SnowMilk
I love New York—you never what is just around the corner. Ran into a popup booth on 32nd Street with wonderful cool clothing by a company called Snowmilk—I already owned one shirt by them that I bought outside the Brooklyn museum last spring. They print on recycled clothing, really cool art work, great colors and often with meaningful quotes.
Founded by musician Doobie Duke Sims who originally had no experience in business, he now employs 11 young people and together they create unique upcycled articles of clothing by printing on gently used jackets, coats, t-shirts, etc. I love their stuff!
I wanted to buy the whole booth but settled on this coat and another cool shirt, sold to me by a very nice person named Tox.
Follow them on instagram and check out their website—everything is for sale and you’ll be supporting young artists and at the same time you will be looking extra hip.
Little did I know I am in good company. Whoopi Goldberg recently wore one of their jackets on The View and Novak Djokovic put on one of their shirts just after winning the US Open.
And if you are on New York, you can find them in person in addition to buying online by going to a few different spots: Chelsea Market @chelseamarketny @artistsandfleas , Union Square @urbanspacemarkets , Columbus Circle, & 32nd & 5th @mardigrasproductions.
ProPublica
ProPublica is an independent, investigative newsroom that digs deep into issues related to politics, business, criminal justice, the environment, education, health care, immigration, and technology, with the belief that investigative journalism is essential to the sustenance of our democracy. We need them now more than ever!
Founded in 2007, their mission is "to expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through the sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing." Comprised of approximately 150 editorial staffers, their reporting has contributed to the passage of new laws, reversals of harmful policies and practices, and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels. Their multi-award winning reporting is responsible for exposing so many wrongs and leads the way where other news media falls short. For a summary of some of these stories they have published that have major impact, click here.
The Plot to Overturn the Election,” a collaboration with PBS’ FRONTLINE, won the news documentary category of the Edward R. Murrow Award in 2022 and has been responsible for informing legislators, prosecutors, and the public in the myriad of ways the Republican party has corrupted our election process.
David Beaudry
Who knew that David Beaudry, our host in Seattle (along with his beautiful wife Karen) and an ophthalmologist by profession, was not only an amazing Seattle eye doctor but also had a hidden secret life as an artist. He comes at it honestly—his mom was an incredibly talented painter and he always found a way to keep his creativity alive over the years, mostly by his mastery of the culinary arts. I can attest to that by the amazing meal he made for us last night!
I am a believer that everyone is capable of creating, whether it be in the kitchen, by sewing, drawing, playing music, building a sand castle... For me this capability is the beauty and essence of our souls.
David's daughter Sarah gave him this small blank journal book last year for Christmas—A Sketch A Day—and he took up the challenge. I was amazed at so many of his drawings that I had to include some of them here…David draws what he knows: landmarks from Seattle, the city he calls home, everyday objects around the house, the nature that surrounds him...
David has a lot of other passions including tennis, fly fishing, gardening and golf. He is also an avid bread maker and has perfected his Joanne Chang's marvelous multigrain sourdough (he's renamed it birdseed sourdough) over the years...
Painting of the Week
Quote of the Week
“Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart.” ― Pablo Casals
Charity of the Week:
ProPublica
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.