I was in grade school when I first saw the movie Auntie Mame. The resilience of the title character, the classy and curious Mame Dennis, impressed me.
Mame’s favorite saying, spoken in the middle of the movie- “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death, ” became one of my own.
Mame also declares something remarkable at the end of the movie. (Do you know what it is? The answer lies somewhere below.)
Bottom line: No matter how down in the dumps life kicked her, she pulled herself up and kept going, sometimes to greater success than before.
But how did she do that?
I had to wait ten years before I learned the answer from another person who told me about “the banquet life” available to us. He said it this way:
I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. ~ John 10:10b
Best of all, he told me how to access this abundant banquet life, too. I only needed to say out loud and believe that he, Jesus, was Lord and that God had raised him from the dead.
So, yes, I took him up on it. I can be pretty hardheaded, but I know a good thing when I see it.
And even though I’ve stumbled and bumbled some since then, I’ve never regretted that decision.
Along the way, I’ve discovered two things. The first is that each of us is made in God’s image.
The second is that when we respond to His call to explore art and beauty wherever they may be found, travel to strange places, and try new things, we’re not simply doing something that tickles our souls; we’re doing something God-like.
So, let’s get started, shall we?
TUNES AROUND THE WORLD
A BRIEF TOUR OF ITALIAN HIT SONGS
Listen to:
- “Comunque Andare” by Alessandra Amoroso: energetic tune about staying steady in the face of life’s ups and downs.
- “Grande Amore” by Il Volo: pulsating declaration of love by three tenors.
- “Simili” by Laura Pausini: breezy pop tune celebrating human connection.
- “Con Te Partirò” by Andrea Bocelli: soulful love ballad with soaring vocals.
- “Più Bella Cosa” by Eros Ramazzotti: playful, modern romance hit.
“Grande Amore,” the song that made Il Volo an international sensation, only took 15 minutes to write!
Listen in here: Spotify
THE FLAVOR TRAIL
CARDAMOM – “THE QUEEN OF SPICES”
Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, cardamom is an essential spice in Central Asian cuisine.
Nicknamed “The Queen of Spice” for its versatility, it stands among the world’s most expensive.
How to use it:
- Stir crushed cardamom pods or a bit of ground cardamom into your coffee or tea for a richer flavor. (That makes sense, as it’s already a primary ingredient in chai.)
- Mix ground cardamom into the batter of cookies, cakes, and other baked goods for a fragrant twist.
- Use cardamom to add depth to stews, curries, rice pilafs, and other savory dishes.
Fun Fact: Cardamom is so fragrant that the ancient Egyptians used it in perfumes and as a natural breath freshener. So toss the Tic-Tacs; chew a cardamom pod instead.
Recipe:
- Cardamom & Cinnamon Apple Medley, pictured above; get the PDF.
STUDIO DIARIES:
CREATE YOUR HAPPY SPACE, SCANDINAVIAN-STYLE
Scandinavian visual artists and other creators emphasize simplicity, functionality, and natural materials to create a serene, uncluttered environment where creativity can flow. Here’s how:
Prioritize “Comfy,” Make This Space Your Own
- Decorate with cozy throws, soft rugs, and candles.
- Include a few meaningful objects that bring you joy and/or inspire you, like a favorite coffee cup or a sketchbook brought home from a memorable trip.
Bring the Outdoors In:
- Set out bouquets of fresh wildflowers, like daisies. You might also tie together dried flowers, like lavender.
- Display the large-leafed split-leaf philodendron (also known as monstera) or an easy-to-care-for snake plant for a touch of green.
- Orient your easel or desk near a window so you can look outdoors as you create (and have more natural light for your work.)
Let Nature Choose Your Color Palette:
- Consider earthy browns and greens, neutral shades like white, gray, and beige, and blues that mimic the sea and sky.
- Incorporate splashes of color reflecting seasonal blooms or the autumn turning of leaves. Strategically apply dark green or black to furniture and room accessories to add interest.
We should work for simple, good undecorated things, but things which are in harmony with the human being.
~ Alvar Aalto, Finnish architect and designer (NordicDesign.ca)
TRAVEL THROUGH PAGES
BOOKS THAT TAKE YOU PLACES
Read:
“Before the Water Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi: A remarkable café in Japan allows patrons to travel through time, exploring love, regret, and endings. Perfect for introspective thinkers and those who enjoy exploring possibilities.
“The Testament” by John Grisham: A billionaire’s unexpected will ignites a lively legal battle and soul-searching journey through the Brazilian jungle. Great choice for legal and adventure enthusiasts.
“In Other Words” by Jhumpa Lahiri: The author explores language, identity, longing, and belonging on her personal journey to mastering Italian while living in Rome. It’s ideal for lovers of language and learning.
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What book has transported you to a place you’ve never been?
Thanks for exploring with me this week! Whether your favorite thing comes served in a dish, heard in a song, or painted on a canvas, I hope this has piqued your interest.
I also hope it has inspired you to do some co-creating this upcoming week with the Original Adventurer.
Indeed, Auntie Mame’s closing words are exactly what I want to say to you now:
“What times we’re going to have! What vistas we’re going to explore together!”
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