The sun is sparkling, birdsong is more beautiful than ever and the air is filled with fresh oxygen. Things to be thankful for as we continue staying put. Even more to put on our gratitude list is the abundance of virtual activities, performances and just ways to stimulate our brain cells here in the Bay. Read on for this week’s finds of fun, interactive and delightful ways to entertain. And now that we must all wear masks when out and about check out a local bay artist who is creating and giving back. And listen in to this week’s podcast on Trauma. Cheers tomatoes!

Whether or not we realize it, we are all experiencing trauma in 2020 and Ilene Smith, our podcast guest today shares methods we can employ now to reduce the effects of trauma from settling in our bodies in the future. Listen in to this timely conversation with tips from Ilene’s book, “Moving Beyond Trauma” is a guide to helping us heal and create a life of ease and vitality. Listen in here.

April 25. Tribute Sing-Along

We’ve all heard Tony Bennett sing about our little cable cars climbing halfway to the stars. Now it’s our turn to chime in with our best versions.! On Saturday, Apr. 25, at noon PST, San Franciscans will join together for a sing-along of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Wherever you are, raise your voice and join this salute to our city and the people who make it great. Stream or record your performance with #SingOutSF to share it with the world. Get the details.

Masks for a Good Cause

Now that it is mandated for all of us to wear masks when going out to essential businesses, who else wants to look as cute as possible?  The new accessory – and so many creative folks are putting their talents to great use – while giving back. San Francisco street artist Fnnch is known for spreading sweetness about—his painted honey bears have become recognizable icons of the city.

Having sought to lift everyone’s spirits with Covid-themed honey bears recently painted around the Castro, the artist launched two masks that quickly sold out, a second batch of 250 masks were made available yesterday, hope there are still some when you read this. They are sewn in SF by unemployed artists. One hundred percent of the proceeds for masks sold will benefit Covid-19 charities. Store.fnnch.com

Films with LIVE Q&A

The Alexander Valley Film Festival is hoping to take place live this September, but meanwhile great news. They have a wonderful entertaining and educational SIP series to help us stay connected via film. Coming up Sunday is a Q & A with the star of YOUR SISTER’S SISTER, Rosemarie DeWitt. Be sure to watch the film before and arrive at the live webinar armed with questions.

Every Wednesday the film society has an event called Wednesday Film & Food where you gather as a Netflix watch party and can order food from places offering special deals.  Find out more and see all the great offerings at avfilmsociety.org.

Art Ideas

Were you looking forward to the de Young’s Frida Kahlo exhibit? Take avirtual tour of Mexico City’s popular Casa Azul Museum, once home to Frida and husband Diego Rivera. recorridosvirtuales.com

Check out Neal Peterson’s photo collage mandalas of San Franciscoand Oakland comprised of such iconic imagery as the Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, and Chinatown. They are stunning! Nealpeterson.com

SFMOMA is of course temporarily closed but their content is available 24/7. They have curated videos and articles from around the museum meant to give us food for thought, a reason to smile and a moment of connection. Sfmoma.org

Literary lovers rejoice as you can get your literary fix with readings by the likes of Beth Lisick and Alia Volz with Litquake on Lockdown, a virtual series of literary entertainment for our community. litquake.org

Jazz Fridays

SFJAZZ, in partnership with KQED, hosts Fridays at Five, this new weekly series features exclusive footage from some of the most memorable SFJAZZ concerts from the past few years. Each digital concert experience will get you closer than ever to the music, while providing an online platform that will help directly support artists. So grab your favorite beverage, maybe even some popcorn, and enjoy Fridays at Five! 

Available free to current SFJAZZ Members or through a 1-month $5 Fridays at Five digital membership. Sfjazz.org

Puzzles

Puzzles are a time-honored tradition when you have nothing to do, which makes them perfect right now when we are all stuck at home. Puzzles, the “real” kind are backordered everywhere and at this point, you might have already finished all the puzzles you own. Who knew, but there are virtual puzzles and many of our great city. The Pier 39 Sea Lions, Painted Ladies, Cable Cars, Golden Gate Bridge and more. You can find all of them at http://www.jigsawexplorer.com

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