Monday Memos // 100

This week is brought to you by ONE HUNDREDTH MEMO! That corresponding with my birthday week and the colossal wave of happiness I am feeling is such serendipity—it’s spectacular.

Listening:

My first Monday Memo (April 26, 2016), I was listening to Beyoncé’s newly released Lemonade. (It came out April 23).

“After Laughter (Comes Tears)” by Wendy Rene.

"What If Birds Aren’t Singing They're Screaming" by Aldous Harding.

“Playita” by Land of Talk.

“Suspended in Gaffa” by Kate Bush.

Reading:

My second Monday Memo (May 2, 2016), I had just started Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, which remains to be my favorite book. Life-changing. I’d love to read it again one day.

Bon App’s advice column. Hilarity ensues: “Is It Ever Okay... To Take Home the Wine You Brought to a Party?”

Passion, Romance and Yearning: Photos of People Kissing: From simple pecks to full-on makeout sessions, a new compilation of photographs reveals how couples have kissed in front of the camera since the late-Victorian era.

The look on that cat’s face! (photo from fine art images/heritage images/getty images via bonappetit.com)

The look on that cat’s face! (photo from fine art images/heritage images/getty images via bonappetit.com)

Craving:

My first Monday Memo, I was craving Brownie Brittle. “Can't stop thinking about and replenishing my stash. I eat it plain, I crush it up and put it on ice cream, I smear almond butter on it. The Peanut Butter flavor is hard to find but it is perfect. The Mint has the best chips. The Salted Caramel is that perfect salty/sweet combo. Even the gluten-free Trader Joe's version is great. I could go on. Yes, I have a problem.” I keep seeing new flavors in the stores and it still calls to me, though I try to resist the siren song. The Trader Joe’s version gets me sometimes though.

This week I ate a lot of oranges, drank a lot of ginger ale, and a lot of Conde Nast cafeteria meals. Plus, taste tested white English muffins. I’m not sure what my favorite brand was, but Stone & Skillet makes a nice, buttery dense version—very different from the Thomas standard.

I might just need to seek out the special holiday flavors. They look good. (image via sheila g’s)

I might just need to seek out the special holiday flavors. They look good. (image via sheila g’s)

Wearing:

My first Monday Memo I was was wearing “black tees and a black skirt or cut-off shorts. Plus a lot of light blue.” Seems about right. The beginnings of summer.

This week was a lot of black Chelsea boots, black leggings, black down jacket, black beanie. The winter version of black and simple.

Below is documentation of self—wow does my hair look dark!—attempting to let self portraits free, out into the world. That was in the same span of time, just playing with makeup and bang positions.

Watching:

My first Monday Memo, I was watching Friday Night Lights. Wow, I forgot about Tim Riggins. Good times.

I finally saw The Favourite last weekend and it was one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. It was strange and beautiful and WILD.

I really want to see the short animated film called Bao, where an older Chinese woman feels lonely at home and one morning, while eating breakfast with her husband, one of her pork dumplings springs to life as a giggly dumpling boy. There’s a dark twist.

Dumpling baby! (image via pixar)

Dumpling baby! (image via pixar)

Treasuring:

Life: This has been one of the hardest, most exhausting, most intense years of my life. It’s also been one of the most exciting, most fulfilling, and most enriching years of my life. Year of the dog, you have been something else. Something else! I’ve gathered a lifetime of stories. I made amazing friends and connections. I’ve cried a thousand years. I’ve walked miles upon miles. I’ve taken so many buses and trains. Life is life is life and I feel so fortunate for this one.

Year of the Bee, personally, I’ve truly been buzzing. (BEE / earnest, hardworking, democratic / sensitive creatures / they're artists at heart) (image via @dailyanimalspirits)

Year of the Bee, personally, I’ve truly been buzzing. (BEE / earnest, hardworking, democratic / sensitive creatures / they're artists at heart) (image via @dailyanimalspirits)

Do you have a favorite Monday Memo moment? Tell me please!

Monday Memos // 85

Listening:

"Don't Go Back at Ten" by Girl Ray.  This video is brilliant.

"All My Friends" by Land of Talk.

"All Our Base Are Belong To Them" by The Books. Minute 1:281:56 is my favorite.

Reading:

Rejoice! A new advice column to read! Dear Pepper — I am becoming a great fan of Liana Finck.

The Extinction of the Middle Child. They’re becoming an American rarity, just when America could use them the most.

I still enjoy this even though I really did win the roommate jackpot and love mine dearly (also makes me want to draw little doodles): Perfect Roommates You’ll Never Find

For interior/color palette drooling: Inside Villa Stenersen, Oslo’s Under-the-Radar Gem of Modernist Architecture

"The gallery room, which would have at one time been lined with drawings and paintings by Munch, lies on the other side of the glass bricks. The family's residences — including the nursery and master bedroom — were located on the topmost floor." Aka…

"The gallery room, which would have at one time been lined with drawings and paintings by Munch, lies on the other side of the glass bricks. The family's residences — including the nursery and master bedroom — were located on the topmost floor." Aka DREAM ROOM (via sightunseen)

Craving:

Fresh cherries. Iced coffee. Trader Joe's quinoa pesto. Persian cucumber salad. Thai cucumber salad. Sparkling water. All signs point to: it's summer.

I want to make this Smashed Cucumber Salad with Hot Vinegar. (via bonappetit)

I want to make this Smashed Cucumber Salad with Hot Vinegar. (via bonappetit)

Wearing:

Chic black sacks. Think art teacher caftans and slightly detailed pillowcase dresses. 

Thank-You-Mom business skirts. My mom gave me a bunch of nice Banana Republic sort-of pencils skirts and I've been pairing them with tees and funky button-ups.

Cushioned shoes. The heat and all the wandering make comfortable footwear a must. 

Questionable meets fun!

Questionable meets fun!

Watching:

Friday afternoon I needed a break from work, from texts, from thoughts, from self. So I went to the Angelika Film Center (one of my favorite movie spots) to see Sorry To Bother You. I hadn't read much. I hadn't done research. I just knew Lakeith Stanfield would entertain me. Turns out it is INCREDIBLE. 

Boots Riley's Sorry to Bother You ambitiously pushes the envelope of the sci-fi and comedy genres for a wholly unique, refreshing and hilarious film. —Molly Freeman

If you’re not bothered — also tickled, irked, mystified and provoked — by Sorry to Bother You, then you’ve fallen asleep on the job. —A.O. Scott

GO SEE IT NOW. If nothing else, it is worth it for the outfits and Tessa Thompson's constantly changing statement earrings.

I am now even more enamored with Lakeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson. 

I am now even more enamored with Lakeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson. 

Treasuring:

Oceans and elation: On Saturday, I woke up too early and saw a bunch of hilarious street art in Harlem. I got a free juice from a literal oasis—Oasis Jimma Juice Bar. I took a long train ride to Brooklyn. I took two busses to the beach. I had an outrageously wonderful time in the ocean breeze, swimming in the water, eating snacks, telling stories, feeling so happy to have amazing new friends.

I laughed a lot. I was sandy. I took more bus rides. I wandered. I took more train rides. I ended up in Queens, at a party with a great deejay, lots of machinery covered in tulle, and great outfits to observe. The city got windy and the trash swirled in the air. I basked in the smell of my favorite tree (calliandra/powder puff). The rain poured. A stranger stuck his foot in the door of the 2 train so I didn't have to wait for another. I got into bed with my tangled matte of beach hair and thought about how many stupendous days I've had this year. 

Calliandra surinamensis and Calliadra haematocephala (Pink Powder Puff Tree). (image via youtube)

Calliandra surinamensis and Calliadra haematocephala (Pink Powder Puff Tree). (image via youtube)

Monday Memos // 63

Listening:

"Sycamore" by Bill Callahan.

"Little Cup" by Thao & Mirah.

Reading:

TRUMP’S FIRST YEAR: THE WORD SEARCH

HORRIFYING WRITING PROMPTS — "You inadvertently send your My Little Pony/The West Wing fan fiction to the New Yorker. If your reaction was a New Yorker cartoon, what would it look like? Would it involve dogs?"

ASK POLLY ‘Should I Have a Baby?’ — First off, I love advice columns and "Ask Polly" is almost always an entertaining one. Even if this is a question you don't have or don't care about, the way this response is written is so wonderful. It gets lengthy, but I found it to be worth every word.

Writing for the Awl Was the Best Mid-Career Decision I Ever Made. — Heather Havrilesky (Aka "Polly") was on a roll this week.

I just wanted to include these TOOTSIE POP CHERRY VALENTINES because they are sweet. (via The House That Lars Built)

I just wanted to include these TOOTSIE POP CHERRY VALENTINES because they are sweet. (via The House That Lars Built)

Craving:

Peanut butter and banana on toast. Dark chocolate bars. Phone calls. Hugs. 

I want to be this cat or own this cat bed. "The feline-focused Japanese novelty company Felissimo has created an adorable cat bed shaped like the fluted crust of a fruit tart and even comes with hand stitched pillows in the shapes of vario…

I want to be this cat or own this cat bed. "The feline-focused Japanese novelty company Felissimo has created an adorable cat bed shaped like the fluted crust of a fruit tart and even comes with hand stitched pillows in the shapes of various fruits and berries to keep kitty comfy and complete the look of a yummy desert."

Wearing:

After wearing the same two pairs of pants over and over and over again for the last few months, I got myself a new pair of jeans. I've hemmed and hawed over pants for the same few months—I think I tried on the same pair at least six times but wouldn't buy them. I finally convinced myself on Friday, "you're allowed to have nice things." Thank you self! They fit like a dream.

I got neither parental style of pant. (Illustration by Kate Worum image via manrepeller)

I got neither parental style of pant. (Illustration by Kate Worum image via manrepeller)

Watching:

I watched the entirety of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of "Gilmore Girls," it was definitely that vibe of fast-talking funny females. The outfits, the jokes — it was entertaining and easy to binge.

Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel. (image via amazon)

Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel. (image via amazon)

Seeing all the images and press from Sundance this year, it looks like there are some gripping movies to come. Chloë Sevigny kept popping up everywhere I looked and so did her upcoming movie "Lizzie." A psychological thriller based on the infamous 1892 murders of the Borden family. (Has "My Favorite Murder" done this one? My mind is a swirl of cases, I'm losing track.)

A scene from "Lizzie." A lot of great actors in this one like Denis O'Hare and Jeff Perry.

A scene from "Lizzie." A lot of great actors in this one like Denis O'Hare and Jeff Perry.

I also keep hearing about "I Think We're Alone Now." A sci-fi drama directed by Reed Morano ("The Handmaid's Tale," Beyoncé's Lemonade, "Looking"): The apocalypse proves a blessing in disguise for one lucky recluse -- until a second survivor arrives with the threat of companionship. Peter Dinklage and Elle Fanning — very intrigued. 

This will be visually stunning if nothing else. (image via variety)

This will be visually stunning if nothing else. (image via variety)

Treasuring:

Mail. To receive something in the mail that isn't a bill or a stack of useless coupons or a catalog or some toiletries you ordered yourself — what a joy! Your name written out, the excitement of opening, seeing someone's handwriting, the stamp selection... 

(image via rifle paper co)

(image via rifle paper co)

Monday Memos // 44

Listening:

"Track A - Solo Dancer" by Charles Mingus

"So Good At Being In Trouble" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

"Curse Your Branches" by David Bazan

Reading:

Reassuring advice from Toni Morrison and her father: The Work You Do, the Person You Are.

I'm ready for the return of "Difficult People" this week and as always, Julie is a hoot. What Julie Klausner Can’t Live Without.

Temp tee! (image via the strategist)

Temp tee! (image via the strategist)

Craving:

A craving and reading combined, I was looking through the August issue of Bon Appétit: The Simple Issue. Every recipe has five ingredients or less and made my mouth water.

Catching my eye: Jam Toaster TartsCorn Flake CakeOven-Dried StrawberriesGrilled Halibut and Summer Squash with Pumpkin SeedsLentil Purée with Cumin, Cilantro, and Lime... drooling.

"Sweet corn makes for an awesome dessert—if you like carrot cake, you’re going to love this one. You’ll get a corn three-way with fresh corn kernels, a little bit of cornmeal to get a cornbread-like flavor, plus the crunch of Corn Flakes is so damn …

"Sweet corn makes for an awesome dessert—if you like carrot cake, you’re going to love this one. You’ll get a corn three-way with fresh corn kernels, a little bit of cornmeal to get a cornbread-like flavor, plus the crunch of Corn Flakes is so damn satisfying." (photo by Laura Murray, styling by Judy Mancini via bonappetit)

"They're chewy—a bit softer than a dried apricot—with a plump, juicy consistency." I could top a lot of things with these. (image by Alex Lau via bonappetit)

"They're chewy—a bit softer than a dried apricot—with a plump, juicy consistency." I could top a lot of things with these. (image by Alex Lau via bonappetit)

Wearing:

Pink. Hot, pastel, salmony. I appreciate the spectrum of pink. 

Button up Hawaiian shirts. Old tees. Bright sandals. Lip glosses.

I cannot wait until I get to wear pink in the form of socks, sweatshirts and jackets. 

Watching:

"Good Girls Revolt." New York in the 1960s | Magazine fact-checkers and reporters | Mad Men vibes | Female inequality and liberation. I'm breezing through this while cleaning and unpacking.

I like following the journalism and outfits. (image via amazon studios)

I like following the journalism and outfits. (image via amazon studios)

"Housesitters."

Sometimes you need a palate cleanser between Game of Thrones, the summer heat and angst, and moving. My friend was watching "The Out-of-Towners," which got us talking about Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin, which led to rewatching this oldie. Some easy slapstick humor and goofiness.

Goldie in the grass—this instantly made me think of Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. (image via universal studios)

Goldie in the grass—this instantly made me think of Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. (image via universal studios)

I saw this super weird and amazing trailer for "The Great British Bake Off" and can't wait for it. This is where my love of tv and sweets and nerding out collide!

Wanting:

I'm looking into getting tickets to see one of my favorite podcasts live: My Favorite Murder. They'll be in my state in November. 

Stay sexy and don't get murdered. (image by Mandee Johnson via rollingstone)

Stay sexy and don't get murdered. (image by Mandee Johnson via rollingstone)

I would love to see the Color Factory in San Francisco. 

"This two-story interactive exhibition celebrates color and material, featuring work by some of our favorite artists and collaborators... Lose yourself in 10,000 colored ribbons, sink into a giant yellow ball pit, catch some rainbows, smell colorful memories, and taste a spectrum of treats from our favorite stops in San Francisco. The pinks will delight you, the blues will amaze you, the yellows might make you hungry."

Yellow (image via colorfactory)

Yellow (image via colorfactory)

Swoon. (image via colorfactory)

Swoon. (image via colorfactory)