If you know of any local families or organizations that are especially in need at this time, please give me a call or reply to this email. I will do my best to spread the word!

It’s vacation time, and here are some unconventional destination ideas for you.

If you’re looking to go to the far-reaching corners of the globe and off the beaten path, here are 10 destinations that are a must-see for your bucket list. https://tinyurl.com/uplift07231

If you want to stay a bit closer to home, Escapism Magazine lists five alternative city breaks in the US to take a trip. https://tinyurl.com/uplift07232

A European city break is a tried-and-tested vacation, but have you tried swapping out the popular capitals for second cities not too far away? https://tinyurl.com/uplift07233

If South America is one of the places you want to visit, this list by Exoticca lists six cities to head to on the southern continent. https://tinyurl.com/uplift07234

If you’re looking for alternative destinations to travel to but with a whole family in tow, this article from The Guardian has you covered. https://tinyurl.com/uplift07235

Celebrating All About Love through art. Creative outdoor media company BUILDHOLLYWOOD is celebrating bell hooks’s book All About Love by commissioning five artists to create artworks inspired by its message. The project aims to champion local creatives and spread messages of love, care, vulnerability, and bravery in the midst of crises and uncertainty through stunning outdoor artworks in cities across the United Kingdom. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0723b

How to create a friendship cluster. Bringing friends together can be a challenging task, even if you’re geographically nearby. However, it is achievable with hard work. Priya, a resident of New York City, shares her experience of creating a geographical friend cluster with 22 friends all living within walking distance. Providing advice on how to successfully cluster friend groups, the fascinating article emphasizes the importance of putting in the effort in order to reap the reward: a tight friendship group. More: https://tinyurl.com/uplift0723c

Stretching 12 feet wide and 342 feet long, it generates waves up to 5.5 feet tall every five seconds, perfectly simulating shallow coastal ocean conditions. On the opposite end, a concrete beach mimics the Oregon coast, with waves crashing and receding. The lab also boasts an impressive directional wave basin known as “the steel beach,” which mimics tidal patterns and even simulates destructive tsunamis.

For half a century, the facility has conducted studies ranging from water dynamics to the impact of tsunamis on infrastructure. Led by Pedro Lomonaco, the lab’s main focus is now to research and combat the effects of climate change-induced rising sea levels on coastlines. To this end, the researchers occasionally replace the metal plates with models of different coastal cities to study how catastrophic floods will affect them.

The lab is also a hotbed for “wave-energy converter” research. Devices that can harness the power of waves are being developed, ranging from small-scale units to larger offshore structures. Courtney Beringer, a graduate student, has spent two years constructing one, envisioning a future with an extensive network of wave-energy converters that can power cities, moving them away from fossil fuels.

The lab’s dedicated team, including researchers, machinists, and designers passionately collaborate to solve complex problems. They are driven by the desire to create a better future through sustainable infrastructure. As they grapple with the challenges thrown at them, their commitment to building a safer, greener world remains unwavering.

Amidst the waterlogged experiments, a vision of utopia emerges: a world where coastal communities are protected and energy is harnessed from waves. In the lab’s sunlit space, hope lingers, fostering the belief that a brighter future is within reach.

Cultivating a habit of creation. Actually making creativity one of your habits is key to nurturing your creative abilities. By setting aside dedicated time for creative activities, you create a regular practice that allows ideas to flow more freely. Embrace consistent action as a means to unlock your creative potential.

Embracing imperfection. The pursuit of perfection can hinder creativity. In fact, the imperfection is where the real magic can happen. It’s important to let go of the fear of imperfection and embrace the creative process with an open mind. By taking action even in the face of imperfections, you can learn, grow, and refine your skills along the way.

Learning from action. Engaging in creative action provides valuable feedback and insights. Through trial and error, you gain a deeper understanding of what works and what doesn’t. By learning from your actions, you can refine your creative approach and develop your unique style.

Overcoming creative blocks

Creative blocks are common obstacles that can impede our progress. However, taking action even when uninspired can help break through these barriers. By immersing yourself in the creative process, you create momentum that can reignite your creativity and lead to new ideas and perspectives.

Finding inspiration in action. Contrary to popular belief, inspiration often emerges from the act of creation itself. By taking the first step even without a clear vision, you open yourself up to new possibilities and unexpected sparks of inspiration. Embrace action as a pathway to inspiration and allow your creativity to flourish.