Newsletter 33
Hello all and welcome to another week. I hope you have been taking advantage of any spare time you might have to take in the beauty that surrounds you — Nature. Things in my part of the world are starting to bloom, the featured photo is a flower in my garden, a Daffodil. This week I explore museums, books, music and some things to keep the kids busy with.
“If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) was a post-Impressionist painter whose work — notable for its beauty, emotion and colour — highly influenced 20th century art. He struggled with mental illness and remained poor and virtually unknown throughout his life.
The painting featured: Flowering plum orchard: after Hiroshige
Vincent van Gogh (October 1887 – November 1887)
1.Museums of the world are united in allowing the public to virtually come in and browse. I have been loitering at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam. The museum with the largest collection of paintings by the master, Vincent van Gogh.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York opened their doors to self isolating folks. One of my favourite museums, they have one of the best Japanese samurai sword exhibits in North America. They are also offering ten free art books, I am an admirer of Japanese Netsuke and Inro.
Something for the kids too Metkids with Easter just around the corner, how about colouring an easter rabbit. Or maybe an easter egg hunt. A great pass-time for the kids if you have any eggs on hand. Easter egg designs, hard boil the eggs, about 10 minutes, let them cool, get a pencil make a design and paint the eggs or use coloured markers. Make sure to use food grade colouring if your going to eat the eggs.
2.Sound adventures I have been listening to include Canadian bassist, band leader, composer and producer, Roberto Occhipinti. A Bend In The River, is his a 2009 release that features the talents of pianist David Virelles, Alto Saxophonist Luis Deniz and drummer/composer Dafnis Prieto.
3.My love of water has taken me to some interesting places and fostered a love of sharks. Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto is inviting everybody to virtually visit but watch out for the sharks.
4.This week I finished reading The Right Attitude to Rain which is the third of the Sunday Philosophy Club series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, set in Edinburgh, Scotland. McCall Smith has me interested in Scotland and I am presently reading all about its fascinating history, The Story of Scotland by Nigel Tranter (1909 – 2000).
Another book that I keep coming back to is karate-dô, Perfecting Kumite by Masahiko Tanaka. Tanaka sensei was a champion fighter and he provides the secrets to his success in this fantastic resource. A video, Tanaka, The Champion, went along with the book and has been uploaded to youtube. The quality, while not that good, provides for some different ways to train, there are some great techniques to study here.
5.My book Samba on a Snowy Day is available as part of a promotion Stay At Home Togeather. A group of best selling children’s book authors helping out during this global pandemic by sharing some books. Have a look, most of the books are free and there are some great books on offer.
Samba in Brazil
This week I completed draft three of my manuscript for my next book, Samba in Brazil. My team of trusted advisors have reviewed it and want me to make some changes. Have you heard of Ko-fi? A friend of mine recommended it to me, I check it out and decided I would join up. So I have set up a page and now if you would like to buy me a coffee you can do so at Ko-fi.You can also read the first page of my new book there.
We will get through this together, remember to stay home if you aren’t a front line worker. Stay safe, wash your hands and continue to practice physical distancing.
Love and Light
Thanks for reading, if you think someone you know would like my newsletter please share it with them. If you’re looking for a great children’s book, Samba on a Snowy Day is available at Amazon.ca. Check out my blog, follow the link, sign in. Get the weekly newsletter in your inbox, no spam I promise.
Copyright © 2020 Paul Yanuziello, All rights reserved.