Listening:
"Sinnerman" by Nina Simone.
This song played in a movie I recently watched (see below) and I felt invigorated by it. Nina always finds a way to get my shoulders shaking and body moving.
Some historical facts:
"Sinnerman" (spelled as one word) is one of Nina Simone's most famous songs and she recorded her definitive 10-minute-plus version on her 1965 album Pastel Blues. Simone learned the lyrics of this English song in her childhood when it was used at revival meetings by her mother, a Methodist minister, to help people confess their sins. In the early days of her career during the early sixties... Simone often used the long piece to end her live performances.
Reading:
Some favorite quick reads from The New Yorker lately:
A SELECTION OF THE 30 MOST DISAPPOINTING UNDER 30
A Picture of Patti Smith with Her Lightning-Bolt Tattoo (By Blythe Roberson and Jason Adam Katzenstein)
Craving:
Nut butters!
Favorites: peanut and almond butter, crunchy or creamy.
Interested in trying more of: sunflower and cashew butter.
Frequent methods of eating: paired with bananas, apples and Alyssa's cookies or with a spoon straight out of the jar or in a smoothie.
Nut party! (Illustrations by Max Dower of Unfortunate Portrait via manrepeller.com)
Wearing:
Sweatshirts.
Unfortunately, it's barely been cool enough for any kind of outerwear, but I still find times for going through my growing collection of sweatshirts. They are a hug of clothing. I've acquired a lot of really good ones lately and of course go back to tried-and-true oldies.
A favorite lately is this vintage piece: bright turquoise torso with bright blue sleeves (couldn't find a good picture). Also, a preppy-sporty grey J.crew pullover with a big collar and shortened sleeves (got it at a consignment shop, and couldn't find a similar one online).
I got this at Molly Moon's ice cream in Seattle. It smelled like waffle cones for a week (heaven!) (via Molly Moon's)
This picture is from 2011, when my hair was so much blonder (RIP). I found this jacket in MA and haven't stopped wearing it since. (American Apparel Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoodie in lapis)
Watching:
"Hunt for the Wilderpeople."
A 2016 New Zealand adventure comedy-drama film written and directed by Taika Waititi, whose screenplay was based on the book "Wild Pork and Watercress" by Barry Crump.
This movie is incredibly good. I laughed, I teared up, I felt nervous and sad and humored. Ultimately, I was entertained and my heart was warmed. It was just what I needed. The scenery is beautiful and the soundtrack is spot on (felt a little Wes Anderson goes to New Zealand).
Now I want to go watch all of Waititi's movies (I knew there was something familiar and lovable about him, as I just noticed he wrote and directed a couple of episodes of "Flight of the Conchords.")
Julian Dennison, left, and Sam Neill killing it. (via The Orchard)
Wanting:
An essential oil diffuser.
I'd love for my home to smell really amazing all the time. This seems like a fun and relaxing way to spruce up one's space.
There are so many options, I don't know where to begin!
