Octopuses

Octopuses (yes, that is the preferred plural) are among the most fascinating and unusual animals on this earth as this documentary entitled The Insane Biology of the Octopus will tell you. Some even suggest that they might not even be from here--and the idea that we, as humans, are superior is challenged big time when you learn the characteristics and capabilities of these amazing toothless and boneless cephalopods.

Here are a few little known facts about them: they have a local brain in each arm, controlled by a central brain that oversees all the others. They are capable of unbelievable camouflage techniques, including disguising themselves as other undersea animals to escape danger. They can recognize individuals outside of their own species, including humans, as you can see in the film My Octopus Teacher about the real touching friendship formed in Cape Town, South Africa between diver Craig Foster and a wild octopus. And their brain-to-body ratio is the largest of any invertebrate and larger than most vertebrates, except mammals. For these and more images and facts, Nat Geo Wild has compiled a short video with some of these astounding facts. And if you are still hungry for more (I for one will never eat another octopus in my life), Christiane Amanpour interviewed Foster Craig Foster on his show Amanpour & Co. and Sy Montgomery's The Soul of an Octopus is on my list of next books to read.

Hyperrealist Artist Howard Lee

Check this out: English artist from Newcastle on Tyne Howard Lee is a hyperrealist who plays with illusion in his two dimensional drawings and videos. Using a wide range of materials, Lee's unique approach and imagination are captivating--I can sit for hours watching his videos and process...

Foodie Linda Burner Augustine

Linda Burner Augustine’s latest collaboration with Chef Jamie Callison

“Food is life, good food is good life” per chef, caterer, food writer, recipe developer and teacher Linda Burner Augustine, who I had the pleasure of meeting on my recent trip to Seattle. I found her inspiring as she talked about her love of fresh seasonal whole foods and family dinners--an appreciation she learned while living in France. She shares ideas and easy to follow, delicious and simple recipes in her food blog "A Year at the Table." "I believe in simplicity in cooking and will do all that I can to make recipes uncomplicated and easy,...keeping recipe ingredients to the most minimal..." Watch her talk about her passion on the morning show Day Northwest.

Painting of the Week

Tree of Life Series: Dove of Peace, mixed media on paper, 60” x 22”

Charity of the Week:

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.