What's in my NOW? — Sam Kidd Shelton
issue #186
I'm an Art Director and Stylist with a special penchant for seeking out the greater things in life. In my spare time I love seeing art, traveling, eating and spending time with my toddler in San Francisco. My Substack, Sam's Seven, is where I list the 7 things that I’m eyeing, buying, reading and watching. — Sam Kidd Shelton
PHYSICAL
Heath Bud Vase. Dahlias are some of my favorite flowers and since they’re now in season I’ve been utilizing various Heath vases to display them around my house. I’m partial to their bud vases - they come in a myriad of colors, not outrageously expensive, the perfect little vessel for 1-2 buds. They make for special gifts and brighten up any space.
Flatiron Pepper Co. These red pepper flakes from Flatiron Pepper Co are exponentially better than anything I’ve ever bought from a specialty store and jazz up pizza, fish (love it on salmon), you name it. The standard Four Pepper Blend and Kimsa Q’uni have been personal favorites.
Ossa iPhone Case + Wristlet. After accidentally flinging my phone outside of a safari jeep in the middle of the Masaai Mara, I broke down and bought one of these Ossa wristlet cases in an attempt to keep a better hold on my belongings and it's been a game changer. I have a propensity for getting my phone lost in-between car and airplane seats, and this strap has helped tremendously - it also makes it easier to fish out of an oversized handbag.
DIGITAL
Chimp Crazy on HBO Max is utterly nuts. For fans of “Tiger King” or “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia”, there’s a new only in America docuseries that’ll blow your mind. “Chimp Crazy” dives into the wild, salacious and dangerous world of people who have chimpanzees as pets. The main figure describes herself as “the Dolly Parton of the chimps” and is quite the character…let’s just say I was rapt and wished I didn’t have to wait another week to watch more.
Art But Make It Sports. I discovered the social media account, ArtButMakeItSports, thanks to the NYTimes and it absolutely cracks me up. LJ Rader has been running it since 2015 cleverly pairing photos from professional sporting events with art historical works. If you don't already follow, it’s brilliant!
INVISIBLE
Having a toddler the expression "everything is a phase" gets thrown around a lot and I think it applies to more than just parenthood. As I get older, I realize there are phases or chapters of life — careers, friends, homes, child rearing, you name it. Instead of being overwhelmed by what's next, I put blinders on and lean into the now. The toddler tantrums may be exhausting, but they'll eventually run their course and it'll be onto the next challenge. Your career may feel stagnant or not enough, but it doesn't mean what you're doing now is what you'll be doing forever. It's all a phase, so try your best to enjoy the good bits.
Sam!! Loved this!
I love everything about this! Including "everything is a phase" thinking. To get even more in the present moment, remember (and appreciate) that the breath you are taking right now is the only time you will ever take that inhale, the only time you will ever make that exhale. Every breath is now, every breath is unique, every breath is one and done.