Jo Malone Mental Health Video Clips

October 10th, which happened also to be my birthday, was named World Mental Health Day 2022--Many people are struggling around the globe one way or another, especially now after the pandemic. Jo Malone, founder of a British perfume and cologne company, started her own foundation dedicated to mental health. Their cool ad campaign, consisting of short little video clips, took me by surprise on the small screen in the back of a NYC taxicab the other day. Here are a few of these videos--I hope you think they are as brilliant and touching as I do...

Celery Leek Potato Soup

It's getting to be soup weather. Here is a recipe, courtesy of the New York Times, that looks good to me--aside from being delicious, I especially love the color!

CELERY LEEK SOUP WITH POTATO AND PARSLEY
By Alexa Weibel
serves 6-8
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 large leeks, cut in half lengthwise, sliced thin
3 sliced garlic cloves
1 pound celery (about 1 large bunch), peeled and thinly sliced (save leaves for garnish
1 large peeled russet potato, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 bay leaves
1½ teaspoons thyme
1/4 cup dry white wine
7 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
Crème fraîche or heavy cream, for serving

In a large pot, cook leeks and garlic, salt and p[epper in the oil until tender, approx. 7-10 minutes. Add the celery potato, preferably fresh thyme and bay leaves for an additional give minutes or so. Add wine to deglaze, then cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is almost dry, another approx. 3 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium and simmer until another 20 minutes until vegetables are tender and soft. Discard bay leaves. Stir in 1 cup parsley leaves.
In smaller atches, add soup to blender or use stick blender and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
In bowls, drizzle with olive oil and garnish with celery leaves and parsley and a bit of pepper. Serve with creme fraiche, sour cream or a little bit of heavy cream... ]

Tracy Chapman

I always loved Tracy Chapman--hadn't thought about her for a long while until I heard one of her songs yesterday...Thought I would share a few of my favorites....

All That You Have Is Your Soul

Change

Subcity

Sing for You

and of course Fast Car

Charity of the Week:

World Central Kitchen

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing 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.