Frosty

It's -10F here in Chicago as I write this week's missive to you. Schools are closed, and I have the luxury of not needing to leave my warm home today. I've been sitting here in my sunny window, doing a little work and some reading. Maybe I'll blow some frozen bubbles and throw boiling water into the air, as one does for science.

Check out my favorite soup and recipe below this important message...

Fighting fascism

The U.S. government has ramped up ICE's inhumane and immoral tactics in Minnesota and is picking fights with long time allies abroad. International news agencies are sending their war correspondents to the Twin Cities, and troops from Denmark have been sent to Greenland. Those in power continue to spout lies to rile up their fans, while innocent people at home and abroad are being killed and harmed and are scared.

To help Minnesotans right now, keep sharing and posting what you see happening. Today they are on general strike, marching in subzero conditions in the streets and airport. Here is a huge list of resources compiled by Minneapolis Mutual Aid, which includes fundraisers, grocery lists, legal aid, and more. And as always, support local artists there (a couple are linked to the images above) and elsewhere. Artists are truth tellers and have the power to connect our hearts and minds to current issues.

Warming body and soul

I made this soup this week and have been making it for at least a decade. Maybe two? It's really easy.

Cook up Italian sausage. Then cook some onion in the drippings. Add kale until soft. Add boiled and halved red and/or Yukon potatoes. Add chicken stock to cover. Add red pepper flakes to taste. Bring to simmer. Eat!

Art for your home

I have a calendar for sale!

Chicago art and architecture calendar

Enjoy scenes from Chicago from January 2026-June 2027