Five Favorite Things | September 2020
We’re back with our round-up of recommendations, Five Favorite Things! This month our team is sharing what they are watching, doing, donating to, saving up for and learning this fall.
On the Rail Trail in the Hudson Valley. Right Image by: Jonah Bautista
“I have felt really lucky to have my bike, especially this summer, both for transportation and as an outlet for safe social distancing while adventuring outdoors. I recently went bikepacking in upstate New York. We camped near New Paltz and biked many of the Rail-Trails around there including the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is an organization with the mission “to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines, connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.” They are even working on a Great American Rail-Trail which would connect trails across the country, so you could bike from Washington D.C. to Washington State. Search their map, find and enjoy a Rail-Trail near you either by bike or on foot here: https://www.traillink.com/”
- Alija, Content and Brand Manager
Black Surfing Association Paddle Out, Rockaway Beach, September 5th 2020
“Last weekend, I went to Rockaway Beach for the Black Surfing Association's last paddle out protest of the summer. Lou Harris is the founder of this branch of the nonprofit and gives weekly surf lessons as well as free gear to children in the Rockaway Beach area who might not have access otherwise. The kids were so excited to participate, speak and act as leaders at the paddle out so it was great to witness. Their Go Fund me page is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/21tth5adao”
- Lynsey, Head of Fabric
“Beautiful Homeland” by Marissa Curley
“I’m saving up for one of these beautiful handwoven rugs from Adopt a Native Elder. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Navajo weavers. It’s hard to pick one, but my personal favorite combines my love of textiles with my passion for soap operas. The rug above by Marissa Curley is also truly special. The in person Rug Show will be held virtually this year in November, you check it out here: https://www.anelder.org/Navajo-Rug-Show-and-Sale”
- Jess, Customer Care Specialist
This week the New York Times has an article about how learning something new as an adult can help in building resilience.
“I don’t have a reason to use these things in my professional life, but learning helps me to focus better,” Ms. Williams-Byers said. “It’s also something that I have some control over. I take classes in subjects I am just wildly interested in learning about. When I expand my brain, my wingspan is greater. It lets you get a little higher, to get above the headwinds.” - “To Build Emotional Strength, Expand Your Brain” by Kerry Hannon, NYT
I’ve been taking Spanish classes for the past couple of years and had planned on signing up for a new class when New York City went into lockdown in March. This article inspired me to enroll in an online Spanish class to continue my studies now, rather than waiting for an elusive “after”. Below are a few places you can find remote workshops to engage in understanding something NEW now!
- Learn a new textile skill by registering for online workshops at the Textile Arts Center or TATTER.
- Idlewild Books is an independent language school and bookstore located in NYC. They are offering online French, Spanish, Italian and German classes this year.
- This Free American Sign Language Class was mentioned in the NYT article. It’s FREE!”
- Alicia, Wholesale Accounts Director + Creative Content Manager
Want more? Check out our past Five Favorite Things posts!
Five Favorite Things: May 2020
Five Favorite Things: April 2020
Five Favorite Things: March 2020