Downs & Towns 📷
@DownsandTowns
Followers
12,668
Following
3,859
Media
3,472
Statuses
16,542
ART. ADVENTURE. ADVOCACY. Rocking an extra 21st chromosome | NFT100 by @NFTNOW | SuperRare | #NikonCreator Official Partner | MoonMars
World traveler
Joined September 2011
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
WE ARE!
• 1053406 Tweets
#BUS_แค่น้องชาย_MV
• 386824 Tweets
#ENGLOTxATIPAxTIKTOKSHOP
• 305818 Tweets
クロリンデ
• 75488 Tweets
ディズニー
• 64614 Tweets
東京ダービー
• 63985 Tweets
ファンタジースプリングス
• 62595 Tweets
配信イベント
• 35190 Tweets
バレーボール
• 33620 Tweets
THE FANTASY BEGINS
• 30267 Tweets
#ネーションズリーグ
• 28481 Tweets
ラムジェット
• 25253 Tweets
ドローン
• 17850 Tweets
#Origin
• 12153 Tweets
新エリア
• 12091 Tweets
アンモシエラ
• 11998 Tweets
危機契約
• 11351 Tweets
三浦皇成
• 10311 Tweets
アンビリバボー
• 10144 Tweets
Pinned Tweet
I wanted to take some time to introduce myself. I am Houston Vandergriff. I am a travel photographer, entrepreneur, and influencer. I am 24 and have Down syndrome. I live in Tennessee in the USA. My camera opens doors around the world.
722
8K
68K
Guess what guys…?
My photo WON 1ST PLACE in the Professional Landscape Category at the Fair!!
Because I make money selling my photography I got to enter the Professional Competition.
This is a photo of the Pont du Gard. It’s a 2,000 year-old Roman aquaduct in the South of
293
205
3K
Prayers appreciated today. Starting off the week with a little brain surgery. Should take 4 - 6 hours.
300
65
3K
My biggest passion, besides WWE, is helping break down outdated stereotypes. Diversity includes disability. I believe that traveling encourages empathy and understanding. In places around the world having a disability is seen as a curse.
13
176
2K
In many countries babies with Down syndrome are aborted. In some places the abortion rate is nearing 100%.
But, who is to say what life is worth living and what life is not? Through my photography I want to show people that there is beauty and value in everything.
14
157
2K
I sell my fine art limited edition photography through my website . We donate a large portion of the proceeds to organizations that support special needs.
@Chase_Teron
taught us how to set up our process.
9
132
1K
We have also found a fun advocacy platform on TikTok. My family helps with social media. We took a class by
@icelandicguyy
and learned a lot about using TikTok. I want to use photography for inspiration, education, and advocacy. We really appreciate the love and support here! 💕
28
77
1K
In the past ten months we have donated enough money to pay for handicapped accessible restroom facilities at a special needs school in Guatemala. We donate greeting cards to new babies with Down syndrome. We love giving back in lots of different ways.
8
82
1K
1,200 people in attendance…and I am the luckiest man in the room
31
43
1K
Thank you to everyone for the prayers and we’ll wished for Houston today. He was in the OR for 8 hours. But the neurosurgeon said everything went well and he should be better than ever!
64
19
927
One year ago today I was at Vanderbilt hospital recovering from an 8-hour brain surgery.
Super grateful for every single day!
@nftnow
109
58
718
On paper 2022 was a pretty rough year.
I had at least a dozen different medical tests, was diagnosed with a brain condition, and had an 8 hour brain surgery
95
47
679
Interesting day today. My cranial angiogram procedure went well, but the news was not what we hoped. Vessel in my brain is restricted. Unfortunately it’s getting worse. Home tonight and feeling good, but may have some difficult decisions ahead…
102
8
649
Thank you Borderless Arts for this award in the “Let Your Imagination Take Flight” Art Competition. It will be on display at the Nashville Airport at the end of the month!
The judges called it “Flock of Seagulls” but actually it’s a flock of flamingos 😏🦩🦩🦩💕
38
31
594
This is Katie, Houston’s mom. His dad and I are with him at Vanderbilt Hospital today. Houston’s been back in the OR for almost an hour and a half. That means they should be starting his procedure soon. Thanks for prayers 💕💕
46
9
545
GM!!
Back at Vanderbilt hospital today for my follow up angiogram. It’s been a good six months.
Prayers appreciated.
134
13
532
I got my stitches out today!!
It’s been 10 days since my surgery. I am feeling great! lfg
29
8
525
Pineapple on pizza?
So what’s your vote…? Yay or nay?
238
24
522
Great news!! All blood counts within normal limits!!! Praise the Lord!
Oncologist said come back IN SIX MONTHS 💕💕💕😁😁😁
45
7
483
Day 3 - definitely got a shiner. Bandage may come off today…
26
10
439
I have amazing news!!! I have been chosen by
@Contributeto2
!! They are helping me to produce a photo book as a personal journal for new parents with a baby with Down syndrome.
21
33
428
Great news!!!
Neurosurgeon follow up appointment today. He said come back in SIX MONTHS!!!!
Wooooohooooo!!!!
24
8
425
Operation birthday week continues to be a success.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant usually brings me a free dessert. But today it came with a sombrero and a song 🔥🔥🔥
43
7
413
Here for the follow up. Fingers crossed for good results 🤞🤞
35
5
416
Just did the math…
After this crazy week I have now sold 69 NFTs!! 😁
Thank you guys!!!
44
9
391
@BraydenCreation
I’m Houston from Tennessee. I just turned 24 and love to travel. I have been to 26 countries and 49 states (all but Alaska and my mom was born there). I have Down syndrome. Many consider it a disability, but I think it helps me see the beauty in the world. My camera is my voice.
19
35
382
Prom night with a few of my favorite friends. Thank you Farragut Christian Church for hosting this amazing event. I must say, The Crew cleans up pretty 👍🏼 👍🏼💕
8
19
370
Sweet friends brought flowers to the hospital. But, ICU rules wouldn’t let them be in the room…so we had to enjoy them through the window.
Thank you for the many thoughts and prayers.
Today was a good day💕
18
14
356
I went to WWE Monday Night RAW with my Best Buddy (aka Dad)
8
8
347
@BraydenCreation
I just won second place with this B&W photo in the “Smokies Through the Lens” at Wilderness Wildlife Week. I am pretty excited!
24
21
345
GM!
Trying to decide on my outfit for the
@TimTebow
Night to Shine next week.
Which do you prefer…?
Bow tie? 🎀 Or Gold tie? ⭐️
144
16
341
Warning: Graphic content…
Tomorrow I get my stitches out!!I have 20 stitches in my head from my brain bypass surgery last week.
The bruises are healing and black eye is gone.
I feel GOOD!
36
4
337
Our local news station
@wvlt
did a news story about me for World Down syndrome Day!! I am honored 💙💛💙💛💙
14
26
336
So happy to have both of my sisters together with me. It’s a really Good Friday 💕💕💕
9
7
323
A day without laughter is a day wasted. - Charlie Chaplin
12
11
323
I was on a billboard in NEW YORK CITY Times Square. With my camera!
Well, not today. But last fall.
With
#ndss
. They are accepting photos for the 2022 Buddy Walk now.
32
12
315
Guys!!!
I just got an invitation to do a duet curated show at THE premier arts organization in my town.
In January. Whew! I’d better get busy!!
(This image is from a solo show I did in 2021)
37
28
310
Gm!
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
- Confucius
44
47
292
This is a short video I did in collaboration with OrigPower. It is about using
#photography
to change outdated stereotypes surrounding
#disability
.
Together we can change our own little corner of the world.
28
60
294
Gn!
Just gonna leave this here from Timehop. A lot has happened in the past year 😁
35
50
293
GM. Hanging out on Twitter spaces is like getting coffee with several hundred friends💕
21
2
293
Had fun photographing and hanging out with a bunch of animals at the Kentucky Down Under Zoo. We got to hold a snake, pet kangaroos, and feed the birds.
10
10
285
Tonight is the Night to Shine prom sponsored by
@TimTebow
. Is anyone else planning to attend? They are being held around the world. Will let you know how it goes…!
14
6
283
And that’s a wrap!!!
Whew!!
39 pieces minted in 72 hours. What a wild ride.
Thank you
@NftSheikh
,
@niftygateway
, and the entire
#OasisOfArt
team!!
38
22
288
And that’s a wrap on my solo show at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.
Thank you Nashville for your warm welcome and reception.
It has been an honor to have my photography and story on display here since October 2022.
31
25
279
GM! GM!
So happy to share that we will be speaking at NFT NYC in April!!!
I❤️
NY
74
32
267
Father’s Day is drawing to a close. I am so grateful for my Best Buddio. And to the many father-figures who have been strong role models and advocates for me.
GN!!❤️❤️
11
14
272
The news today just keeps getting better. Christmas came early….! 🎄🎄🎄
Who knew that some of my biggest fans are at the NIKON HEADQUARTERS in NYC….!???!
34
13
276
GN!
“You never get stronger if you only do easy things.”
- Unknown
39
21
270
GM!
Have had a great time in Montana for the past week. Today we head home to Tennessee.
21
3
274
Great night for some Challenger baseball. Hard to believe it has just been three weeks since my brain surgery.
Traveling to Vanderbilt tomorrow for follow up. I think my neurosurgeon will be pleased…🥰
10
10
262
Got to help my sister set up her booth today. She sells her art and vintage clothes from our 1978 VW bus.
I still can’t lift more than 5lbs, but I am great moral support!
@vagabondary
13
7
265
Made it out in the snow before it all melted away. Now for a warm bath and some hot chocolate 🥶🛀🏼☕️
12
5
256
Most people see pictures of hearts for Valentine’s Day…
I got to see pictures of my brain (which is closely connected to my heart) today.
My neurologist appointment went GREAT!
We are all so happy! Thanks for prayers!!
❤️🧠❤️🧠❤️🧠❤️🧠❤️
36
13
254
Q: When my photography starts dropping on
@SuperRare
will you regret passing up the opportunity to grab my very first Open Edition for only $32.10….?
A: Most definitely 😁
(only 21 hours left)
23
42
253
I picked up my photos from The Emporium Center. They have been on exhibit for their Members Show. The top one is from Arles, France and the lower one is from Trieste, Italy.
8
17
260
Gn!
Heading home!! Procedure took a little longer than expected, but results are great!
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.
We are so happy!
40
8
254
GN!
Started the day at the Nikon headquarters with a couple of Nikon legends. Ended it at the Rockefeller Center with 200 new friends
I’d say it’s been a good day.
33
9
254
Gm!!
Remember….
It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you do not stop.
Happy Monday!
47
11
255
On Mother’s Day we can’t forget Grandma either…!!! I am a lucky guy to have such strong lovely women in my life. 🥰🥰
Happy Mother’s Day!!!
6
8
253
GM. Would appreciate prayers today. Oncologist appointment 😕
30
4
243
Gm! Gm! Happy April!! 👀👀
Guess it’s time to break out the SuperRare announcement…! 😎
107
48
246
So… this girl sent me an email. She is studying photography in college. They have to study the works of six famous photographers. She picked ME!
We talked about our love of photography. At the end of the project she is going to take a photo that is inspired by one of mine!
9
9
243
GM!
One year ago today I had my second stroke.
I am grateful for medical technology, wise doctors, and so many friends that have prayed for me.
It’s been a crazy but wonderful year.
41
6
242
Great news! My photo sold!!
Today is the last day for our Knoxville Photo 2023 gallery show.
It was the biggest (and most expensive) one. In The Art of Selling Art
@realjasonmatias
has taught us to go big! It worked!
We got our own wall in a show with 40 photographers.
57
27
242
Happy birthday to my oldest sister!! She asked for brownies and ice cream…😁🤘🏼
15
7
241
Had a crazy rockin’ time today. THREE MRIs back-to-back. As usual they had a hard time gettin’ the IV in. And they finally let my mom come hold my hand.
7
1
242
Woooohoooooo!!
No limits!
Give it up for Kayleigh Williamson !
She’s one of the first women to run the NYC Marathon with Down Syndrome…
158
657
6K
14
27
246
Photographer and crew chief for the Thr3ve Race team.
Stay tuned for pics soon…
🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁
18
9
238
GM!
Annual heart check up today.
Good news. It’s still ticking and still holds a lot of love. ❤️
29
5
239
I’ve been invited to be the photographer at a camp this summer in Minnesota.
Had a blast getting to know the rest of the staff at our first Zoom call.
16
5
233
GM!
I am packed and ready for my next adventure. Heading to the beach in South Carolina with my Grandma for our annual road trip.
Looking forward to a long weekend of sand, surf, and seafood!!
40
11
230
Serious question ❓❓
If you could go ANY WHERE in the WORLD with ME…
…where would you go??
(P. S. I have been invited to lead another trip…!!!)
81
8
230
We have the most amazing news!!
After the success of our trip to Egypt, Houston has been invited to lead trips for the most amazing travel company
@travelloapp
and
@Intrepid_Travel
.
We met with them this week to come up with a trip schedule for the next YEAR!
These trips
65
30
232
Heading to Vanderbilt hospital this morning. Follow up from my surgery three weeks ago. I will tell my neurosurgeon GM and WAGMI!!
10
7
230
It was a perfect night for some baseball. My Best Buddio (aka Dad) is our coach.
2
3
228
GN!
Everyone else in the house is putting on PJ’s and getting ready for bed.
Me?
I’m puttin’ on sequins and gettin’ ready to ROCK ‘n’ ROLL!!!
Thank you. Thank you very much.
29
8
226
It is such an honor to receive this international award from NomadMania.
I was selected as the “Against All Odds Traveler” for 2023.
The awards ceremony was held in Lviv, Ukraine. I wasn’t able to go in person, so I attended virtually.
They mailed me the trophy. 🔥🔥🔥
38
20
230
“We are all born and built with a purpose. What the world may see as a weakness can actually be a source of great strength.” -
@tonymemmel
3
16
227
I have the most amazing news…
Met with neurosurgeon today. All recent tests (MRIs, angiogram, etc) are good!!
The brain bypass was a tremendous success. My brain is healing perfectly and even better than expected 😁😁😁😁😁
43
11
223
GUYS!!!
I just won the International “Against All Odds Traveler”award from NomadMania!!!
I got to receive the award virtually from the ceremony that is LIVE NOW from Lviv, Ukraine.
THANK YOU NOMADMANIA!!!
53
29
227
GN!
I had one last doctor’s appointment this week. They said everything looks good and come back in 6 months. Those are words I love to hear.
Now, bring on the weekend!!
#nikoncreator
22
3
226
Holy smokes!!
Last night, in the middle of the night, I quietly released my first solo limited edition.
The love, passion, and community here is absolutely incredible!! Thank you to all who have encouraged, shared, and purchased.
I am forever grateful and love you guys so
44
47
219
BOW TIE for the win!
Thanks guys for your votes. The BOW TIE won nearly 2 to 1 over the gold tie. I jazzed it up a little with plaid!
The Night To Shine Prom was a blast! Thank you
@TimTebow
and Black Oak Heights for a wonderful evening!
25
10
220
GM!
At the oncologist office for lab work and follow up this morning.
Great news! He said come back next year! Woot! Woot!! 🔥🔥🔥
43
5
220