WOMcity

Sunrise in the Maldives. The sliver of beach looked as perfect and clean as an untouched ski slope at dawn. We brought our coffee to the water’s edge to watch the sky painting unfold before us.

Pale yellow and soft pink light gave way to bold orange and shades of magenta. Then came the sun’s dramatic entrance in swirl of brilliant red, yellow and gold. The arrival of a new day humbles me every time.

We were enjoying this moment when something caught my friend’s eye in the distance, a piece of plastic sack half buried in the sand. Thinking we’d discovered ancient treasure washed ashore from centuries past, we brushed it off and took a few proud photos.

“I’m going to bring this back to LA and frame it!” my friend excitedly proclaimed.

We carried it back to our place, washed it with soap and water, and carefully hung it outside to dry with our towels and bathing suits.

We spent the rest of the day snorkeling in what is inarguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. The variety of fish, coral and plant species in the Maldives are astounding. Vibrant colors, intricately detailed patterns, underwater art like I’ve never experienced. To call it beautiful wasn’t enough. It was magic. At one point a huge school of dolphins appeared out of nowhere and my friend swam alongside them. It was enough to make me catch my breath, and a mouthful of seawater.

When we returned at the end of the day our sack was gone. The housekeeping staff informed us they thought it was trash and seemed confused by my friend’s disappointment.

“I thought it would have made a great memento from this trip,” he sighed.

“Maybe we can find another one?” I offered hopefully.

“Doubt it. I think it’s one of those rare finds.”

The following day we took a boat trip to another island. This one, much more inhabited than our tiny secluded paradise, was bustling with people and activity. As we approached the crowded port we were stunned by what we saw. Littering the coastline were hundreds of those same plastic sacks. That’s when we realized that one man’s trash wasn’t our treasure. It was just trash.

— Samudra Skin & Sea —

Samudra is a Sanskrit term for ocean, or the gathering together of water. “Sam” meaning “together” and “udra” meaning “water.”

It is also the name of an ocean-inspired skincare line featuring wild-harvested seaweed. The founder, Shilpi Chhotray, wanted to solve two problems. On a small scale: her dry skin and eczema. On a large scale: ocean protection.

Just like the tides, everything is cyclical. What we use, consume and dispose each day becomes a part of our shared existence, connecting us like the seven seas. Something as simple as visualizing our impact as one individual and multiplying it by the world’s population is enough to understand that it’s not just one stray bag on the beach. It’s all of us.

Harnessing the healing benefits of seaweed while also promoting ocean conservation became the driving force behind Samudra Skin & Sea. The seaweed is locally sourced in Mendocino, California, edible-grade, and hand-harvested to protect its natural habitat.

Before you think, “Ew, slimy seaweed on my skin!” The product is not that literal. In addition to seaweed, the ingredients in the soap, for example, also include avocado and organic oils, making it moisturizing enough to use as a shampoo or even a shave lather. Wash, shampoo and shave all in one? According to Shilpi, guys really dig this convenience.
I gave a bar to a friend of mine after pointing out all the harsh detergents in his name-brand one, not to mention the unnecessary plastic packaging that goes back into the environment. He kind of shrugged his shoulders and quipped about having used it his whole life.

Old habits are hard to break, Shilpi pointed out, so it’s about changing people’s mindset: Continue using products that harm the ocean, or ones that come from the ocean? People innately want to do better for themselves and the planet, they just don’t have the information or awareness that their purchase decisions can actually have an impact.

It reminds me of the parable about the little girl throwing starfish in the water after finding them washed up on a beach. A man approaches her and asks why she’s doing this, there are thousands and she can’t possibly make a difference. The girl considers his statement for a moment, then reaches down, picks up another starfish, and throws it as far as she can.

“I made a difference to that one.”

— The Indie Beauty Expo —

To learn more about Samudra Skin & Sea and social entrepreneurs like Shilpi, attend an Indie Beauty Expo, where you can meet these innovative leaders, try their products, and join the sea change for a better tomorrow.

The 2017 IBE Schedule…

Los Angeles: January 17th – 19th
Dallas: May 9th – 11th
New York City: August 22nd – 24th

“Each one of us can make small changes in our daily lives that have a big collective impact on our blue planet.” – Shilpi Chhotray

Clean vs. Green is kind of like Batman vs. Superman: two good guys fighting to save planet earth and humanity as we know it. Okay, maybe not as dramatic as the comic book heroes, but they’re at least on the same side, right?

Yes and no.

In my last post I described how I made the transition from run-of-the-mill product purchaser to a more informed one. I discovered that the brands I’d been loyal to for a lifetime cut corners with ingredients at the expense of my health.

Why?

Preservatives extend the shelf life of a product (think of all the sodium in canned goods that do the same). It’s not good for a company’s bottom line to waste inventory when a product expires.

Detergents and synthetics give a product it’s strong scent. Think of common name-brands that sell you on their powerful fragrances. Perfume is one of the largest grossing items worldwide, so it’s no wonder companies exploit our olfactory weakness. Some well-known fast food chains employ this method by injecting chemicals into, for example, French fries, to give them that irresistible smell that hypnotizes you into buying them.

Here’s the problem though. Just when I thought I was onto these companies and set out to change my purchase habits and go green and clean, I discovered there are a lot of wolves in sheep’s clothing in the organic beauty world. They might be various shades of good, but I want the best.

So how do you know?

I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed by the research involved in becoming ingredient savvy, not to mention needing bifocals to read the lists on the back of many products. Even when I did find a comprehensive list, the names of the items often made my last name look simple. I needed help.

Enter Wonder Woman.

I’m grateful to Batman and Superman for fighting the good fight, but it’s refreshing to see a woman in the superhero mix, too. That’s how I see Jeannie Jarnot, founder of Beauty Heroes, a monthly subscription service that brings you the best in healthy beauty.

Jeannie had her ingredient epiphany way before mine and does the yeoman’s work in vetting hundreds upon hundreds of brands. It’s no easy task so she created a pocket guide for laymen like me that fits in your purse and lists the most widely found Superpower and Villain ingredients.

Her wealth of knowledge makes her a trusted source and I was excited when my first Beauty Heroes box arrived, which featured Bottega Organica, a farm-to-skin brand from Italy based off the research of a molecular oncologist. Along with a full size product, I also got a sample of another item from the line. An insert provides information on the product ingredients, use and benefits, and the backstory of the brand.

But the real test came two weeks later. I have sensitive skin so I never know how it’s going to react to something new. Let’s just say Bottega Organica has a new customer! I fell in love with the eye cream. The price points are higher than what you’d typically find at the drugstore, but after reading about the process involved in creating this product I have a new appreciation for the quality behind the craftsmanship, not to mention ingredients grown in nature versus a lab, one of which is wild carrots.

Jeannie is also an adviser for the Indie Beauty Expo, the largest curated event for independent beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands. That’s actually where I first heard about Bottega Organica, so I was happy to learn more and felt confident using the product knowing it made Jeannie’s cut.

Interview with Jeannie…

In my quest to learn more about what makes something clean, green or somewhere in-between, I asked Jeannie a few questions below. Thank you, Jeannie, for all your insight and expertise. As you would say, Hero On!

1.) Which came first, green or clean, and what is the difference?

In the grand scheme of things, green beauty definitely came first. Before the modern cosmetic industry emerged during the industrial revolution, all beauty was green. And what we are seeing in the modern green beauty movement is a desire to return to traditional, natural beauty.

There aren’t established definitions for green vs. clean, but here’s how I define them. Clean beauty focuses on formulations that contain ingredients that are generally known to be non-toxic and safe to use, without causing any adverse health effects.

Over and above that, green beauty focuses on using botanicals that have been minimally processed and extracted. Green beauty brands also focus on sourcing sustainable, wild crafted and organic ingredients that come from reputable sources. The emphasis in green beauty is definitely on ingredient sourcing.

I first learned that ingredients in the products I was using in my spa had harmful ingredients in 2001. As soon as I learned that some ingredients could be harmful to my clients, my staff and myself, I started a quest to clean up our products.

The desire to use the healthiest products available landed me squarely in what we refer to now as green beauty. While there are certainly different shades of clean and green, it’s exciting to see so many people become informed and interested in selecting products that are healthy for them and for our planet.

2.) Are these terms synonymous with the “organic” label in the food industry?

It may not be common knowledge, but the term organic is not regulated in the food or the cosmetic industry. So, if a food or beauty product is labeled as organic, it could mean that one ingredient, all ingredients or no ingredients are grown organically.

The USDA National Organic Program seal however is regulated by the USDA Agricultural Marketing department and does make sure all of the ingredients in that product are certified organically grown. The words natural, organic, clean and green are subjective and don’t relate to any specific standard.

3.) How does a consumer know if something is authentically green or clean?

The best way know what’s in your products is to learn about who is making them. Take time to read about a brand and discover how they source their ingredients and what is in their products. Good brands convey their values around healthy beauty and ingredients.

One thing I look for are companies that do not disclose their complete ingredient list on their website. That is always a red flag when I’m discovering a new product line. I’m always amazed when I stumble on a company that doesn’t fully disclose what is in their products, but rather highlights their “key ingredients.” This is still very common and usually a cause for concern.

There is no tool I know of that saves the consumer from reading the product label. At Beauty Heroes we have a tagline “Smart is Beautiful.” We encourage consumers to get ingredient smart. No one likes to have the wool pulled over their eyes by companies trying to pass a product off as healthy, when it’s not.

We created our free beauty ingredient pocket guide to simplify healthy and harmful ingredients, and there are several apps that help consumers look up ingredients and rate the safety of beauty products. But whatever tools you decide to use to support your ingredient knowledge, it’s important to read the label and to understand what you are putting on your skin.

4.) Tell me more about Beauty Heroes and your Inspired Beauty Curation process.

Beauty Heroes is a healthy beauty discovery service and online beauty store. I had the idea for the discovery service when I was a spa director many years ago when I discovered how much time, care and creativity went into crafting healthy beauty products.

My inspiration came directly from the owners of indie beauty brands who would educate me and my team on their products, ingredients and processes that would result in something exquisite that we would use in and sell in our spa.

I began talking about my favorite Hero products and it was such a fun and effective way to connect my clients to what we were using on them. I would translate what inspired me to bring that specific product or product line into our spa by educating them. My idea then, which is now Beauty Heroes, was to introduce one brand and one Hero product at a time to my clients and connect them to each product and brand through education and an experience.

So each month we deliver one, full size Hero product, along with some surprises coupled with the brand story, inspired beauty rituals and detailed ingredient information. My process for selecting my Beauty Heroes stems from all of my experience working with products and brands in a spa setting paired with my intuition and genuine love for the product and company that makes it. It sounds funny, but a lot of love goes into making well-crafted beauty products, particularly indie beauty products.

When I started the company in 2014, the first thing I did was research and outline a clear beauty product ingredient standard. I wanted the service and the store to be more than clean; I wanted it to be healthy and good for you. That was what drew me to the spa industry in the first place. By setting this ingredient standard, my intention is for Beauty Heroes is to be the most trusted source for healthy beauty.

5.) How does the Indie Beauty Expo stand apart from other trade shows in terms of the green and clean philosophy?

I haven’t seen another show embrace the importance of healthy ingredients as openly as IBE has. It is courageous (dare I say heroic) to talk about specific ingredients in the beauty industry, because you risk alienating brands that haven’t caught up with the consumers desire for healthy beauty. The Indie Beauty Expo has defined a clean ingredient and green standard. Taking that step is a clear message that, when it comes to beauty, ingredients matter.

Two years ago I stumbled into an area of which I had no real prior knowledge: beauty products. Sure, I use them every day, but I never put too much thought into what I was using. I wash my face and hair, slather myself with lotion, spray perfume, and out the door I go. I occasionally wear makeup, but so rarely that I still have some of the same cosmetics I bought over a decade ago. Basically my approach to purchasing beauty products went something like this…

If it was on sale, I bought it.
If it smelled good, I bought it.
If it looked good, I bought it.
If my friends or mom used it, I bought it.

When I first started experimenting with beauty products as a teenager I was drawn to glittery packaging, loud colors and cool names like Wet n Wild. I was obsessed with lip gloss and loved the ones that tasted like candy, like Bonne Bell. Bubble gum was a favorite and I globbed it on in copious amounts. Ditto dousing myself in Love’s Baby Soft. All my friends did.

The ingredients in these products never crossed my mind. The irony is that I’ve always been mindful of what I eat. One of my first jobs was at McDonald’s working in the kitchen and the experience turned me off not just fast food, but processed food in general. I still cringe walking down the cereal aisle in the supermarket seeing all the sugar sold as breakfast.

I once volunteered at a homeless shelter for city youth where I cooked weekly meals. I’ll never forget the time I brought fresh blueberries and one of the residents said they didn’t taste like blueberries. Confused, I asked her to explain. I came to realize that she’d never actually tasted a real blueberry, only the blueberry filling in processed treats. Her taste buds were accustomed to the sugary version of what that flavor was supposed to be.

This made me think about my own attraction to scents when choosing products. I’d read labels that advertised smelling like the ocean, fresh cut grass or a bouquet of flowers. The artificial nature of this is no different than my blueberry example. In other words, these brands put chemicals in their products to make them smell a certain way. And just like blueberry filling, there is nothing natural about it.

Your skin absorbs the products you apply and these ingredients get into your bloodstream. Occasionally eating at McDonald’s is not going to kill you, but is eating there every day a good idea? Probably not, so why subject your skin to a daily routine that’s less than healthy?

I had my ah-ha moment on these things later in life, after 40, when I became involved helping a couple of friends with their startup (Indie Beauty Expo) which focuses on indie beauty brands, many of which emphasize clean ingredients. As their copy editor I found myself immersed in the material, which resulted in completely changing my own approach to purchasing products.

A lot of natural brands don’t have the strong fragrance I’d been accustomed to and that took some getting used to, just like the teenager that had to acquire a taste for real blueberries versus a fake substitute. Now whenever I smell certain products, the artificial scent is obvious. I’d rather apply a more neutral-smelling product and know that what I’m applying to my skin is a cleaner alternative. That’s not to say natural brands lack desirable scents; many have just figured out a healthier, and perhaps more subtle, way to deliver it.

In the end, what began as a proofreading project wound up becoming an unintentional education. I’m somewhat of a late bloomer, but it’s never too late to change habits and start a new course, especially one for the better. Going forward I’m only going to use “the real blueberry” of beauty products, and the Indie Beauty Expo is the farmer’s market to discover them.

The first thing that struck me when I walked through the doors at Van Court Studio was the smell, or rather the lack of one.  Usually when I visit nail salons a noxious odor is the first thing that greets me. Instead, I was greeted with a glass of wine.

The reason for the absence of fumes?  They don’t use harsh chemicals at Van Court.  The owner, Ruth Kallens, wanted to provide an alternative to the typical nail salon experience, one that embraces clean ingredients and a healthier approach to nail care.   

All of the nail polishes are at least 5-Free, which means they don’t contain the five toxic substances you’ll find in most polish lines.  And think about that.  We no longer use lead paint in our homes because of what we learned in the 70’s.  Nail polish is another kind of paint, one we put on our body no less, so why not choose a healthier option?  And don’t get me started on nail biters and the essential poison you’re ingesting every time you gnaw on manicured fingers. 

One of the polish lines Van Court carries, LVX, was at the Indie Beauty Expo. I was skeptical at first thinking a non-toxic lacquer would peel or chip after day one. I was proven wrong. In fact, Ruth said many of her clients are former gel users that have destroyed their nails and she’s rehabbing them back into shape.

The same can be said for the other products used at Van Court, like organic Jojoba and fractionated coconut oils used for massage, pink Himalayan salt and organic food and therapy grade doterra oils for aromatherapy. All these items are organic and naturally sourced, which also explained the lack of any pungent smell or face masks worn by the technicians.   

Speaking of which, the salon is high-end in terms of having the industry’s top licensed nail technicians and eco-friendly products, but it didn’t feel stuffy or unapproachable.  Quite the opposite.  One wall is all windows that look out over Water Street in downtown Manhattan.  The rest is exposed brick and the treatment stations are well-spaced and comfortable.  Unless you’re getting the express service, a massage is also included. They even clean your rings as a complimentary offer. 

The price points are a bit higher, but when you consider the long-term investment of not exposing yourself to chemical ingredients, it’s worth it.  There are also treatments for men and children, as well as massage and gift options.  

Between sips of wine and an immaculate mani/pedi given by Teresa — who was born and raised in Brooklyn and told me all about her Irish roots — I learned that the ideal shape for my nails is something called “squoval”, a combination of square and oval, and which color palette best suits my skin tone.

 Throughout my time at Van Court (the name honors Ruth’s great aunt) numerous people came and went that all seemed to have familiarity with the space.  One woman, dressed in gym clothes, dropped in to share the news of her engagement the night before.  In other words, it felt like a community.  

That’s no accident, either.  Ruth hosts special nights where you can get a manicure with a side of acupuncture, meditation, herbal remedies or even business coaching.  A flier caught my eye on the way out.  In big letters it read: Be A Goal Digger.  Ruth invited an executive coach to lead a workshop geared around women in business.  Now that’s just cool and the kind of message I like to see.  

To learn about the treatments at Van Court or to book an appointment, visit their website. The location is a block away from Wall Street and, hands down, a very clean investment – in you.

Sometimes the most innovative solutions to problems are derived from one’s own experiences. Diana Seo was a young woman struggling with adult acne. She tried every product she could get her hands on, but her condition only got worse.

Frustrated with the status quo of skin care routines, she started researching the science behind everything she was doing wrong, paying particular attention to the ingredients in her products.  Her degree in Biophysics, combined with an interest in Ayurveda (holistic medicine), propelled Diana to take a different approach in her quest for answers.

She became obsessed, as she described it, with figuring out a way to find the balance between science and nature when it comes to skin care.  She continued her education, becoming a licensed aesthetician and earning a top international certification. In the process of solving her adult acne (she now has flawless skin) she discovered a new skin lab concept that addresses another issue — one that affects everyone — the inevitable onset of age.

For many, myself included, the idea of Botox needles, lasers and other invasive procedures is not appealing.  However, at 44, I also know I’m not getting any younger and all the face creams in the world won’t change that.  Diana found a happy medium through collagen, the most abundant protein in the body.

Enter, the Collagenizer.  Think the Terminator for wrinkles. This method features something called Transdermal Electroporation, which uses the skin’s intercellular channels to promote transdermal delivery.  In layman’s terms?  It’s basically a magic wand!  As the name suggests, the Collagenizer machine works to restore collagen back to optimal levels and improve skin elasticity.

Diana invited me in to try it out.  Prior to using the machine she applied a collagen based serum to my face which contains a medical grade of organic bovine collagen, along with hyaluronic acid.  If you’re thinking, “Cows and acid, oh my!” fear not.  Both of these items are commonly used in many things. In fact, unlike other collagen products, the cows even live free-range in the Napa Valley region, producing the highest quality product.

The Collagenizer is used in conjunction with the serum, and is followed up with a vitamin C cream.  Diana explained how everything worked throughout the process, answering my numerous questions and educating me along the way.  The technology was first used to treat cancer patients, until they later discovered the added skin care benefits.

The machine felt a little strange at first, like I was the Bride of Frankenstein with little electrical pulses going through my face and expanding my hair.  At least that’s the image I had of myself laying in the doctor’s chair.  But once I adjusted it was a seamless experience and one that I would have no problem repeating.  Diana suggested weekly treatments over five to six weeks, followed by monthly maintenance. Depending on your skin type and collagen deficiency, the results last up to a year.

This is the CliffsNotes version. For more in-depth information, or to try it out yourself, visit The Collagen Bar.  The facility, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, was welcoming and pristine. Diana’s expertise is impressive and I felt very comfortable entrusting her with my skin.

Her motto: “Nourish your body with balance and beauty” aligns with my lifestyle and I felt right at home.  So for those of us not comfortable with injections and plastic surgery, this is another alternative to aging gracefully.  

I sat perched on the windowsill next to my mom’s vanity as she applied makeup and styled her hair. The smell of hot rollers and Aqua Net hung in the air, as a black and white television crackled the morning newscast in the background.

I watched in awe as she transformed her eyes, mouth, cheekbones and hair. In between sips of coffee I saw her change from gentle to powerful, a force of femininity and confidence. She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen and I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

That was the 70’s.

During High School in the 80’s I purchased all the same beauty products that my mother owned. I learned from her and there was something about the daily ritual of preparation and removal that bonded us. In my eyes she was a warrior queen passing on her beauty secrets to her princess apprentice.

Many years later as an adult I continued to use those same products (minus the rollers and hairspray, bye 80’s!) not for any other reason than they reminded me of my mother. I’m sure many fathers and sons experience something similar when it comes to shaving products. Old Spice comes to mind with my own dad.

This got me thinking about our emotional connection to brands and how we sometimes make product choices for nostalgic reasons, not necessary informed ones. I had no idea what parabens or other potentially harmful ingredients even were and had always just assumed if mom used it, it was safe. But mom didn’t know either.

With the emergence of indie brands that put an emphasis on cleaner ingredients, not to mention environmentally sensitive packaging, consumers are becoming more educated, which provides the next generation of moms an opportunity to improve the status quo and pass down better information to their daughters. Ditto, dads.

Everything has a learning curve. My mom put me in a laundry basket full of towels and strapped it in place with a seat belt in the car. That was the car seat of the 70’s. We have evolved.

Plastics are my generation’s version of cigarettes. We didn’t consider the chemicals we were absorbing each time we nuked a container of leftovers in the microwave, until the government started putting numbers on them and issuing reuse warnings. We threw plastic water bottles away with the ease of a flicked cigarette butt, paying no mind to the fact they aren’t easily biodegradable and will last hundreds of years in landfills.

As individuals, and not just moms and dads, it’s our responsibility to be good stewards of the environment and share the knowledge that comes with time and innovation. The Indie Beauty Expo provides an effective platform to disseminate that information, be it through new product introductions or continuing the conversation about our relationship with the most important mother of all, Mother Earth.

What do today’s business leaders look like? In an era swept up by the frenetic pace of technology and a social media dominant culture, there is a certain nostalgia for the past. A time where people communicated over Glenfiddich instead of text. Where they looked you in the eye throughout an entire meeting, instead of being distracted by the incoming pings from their various devices and computers.

It was a time where personal presentation carried a certain weight and gentlemen dressed with class. The attire embodied an elegant intelligence and appeared effortless, dignified, and undeniably confident.

Vesture recaptures this bygone era with it’s specialized tailored menswear services. Located in a private studio above the hustle and bustle of 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan, clients immediately feel at home in the subdued setting. This isn’t your typical shopping experience. This isn’t even shopping.

Owners Nader Naeymi-Rad and Franco Salhi sought to create a service that delivers impeccable quality, while at the same time building a relationship with clients over their wardrobe management. This is actually how the two met.

“We met over a decade ago, and as my role at my company grew, he taught me how to dress,” explains the flawlessly attired Naeymi-Rad. “That sounds really simple, but I started to recognize the importance of image, especially when I became CEO. I came to really trust him and rely on his counsel. I benefitted greatly, both professionally and personally.”

Salhi, whose deft craftsmanship is sought by clients the world over, was formerly U.S. Brand Ambassador and Director of Business Development and manager of Ermenegildo Zegna. The two became partners after Naeymi-Rad left his company. “I felt there wasn’t really a place men could go to get the individualized customer service and attention to detail that busy individuals like myself required,” says Naeymi-Rad. “Vesture isn’t SuitSupply nor is it in-store tailoring. It’s private, discreet, and relaxed. Let’s face it, most men find outfitting burdensome, even overwhelming. We make the process seamless, while also enjoyable,” he says with a friendly demeanor.

Judging from the refined tastes of both gentlemen (the studio has an impressive art collection thanks to a partnership with Pace Gallery) you can be rest assured you’ll be in expert hands. As a result of Mr. Salhi’s reputation, the two have access to fabrics from the likes of Pal Zileri, Isaia, among many others. When I inquired about the heavy hitters they’ve worked with, Salhi replied with a guarded smile, “We have been very fortunate to outfit some of New York’s hardest working gentlemen.” Some independent research later revealed Vesture has hosted industry titans such as Roger Goodell, Matt Lauer, Bill Hemmer, and Alec Baldwin.

While speaking with the gentlemen on the balcony of their Vesture studio suite and listening to the subtle shifts of ice in my single malt scotch and Miles Davis crooning in the background, I was taken back to that era and felt a bit like James Bond or Cary Grant. That’s when I realized the Vesture magic was already working.

Every flash
exhales a story
inside a frame
outside our lives

Interpretation
of what we see
always different
through other eyes

Seeing something
once removed
yet standing closer
to a moment that happened
when we weren’t there

Feeling an element
of what it was
might have been
we’ll never really know
but still create for ourselves

The beauty of language
that nobody learns
speaks in silence
we all hear

Pictures bring us in
keep us distant
experiencing what isn’t
our own reality
but somehow understanding
another one
in another way