Curie Author Showcase (January 6, 2019)

First of all, I’d like to wish the readers a Happy New Year, with abundant health, bliss, growth, and successes! I believe it all comes down to relishing the small moments in daily life, and in appreciating the beauty of details. @nuthman probably knows it too, and during the Christmas holidays, he partook on a family trip to Pioneertown, CA.

As shown by the photos, the small town they visited holds a strong old western vibe, giving the visitors the feeling of going back in time. It looks like Pioneertown was meant to be a permanent scenario for filming Western classics, and so it has kept many interesting objects from that time. @nuthman does well in depicting them, awakening curiosity about the place and its historical relevance. Of course, since this is a social platform, some lovely photos of @nuthman and his relatives weren’t to be left out.

Another captivating aspect of Pioneertown is the sense of humor that some elements reveal. For example, @nuthman tells us about a barrel whose sign warns of baby rattlers inside. Some may have expected to see snakes, but the warning wasn't precisely a lie. There were indeed baby rattlers on it!

So, who is @nuthman? In his own words, Rick Nuthman is a software developer, art enthusiast, audio engineer, and frequent traveler. He is currently living in Los Angeles, California, and loves blogging about his adventures.

I have lived all over the world, but for some reason, I keep coming back to southern California. I think I just really like the predictable weather. — @nuthman

I advise you to check his content! Rick writes in a personal, original way that is likely to make you feel interested and comfortable.

To pursue one's passions is also what life is all about, and it's a goal we should keep in mind for this new trip around the sun. @ricpicks brought us an exciting article about Het Beurtveer, a race whose purpose, as explained by him, is to sail as quickly as possible, from Workum to Amsterdam and back again with passengers on board. @ricpicks is a sailor himself, and he took the task of showing us some of the incredible people behind the sails, from his own experience.

Our author was invited to sail with The Overwinning, and here's what he had to say about the ship.

The Overwinning is officially a charter ship but feels like a sailing beast in disguise. Joost, the owner even calls it a racing vessel that is also great for a family sails. During my work on the Gouden Bodem, which has been my home away from home the last couple of summers, I got to know the Overwinning and its crew very well. Not only does the Overwinning sail in the same area but is also docked in the very same harbor in Harlingen. — @ricpicks

Each portrait @ricpicks took of the sailors has its own attractive and magic. One can almost perceive the hunger and love for the sea in their eyes and expressions. As much as I would like to include every single sailor that @ricpicks so eloquently talked about, I have to keep the text comfortably short. After all, we do expect you to go to the original post and enjoy it for yourselves! Therefore, here’s an excerpt of the story of one of the crew members.

Joost sailed all his life. His parents made him passionate him for sailing and after he finished his studies in 2001, he started his life as professional sailor. In the very same year he bought the Overwinning, and his life as a charter skipper began. In 2013 he bought his second traditional sailing ship, the Isis. In 2018 he added a third ship, the Hoge Wier, to his fleet. Joost is a fanatic regatta sailor. He competes to win while safety remains number one on his list. As he says himself: “NO HERO MOVES, if something happens – let it happen and then we will take it from there”. He pushes his boats to the max while maintaining complete control and he ensures that his ships are capable of doing this. I really enjoy seeing him work. He is not only a good sailor; he is professional and trusts his crew, but mostly he is passionate and you can really feel that he enjoys every minute that he is on his ship. — @ricpicks

So, who is @ricpicks? Here’s what he has shared about himself and his life journey.

My name is Ric, I am 36 years old and I am a German. Born 1982 in East-Germany I lived the youth of a socialistic kid as anyone else here. Located in the very east, Dresden is my birthplace. A town full of culture, theater, opera houses and art. Do not worry – I won’t tell my whole life’s story now but I think my birthplace directed me in a certain direction. Despite the fact that I stayed in offices for the longest time (13 years to be specific) I actually become a sailor in the past 4 years. — @ricpicks

The preservation of the cultural and historical treasures and features of regions all over the world should be a priority for many. @armandosodano confirmed that we can always find a way to contribute, whatever our specialty is. As he worked along with a fellow artist, Manuel de Cicco, a beautiful artwork was born from their expert hands. After three days of painting with acrylics, an 80 meters panel which previously had a "horribly white and aseptic" look, now displays a representation of Italian skylines.

The strokes gave the painting a sort of rainy effect of fading, melting. Some wandering cats and the typical seagulls complete the scene that goes well with the port and Piazza Municipio cultural and historical context. Undoubtedly stunning. I have to agree with @armandosodano's statement; beauty and cats will save the world.

The Superintendency of Fine Arts has started a building site for the restoration of the ancient Roman theater, in Piazza Municipio in Terracina. Me and my artist friend, Manuel De Cicco, we decided to paint the 80 square meters of paneling, horribly white and aseptic, which disfigured in the historical context of the famous square, also to keep us in shape for "Fuori Controllo" the arts festival performances that we organize in Terracina. The problem was the large surface to be painted, and the time to do it, only three days. It was also necessary to create very bright and bright colored areas, in order to contrast the protective sheets and scaffolding of the area. We started without a real project, with very large brushes without giving nuances or illusion effects. A surface has a longitudinal character with a sort of skyline of Italian landscapes. — @armandosodano

The following video exhibits some of the circumstances and processes behind the creation of the artwork.

So, who is @armandosodano? Here’s what he had to share about himself and his impressive vocation.

I am Armando Sodano, 55, I have 3 teaching qualifications; Architecture and Design, Design and History of Art, and Artistic Education. Now I teach art in the middle schools of Terracina and I am an expert on two European PON projects. I have been painting since I was 5 years old and in addition to the various exhibitions I have had in Italy and abroad, I deal with the transmission of culture at 360 degrees. I am the artistic director of an performing arts festival in Italy called "Fuori Controllo" and I am also the President of the Cultural Association "I colori della Vita". With our association we organize many artistic events for young people and our goal is to spread beauty and culture because we are convinced that it favors a better future for the world. I took care of the artistic direction of a video mapping in the historic center of Terracina. I love nature and all the animals on planet Earth, especially cats. — @armandosodano

The following interpretation is a cover of Jolene, one of Dolly Parton’s most famous songs. Suffice to say that it was ranked No. 217 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004. @tarotbyfergus takes over the song with a stand-out voice and a very original style, making a great rendition.

As concluded by many who listen to it, Dolly Parton’s song tells the tale of a woman confronting Jolene, whom she believes is trying to steal away her lover and begging her "please don't take my man". Throughout the song, the woman implores Jolene "please don't take him just because you can". @tarotbyfergus had a different thing to say about it.

It’s one of those songs that I love every time I hear it. To be honest, when I sing this song, I sing it not as a helpless plea, but as a bit of a threat. The singer is obsessed with her man, and is really afraid of what she will do if Jolene takes her. — @tarotbyfergus

So, who is @tarotbyfergus? Here’s what he has previously shared about himself.

My name is Brian a.k.a. Fergus, and I am a tarot reader and palmist from Minneapolis. I've been reading tarot cards for 10 years. I currently use the Deviant Moon tarot deck by Patrick Valenza. I like to do general readings for big waves of energy that crash through the masses. I am also a musician, and I sing in the band Fergus Plinko. — @tarotbyfergus

Nothing like a solid salad to go with our solid goals for 2019! That was my first thought while reading @plantstoplanks' post. It’s masterfully presented, and it can really give a push to the inspiration and creativity of those who love to cook and try new things in the kitchen. @plantstoplanks introduces us to the world of salads that can actually fit the appetite of an average human, complementing with many helpful nutrition facts and beautiful photos.

Salads are a must for those looking forward to a healthier eating, while keeping all the good flavors. As @plantstoplanks explains, “leafy greens are some of the healthiest foods on the planet. Dark leafy greens like kale, arugula, chard, spinach, and mustard greens are full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are also very low in calories, making greens an ideal food to fill up on without breaking the calorie bank. Salads also tend to be a great place to pack in other vegetables that are similarly high in nutrients and low in calories. Think of things like tomatoes, carrots, celery, broccoli, cucumbers, squash and all kinds of other great vegetables. Without even taking any of the bad stuff out of your daily dietary intake, just increasing your vegetable intake will improve your health. That’s why adding in a salad here and there to get more of those much-needed vegetables in can be so beneficial”. Since I can’t include every amazing tip she gives, here’s an excerpt to call your attention.

Another trick I like this time of year is to make a salad that can be served warm or at room temperature when I don’t feel like a cold meal. Roasted vegetables make a fantastic addition to a salad, and things greens like mustard and chard hold up well to a little bit of heat. Personally there’s something about a warm salad that just seems to satisfy me more than a cold salad, as well. Oftentimes the warmth brings out the flavors in the dressing and the greens even more than a cold presentation. If you have trouble getting down raw greens, wilting them down a bit may make them easier to chew and then digest. — @plantstoplanks

There really is no wrong combination as long as you are picking whole food, quality ingredients. You can go traditional and mix everything together, or if you enjoy a nice presentation then experiment with more of a Buddha bowl style. Play around a little bit and you might just be surprised at how filling and delicious a not-so-simple salad can be. Heartier ingredients can even hold up well to make a few bowls ahead of time to have healthy lunches all week! Putting your dressing on the side to add later can help keep the rest of the ingredients fresh. — @plantstoplanks

So, who is @plantstoplanks? When she first joined the platform, she shared a bit of wisdom and some expectations with the readers. Here’s what she had to say back then.

I am new to the whole blogging thing, but after working in the fitness and wellness industry for almost a decade I feel like I have learned quite a few things that are worth sharing with a greater audience than just the small group of amazing people I get to train every week. I have heard from multiple sources that the best way to get better at writing is to write. Shocker, I know. I don't think it is a big secret that putting time and energy into an endeavor will help you improve your skills the more that you continue to practice. I am also pretty sure I am not the only one on this planet who fears starting something new, especially when it involves sharing your journey with strangers. Just by typing this up and hitting the post button, I hope to shed a little of that fear and replace it with excitement. — @plantstoplanks

I am excited for even the smallest chance of encouraging some of you to get into your kitchen and step outside of your comfort zone of current food choices. I am definitely not a chef, but I fully identify as a cook. Perhaps some of it is innate (my parents and sisters can whip up some mighty fine grub), but a lot of my success in finding my groove in preparing healthy, easy, yet still delicious food came from many hours of trial and error. Starting out I made a lot of recipes that I would never make again, but every mistake has helped me get a little bit better at finding recipes I know I would like to eat and also helps me to learn how to be more efficient in the time I spend cooking and meal prepping. — @plantstoplanks