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
Archie Williams
Due to technology associated with DNA identification, the first DNA exonerations of wrongfully incarcerated men in the United States took place in 1989. Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld (of OJ Simpson trial fame) founded the Innocence Project soon after as a clinic at the Cardoza School of Law in New York City, realizing that if DNA technology could prove people guilty of crimes, it could also prove that people who had been wrongfully convicted were innocent.
I first became familiar with Archie Williams by hearing him sing in a video on youtube. Everyone has a story but this man has a whopper of one! His rendition of the song Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John and Bernie Taupin was impressive enough on America's Got Talent, but what was more notable and tragic was the fact that he was incarcerated for 37 YEARS for a crime he did not commit. Read his story here…Simon Cowell was so taken by this man and his story that he became a Board member on the Innocence Project, who took on Archie Williams' case (among many others) and eventually got so many of them freed.
Simon and Garfunkel Live in Central Park
In honor of the Central Park concert that wasn’t last week, I thought I would give you access to one that did take place in the same venue...albeit a number of years ago. Simon & Garfunkel performed to a crowd of 500,000+ in 1981. It was a glorious event! Listen to it and enjoy it all over again here.
101 Year Old Lobsterwoman
Ginny Oliver—she always wears her earrings and lipstick to haul
Click photo above to see the documentary Conversations with the Lobster Lady
I have been hanging around and appreciating 90+ year olds lately--so much experience and wisdom after so many years on our planet. I am reminded too of John Prine's song Hello In There--also sung so beautifully by Joan Baez among others--and how often our culture ignores these wise old souls. In the midst of trying to find out if lobsters sleep and what they do in the winter, I came across this story.
At the ripe old age of 101, Virginia (Ginny) Oliver is the oldest licensed lobsterwoman in the State of Maine. She has been lobstering one way or another since she was eight years old and has worked alongside her 76 year old son Max for many years now, since the death of her husband. "I will work until the day I die," she affirms...Aside from being the subject of many news stories celebrating her and her life, thanks to Filmmaker Dale Schierholt along with Rockland, Maine's historal society's boardmember Wayne Gray, we also have a beautiful 30-minute documentary of this amazing woman entitled Conversations with the Lobster Lady. Well worth watching for a little inspiration and information on the profession."
painting of the week
Pam Smilow, Dress Series : Amate Paper with Leaves and Bird, mixed media on paper $1500
artSHOP: Cotton Duvet Cover or Comforter
Please donate to the Innocence Project
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.