappoints. Then on a nice summer day, how about a ferry trip to ETG BookCafe in Staten Island? It’ll be a treat you’ll remember. Finally, set a date to check out Turn The Page Again! in Bayside. They’re more than a bookstore and theirs is a commendable mission that needs your attention and support.
Read! Support literature. Support your local bookstore. Visit any and all of the NYC bookstores we have featured here and search for more. Enjoy your summer and let your imagination take flight with all of the books suggested by our favorite NYC bookstores.
Read more...
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Ann Arbor, MI
The People's Republic
This feature is published with a heavy heart in honor of Anthony Bourdain, the original rock star as The Smithsonian once called him. He left this world too early but his memory will live on…
This time around we picked Ann Arbor, MI. Home to the University of MI, which by the way was just named the best public university in the US for the third consecutive year in a row, Ann Arbor is the place to visit for many good reasons, but we have selected some special ideas for you here.
June and July in Ann Arbor are party months because of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Good music, talented artists, art lovers and awesome people come together and share life in a celebratory mood, tell stories in music and enjoy other fun activities. There’s something for kids, families, yoga lovers, graffiti aficionados and much more.
When you go to Ann Arbor, you plan to visit The Michigan Theater. Built in 1928, this is a 1600 seat historic theater that shows daily contemporary and classic films. Down the street, you have State Theater. It is a newly restored and renovated art deco venue first opened in 1945. If you’re into foreign films, independent films, cool, out of the ordinary productions, this is your place.
This time around we picked Ann Arbor, MI. Home to the University of MI, which by the way was just named the best public university in the US for the third consecutive year in a row, Ann Arbor is the place to visit for many good reasons, but we have selected some special ideas for you here.
June and July in Ann Arbor are party months because of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Good music, talented artists, art lovers and awesome people come together and share life in a celebratory mood, tell stories in music and enjoy other fun activities. There’s something for kids, families, yoga lovers, graffiti aficionados and much more.
When you go to Ann Arbor, you plan to visit The Michigan Theater. Built in 1928, this is a 1600 seat historic theater that shows daily contemporary and classic films. Down the street, you have State Theater. It is a newly restored and renovated art deco venue first opened in 1945. If you’re into foreign films, independent films, cool, out of the ordinary productions, this is your place.
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Then plan ahead to check out the Ann Arbor Art Center. It is the oldest art organization in MI. At the Art Center, top local and regional artists meet to sell their one-of-a-kind art, to show their art, and to teach art throughout the year.
How about The Blind Pig? But of course. The Blind Pig is a legendary music venue established in 1971 showcasing some of the most wonderful musical acts around while also acting as Ann Arbor’s cultural diary.
Don’t forget about The Ark. The Ark is Michigan’s nonprofit home for folk and roots music. It is a 400-seat club located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor presenting performers ranging from young up-and-comers to classic figures of the folk genre. This is where you come for live music over 300 nights each year in Arbor.
Your next stop should be Crazy Wisdom, a bookstore & tea room going strong since 1982. There you can find a comprehensive selection of books and materials to aid in spiritual journeys. You can also pick a unique gift from a beautiful assortment of items from jewelry to statuary to outstanding incense and crystal assortments. On the second floor, sit and enjoy a cup of tea while listening to local musicians or be part of other interesting community gatherings.
But, what is a good day without a good cop of coffee? Mighty Good Coffee is where you go to get the best cup of joe in Ann Arbor. Mighty Good’s passion for coffee is rooted in the values of its founders: a belief in family traditions, artisanal craft processes, building local community, and fantastic coffee. Check it out…
Ann Arbor, MI, we love you and all the good people that call you home and make you a special place.
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How about The Blind Pig? But of course. The Blind Pig is a legendary music venue established in 1971 showcasing some of the most wonderful musical acts around while also acting as Ann Arbor’s cultural diary.
Don’t forget about The Ark. The Ark is Michigan’s nonprofit home for folk and roots music. It is a 400-seat club located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor presenting performers ranging from young up-and-comers to classic figures of the folk genre. This is where you come for live music over 300 nights each year in Arbor.
Your next stop should be Crazy Wisdom, a bookstore & tea room going strong since 1982. There you can find a comprehensive selection of books and materials to aid in spiritual journeys. You can also pick a unique gift from a beautiful assortment of items from jewelry to statuary to outstanding incense and crystal assortments. On the second floor, sit and enjoy a cup of tea while listening to local musicians or be part of other interesting community gatherings.
But, what is a good day without a good cop of coffee? Mighty Good Coffee is where you go to get the best cup of joe in Ann Arbor. Mighty Good’s passion for coffee is rooted in the values of its founders: a belief in family traditions, artisanal craft processes, building local community, and fantastic coffee. Check it out…
Ann Arbor, MI, we love you and all the good people that call you home and make you a special place.
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12 Festivals to Enjoy this Summer
Our Road Trip continues...
May. June. July. August.
High times for summer fun. Summer fun must include summer festivals. Start out with our hometown best, Mostly Mozart Festival at the one and only, Lincoln Center, right here in The Big Apple. Then you can visit charming Charleston to enjoy Spoleto Festival USA there. How about a date at Ravinia Festival, right outside of Chicago? Choices range from performances by Chicago Symphony to Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, Mary J. Blige and many more talented stars. In July, you also have the opportunity to attend The Square Roots Festival. 60+ musical acts, four indoor and outdoor stages, gourmet local food, craft beer and family friendly activities so that everyone can join. From Chicago to Jacksonville, OR, for The Britt Music & Arts Festival with an opening fun night of “Classics in the Movie”. From reggae to country music to classic rock, folk and comedy - there is something for everyone and then some.
High times for summer fun. Summer fun must include summer festivals. Start out with our hometown best, Mostly Mozart Festival at the one and only, Lincoln Center, right here in The Big Apple. Then you can visit charming Charleston to enjoy Spoleto Festival USA there. How about a date at Ravinia Festival, right outside of Chicago? Choices range from performances by Chicago Symphony to Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, Mary J. Blige and many more talented stars. In July, you also have the opportunity to attend The Square Roots Festival. 60+ musical acts, four indoor and outdoor stages, gourmet local food, craft beer and family friendly activities so that everyone can join. From Chicago to Jacksonville, OR, for The Britt Music & Arts Festival with an opening fun night of “Classics in the Movie”. From reggae to country music to classic rock, folk and comedy - there is something for everyone and then some.
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California is always in the list. Go to Santa Cruz for The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, America’s longest running festival of new orchestral music. This year’s festival takes audiences around the globe with a series of new works by composers from the US, UK, Canada, Macedonia, Romania, China, Korea, and Sweden. Don't forget about Hattiesburg, MS, for FestivalSouth, offering over 60 art, music theatre, dance, film, food and fun events for every age range and musical taste.
Sing, Dance, Play! That’s what they say at The Lakes Area Music Festival in Brainerd, MN. 150 all-star musicians from the nation's top symphonies and opera companies converge in the lakes country of central Minnesota for performances of chamber music, orchestra, opera, and ballet. Listen to Beethoven, Brahms and music by French composers from the baroque era to impressionism, as well as a world premiere by famed film composer James Newton Howard performed by Seattle Chamber Music Society. From Seattle to Bellingham to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Bellingham Festival of Music. Come to the World’s Most Beautiful Place and hear the World’s Most Beautiful Music, they say. Who can resist an invitation like that? How about a stop at The Bar Harbor Music Festival for an amazing variety of 24 performances ranging from Beethoven to Ellington in one of the loveliest landscapes. Another excellent choice is The Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the foothills of the majestic Teton Mountains, attracting classical music pilgrims from around the world. This is an incredibly rich, diverse, and exciting list of Summer Music Festivals in some of the most scenic settings in The good Ole’ U.S.A. to help you make the most of your summer.
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Sing, Dance, Play! That’s what they say at The Lakes Area Music Festival in Brainerd, MN. 150 all-star musicians from the nation's top symphonies and opera companies converge in the lakes country of central Minnesota for performances of chamber music, orchestra, opera, and ballet. Listen to Beethoven, Brahms and music by French composers from the baroque era to impressionism, as well as a world premiere by famed film composer James Newton Howard performed by Seattle Chamber Music Society. From Seattle to Bellingham to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Bellingham Festival of Music. Come to the World’s Most Beautiful Place and hear the World’s Most Beautiful Music, they say. Who can resist an invitation like that? How about a stop at The Bar Harbor Music Festival for an amazing variety of 24 performances ranging from Beethoven to Ellington in one of the loveliest landscapes. Another excellent choice is The Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at the foothills of the majestic Teton Mountains, attracting classical music pilgrims from around the world. This is an incredibly rich, diverse, and exciting list of Summer Music Festivals in some of the most scenic settings in The good Ole’ U.S.A. to help you make the most of your summer.
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SEATTLE
the Emerald City
Seattle is a city that is easy to fall in love with and we cannot say enough about the beauty we have seen there. Everyone has been so generous in sharing their work and experiences with us. Here are a few glimpses into the life and art that is made and presented in Seattle.
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RALEIGH
the City of Oaks
What took us so long to get to Raleigh, NC? No words. But we sure are happy to be here.
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BALTIMORE
the Charm City
Baltimore is our first stop in a cross country road trip to meet amazing artists, experience awesome events and see cool venues where people gather to discuss, celebrate and enjoy life.
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