As I write this letter, I want you to know how blessed I feel.  First and foremost, our families are healthy, and we remain busy despite being isolated from each other.  We know some people who have contracted coronavirus, but thankfully most are doing well. We pray for those who are not. 

And if like me you’ve had your investments decline precipitously, I am reminded by my friend, Matt Hall of Hill Investment Group, to “take the long view.” And I am. 

As it relates to the magazine, nearly every current advertiser decided to continue running an ad, and we even attracted some new ones who wanted to help support us or just felt we are the best way to reach their audience -- even now. Many magazines nationally and locally have decided to go dark for an issue or two, and for a while we discussed what would be the best path forward. We discussed not publishing, producing just a digital issue or printing as we always do. We chose to do the latter, and we will also distribute a digital issue, actively blog on sophisticatedstlouis.com and double down on Facebook and Instagram.   

We ultimately rationalized that we are in a unique position to provide content for our audience which takes them away from this unfortunate reality while they sit out spring and summer vacations, their favorite sports pastimes, cultural performances, events, and Easter and Passover.  Thank God for Zoom. We have adapted some of our stories to what people are doing at this unique time in history, but we stayed true to what we do best: sharing our love of life so that you can continue to live yours, plan for later in the year, start a home project, or support the businesses and people who need your patronage now more than ever. 

Debbie and I are enjoying walking every day, riding the Peloton, reading, binge watching TV, talking to our mothers and sons frequently, and cooking great meals.  Our sailboat, Va Bene (Italian for “All is good”) is ready for the season and she’s back in the water. We dream about when we will set sail once again.  

As I read more and intermittently Google just about everything, I have become obsessed with the history of The Black Plague (1347-1350).  As a student living in Florence, Italy in 1985, I studied it as one of the milestone events in history which led to the Renaissance. The Black Plague started in Asia, traveled to Europe by boat, and almost wiped out many of the great Italian cities, with Florence losing half of its population. It not only didn’t kill them all; it made them better. Cities became cleaner. Politics focused on what mattered most. International relations improved. Religious dogma moderated. Science, technology and exploration accelerated. And, creativity flourished as people realized that life can change in a heartbeat.  Let’s pray this is what lies ahead. 

I hope you’ve been enjoying “the new normal.” I encourage you to try some new recipes and think about redecorating your home. Don’t forget to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones. Buy a new car. Take long walks. Use Zoom and host a virtual cocktail party. Dress up. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time. Make some masks that you can use and if you’re great at it, make extras to give away.  Support local restaurants and pick-up lunch or dinner. Make a donation to someone who really needs it.    

Despite how divided we have been, now is the time to get back on track. We are stronger together.  Stay safe. 

Craig Kaminer