I am in California

through November 12th, 2021

Please contact me if you would like to attend an event in Santa Rosa today (Sunday November 7th), or you would like to book a private appointment to see the art in your home while I am still in California.

To get the most out of this blog, please click on many of the images, underlined words, etc. for links to more information, interviews, music, etc.

three things we love

Fantastic Fungi

Had a very busy week so all I am going to say about this film Fantastic Fungi is drop everything and watch it on Netflix. Truly amazing, eye opening, and game changing when it comes to our view of life, the universe and nature's interconnectedness. 5 Stars+!

Love and Lemons Every Daty Cookbook

I am not a vegetarian but I am a vegetable lover and can easily get by without meat in a meal. But I am often short on inspiration of what to cook using just vegetables. Well, my problem is solved, at least temporarily, because I found a beautiful cookbook recently that is inspiring and giving me all sorts of new ideas of what to cook for dinner. The cookbook by Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews is called Love & Lemons, Every Day: More than 100 Bright, Plant Forward Recipes for Every Meal. It is a beautiful book, each recipe elegantly illustrated and clearly explained, including in addition to ingredients and instructions, thoughts on when best to serve each particular dish. Jeanine Donofrio is the author of other Love & Lemon Cookbooks, a blog and has been featured in many magazines including Bon Appetit, Oprah's Magazine O, and Self.

Anthony Bourdain Words of Wisdom

Came across these words of advice below by the late Anthony Bourdain--renowned chef, author, and travel documentarian. His award-winning CNN series "Parts Unknown" (available on HBOMax)was a celebration of food and diversity around the world and a favorite of many people, including me. His way of being and demeanor reminded me of my late husband, Gert, in some ways. His best-selling book Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, originally published in 2000, gave a real behind the scenes look at restaurant life. Sadly, Bourdain ended his life tragically in 2018. His friend and fellow chef Eric Ripert remembered him this way on twitter: "Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected w so many. I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also w his family, friends and loved ones."

Here's his advice:
"Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride."

products of the week

Get a head start on holiday shopping. Visit our artSHOP including silk blend scarves, table runners, cutting boards, memory card games, pouches, pillows, bedding, & more…www.pamelasmilow.com/shop-all

Donate to The Coalition for the Homeless

Another Self Portrait going grey in the time of Covid…

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow created the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.