Editors’ Note: Debbie Zipp’s beautiful mother, Virginia Zipp passed away earlier this week. It is difficult to lose a mother at any time, but especially now when Debbie couldn’t be with her in the assisted living home when she passed away. Read Debbie’s beautiful tribute and leave a comment too so she will know we are all thinking of her. Below is the newsletter Debbie wrote before her Mom’s passing.

Can it really be May already Tomatoes?! And to top that off today is May Day. It may have felt like summer the past week, but it is still spring with lots of blooms. Puzzles are one of the “in” activity these days and “Magic Hour Puzzles” allows to do them digitally. I just happily discovered “Art Bites” on the Huntington Museums website and it tickled me pink.  It will delight you, Tomatoes, too! And this Tomato wrote a little piece a few weeks ago on a day of reflection. “Stay Hopeful,” shares a few thoughts popping into my head during on a day in these extraordinary times. I hope it might shine a bit of light in your day and week ahead.  And we have a timely podcast that will help us get through this time of sadness and grief.

Dealing with our Sadness and Grief During and after COVID19

Many of us are feeling an overwhelming sadness and stress with the pandemic and many of us are grieving for loved ones we’ve lost. Here to help us deal with some of these feelings of stress, anxiety, grief, and chronic pain, is Dr. Bob Wright, “the stress relief doctor” and wellness coach. Join in the “mini vacation” exercise at the end of the podcast plus a special offer. Listen in here.

May 5-31.  LALIFF Connect 2020

The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival is going forward despite the Pandemic. The free, online festival, premiering May 5, will allow everyone to stream top notch feature films, shorts, episodics, masterclasses and live music. Nothing is going to stop LALIFF from connecting and sharing great films and music, Tomatoes.

As the esteemed actor and founder of LALIFF, Edward James Olmos stated, “Working together with our filmmakers, musicians, partners and sponsors we will be able to celebrate our festival virtually to continue to showcase some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking Latino films of 2020 and share with cinephiles everywhere, from the safety of their homes.” I know there will gems of entertainment and thought-provoking films to enjoy, Tomatoes…so don’t miss out. 

Digital Puzzles

OMG! This is soooo cool!  You can put together Magic Hour Digital Puzzles of LA Landmarks on DiscoverLA from artist, George Townley.  I tried putting one together online and it’s super easy, fun and the puzzles are stunning. Plus… it’s free!  Thanks, DiscoverLA.  Give it a shot, Tomatoes. Trust me if I can do it, you can do it!

There is a wide array of landmarks available include the Griffith Park Observatory, Cinerama Dome, the Stahl House and many others.  They all reflect the essence of Los Angeles beautifully.  And if you would prefer to touch and feel the puzzle when putting it together these puzzle works of art from George Townley can be purchased on his website.

Art Bites

ArtBites is a video series with renowned educator and cook, Maite Gomez-Rejón, weaving art from The Huntington’s Collections with culinary nuggets of information of the history foods we love with the delish original recipes as well, Tomatoes .

Did you know Thomas Jefferson’s trip to Europe resulted in America’s first recipe for Macaroni and Cheese that was served at a White House dinner in 1802.  Do you know the history of Afternoon Tea, Tomatoes.  Art Bites with its art & food history combined is sure to please.