CREATING YOUR CANVAS HOW ART CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Decades ago, I almost failed art class in grade school. I’ll never forget that project, making a clay object glazed and finished in the kiln. Every time I put the item in, it exploded even though no one else seemed to have that problem. It was my last chance, and I took the lump of clay, added little legs, and made a little turtle that somehow survived the fire. I still have that turtle today — far from a masterpiece but a reminder of how far I have come in embracing creativity. Nowadays, I get the opportunity to be artistic as a dentist, creating digital teeth designs and helping craft smiles I never imagined as a kid. It’s a gift that our children love to be creative, doing everything from drawing, weaving, and sewing to making fun videos. My daughter once even recreated an entire Disney movie, acting out every part. National Creativity Day is on May 31, and it’s amazing to see how art and self-expression have evolved. In a world with tensions rising, art, in its many forms, provides us with an important outlet to deal with difficult emotions healthily.
Certain art forms naturally speak to me, like my favorite painting at the Cleveland Art Museum. Something about it resonates with me, and now, whenever we visit, my kids will say, “Hey, Dad, it’s your painting.” They have their favorites there, too. Ultimately, even the art I don’t necessarily get or enjoy is something I still appreciate for the sake of it. Create something, whatever it may be — painting, gardening, or even driving downtown and enjoying the local murals. If a piece of art or a song means something to you, don’t be afraid to learn more about it. If you can find the artist, ask them what motivated them and what makes them tick. It’s going to be beneficial to you, and it’s also going to make the world a better place. No matter what happens in the world, I hope there will always be a place for artistic expression — and I hope you find the art that heals, inspires, and connects you.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH Q: Where do bad rainbows go? A: To prism. It’s a light sentence, but it gives them time to reflect.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Q: Where do sheep go on vacation? A: The Baa-hamas Q: Where do sharks go on vacation? A: Finland.
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com. You may see it in our next issue!
3
exceptionalsmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator