Hello Friends,

It’s a bit of a strange time to be sending out an email newsletter that carries the humble goal of beaming doses of positivity and creativity out into the world (and don’t worry, there will be positivity and creativity) … but on the other hand — maybe it’s the perfect time to also have a newsletter that doesn’t shy away from reality.

No ink that I spill here will blot out the blood of those who have died only due to the color of their skin, who they decided to worship, who they decided to love, what country they happened to be from … In the spirit of this email newsletter, however, I do want to point you to a remarkable story (also linked below) that reminds us why this experiment in democracy is all worthwhile: the story of a homeless refuge from Nigeria who found solace and opportunity in America’s open arms — and in turn — America gets to benefit from his ingenuity and inspiration for years to come.

America only grows stronger with diversity.

📸 Pics Or It Didn’t Happen

Exploring Pasadena’s architectural history: “The Gamble House” (built 1908)

🧠 Muse From Around The Way

From homeless refugee to chess prodigy, 9-year-old dreams of becoming youngest grandmaster

Tani Adewumi and his family fled Nigeria and Boko Haram before settling in a New York City homeless shelter. They never could have guessed that chess would open doors — for their family and others — in the United States.

Rückenfigur, the Artistic Technique of Capturing Subjects from Behind

From Giotto to Instagram influencers, centuries of artists have used this technique to inspire desire and unease in their viewers.

How to Build a Brand—From Anywhere—by Embracing Your Surroundings

Mikko Koskinen, co-founder and head of brand for Kyrö distillery set in an old dairy farm in a rural village in Western Finland, on how his team turned an idea spurred during a night in the sauna to a globally recognized brand.

🎧 On Repeat

‎Ceremony by Phantogram

Slinky, layered & infectious — the latest album by Phantogram might burrow under your skin (you know, in a good way).

🍿 Popcorn Break

In the studio with Grammy-nominated music producer Oak Felder (6:49)

🖋 Parting Words

Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation. — Coretta Scott King, Civil Rights Activist & Author