The other day I watched a play I didn’t enjoy. I didn’t dislike it; the acting was good but overall, it didn’t interest me. During the interval, I recall waiting to find the right words to say, only to (slightly louder than a) whisper, “I’m not really into this”. After the play, my friend and I dug through our pockets for kind things to say about the production — this primarily resulted in us reciting lines that stood out to us — lol, writers. Sometimes things aren’t great and that’s okay.
A for effort, A for ambition, A for everyone else who loved it, A for anyone who hated it.
Rather than explain away my pause in writing or reflect deeply on the year gone by, I’ll balance out this expression of unfortunate disappointment with some things I’ve enjoyed this year.
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez.
While reading this book over the summer, it occurred to me that it might be the best reading experience I've had as an adult, making it my favourite book (ever…so far).
Temple - Netflix
I’m not a big TV watcher, but once every few years I stumble across a show that leaves me deliciously satisfied. When it comes to TV I simply seek entertainment — a healthy balance of thrill, mystery and excitement, no jump scares, minimal violence and ideally, no happy endings.
Hadestown
The birthday present that keeps on giving! Having watched Wicked last week and listened to this week’s episode of Critics At Large about Wicked and the state of musicals, I’ve spent the past few days trying to understand/create my own formula for what I want out of a musical. While I conjure up this formula, please know and understand that Hadestown was impeccable and I wish to write a muscial as impressive one day.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
I’m very late to the game but it is perfect. I’ve scoured the shelves of TK Maxx for creams to replace it with, read: discounted COS RX, Grown Alchemist, and Christian Breton products, but none of them compare — and that’s okay.
According to Spotify:
Worth It by Raye
Insecure by Tom Misch
Dancing Circles by Sampha
ice by Erika de Casier
Fire Excape by Zsela
So much to love!
Where does one announce a substack rebrand? Here? Okay!
It feels better down here than atop my next piece, seemingly seeking permission to alter my form of writing. I want my substack to be more reflective of what takes place in my brain/notes app/creative brainstorms. I am a blogger-girlie at heart (never forget) but this is me making digital space for change and experimentation.
currently reading: i want to die but i want to eat tteokbokki by Baek Shee and Black Utopia by Jayna Brown
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