Monday Memos // 80

Listening:

"You're Out Wasting" by Andy Shauf.

"Free Translator" by The Books.

"Blue" by The Jayhawks. 

Reading:

I finally starting bringing a book to read on my subway commutes. It was a revelation and a joy—until I realized I can only last about 20 minutes before I feel that carsick sensation. Dang it! Can you mentally psych yourself out of that?

Guilty pleasure reading: advice columns, horoscopes, and wedding announcements. These are along those lines: One Door Closes, and an Uber Door Opens. Love Follows. More of Your 13-Word Love Stories.

Craving:

The siren song of granola is strong. I can finish a bag too quickly. I usually try not to stock it in my home, but I've been pulled to various bags in the last month. Purely Elizabeth Granola is always delicious, and one of their new flavors Chocolate Sea Salt + Peanut Butter, was devoured in no time. Yesterday I happened upon a cocoa cranberry coconut granola by Bread Alone, an organic bread bakery based in the Catskills, and it was delightful. Hopefully I can make it last a week. 

I also went to new Sichuanese restaurant over the weekend, General Deb's, where our party of three ate until stuffed. Smashed cucumber salad, saucy Chinese broccoli, sesame-drenched chilled potato sticks, marinated slices of fish in deep red chili oil sauce, and hot sesame noodles with snow peas and scallions... yes. The air conditioner was broken and the day was quite hot, but it was such a great time.

Old storefront, new food. (Photos by Robert Sietsema via NY Eater)

Old storefront, new food. (Photos by Robert Sietsema via NY Eater)

Wearing:

Some serious blisters from a wandering adventure last weekend led to a consequent week full of tennis shoes and orthopedic clogs and sandals. Keds, Danskos, and Crocs. I could be embarrassed by the last choice, but they were free and very un-Croc-like and comfortable. 

These Crocs are Balenciaga. I think I hate them so much that I love them. (image via vanityfair)

These Crocs are Balenciaga. I think I hate them so much that I love them. (image via vanityfair)

Watching:

Last week I went to my now-regular solo movie date. I saw Tully. I found it more heartbreaking, wonderful, and riveting than I was expecting. Plus, the music was the same. I walked home feeling emotional, listening to The Jayhawks on repeat. 

Though it's not rated highly, the previews made me want to see Izzy Gets the F*ck Across Town (I must have a new infatuation with Mackenzie Davis too).

I saw the first episode of Killing Eve and I cannot wait to watch the rest. Eve's life as a spy is not adding up to what she had hoped it would be when she started. She is a bored, very smart, MI5 security officer who is very desk-bound. Villanelle is a very talented killer, mercurial in mood, who clings to the luxuries of her job. Eve and Villanelle go head to head in a fierce game of cat and mouse, each woman equally obsessed with the other as Eve is tasked with hunting down the psychopathic assassin. I am here for all things Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who created the show and the favorite Fleabag. Also, Sandra Oh is a delight. 

I don't know much about Jodie Comer, here in Killing Eve, but she's great. (image via rollingstone)

I don't know much about Jodie Comer, here in Killing Eve, but she's great. (image via rollingstone)

Treasuring:

Good feelings: Work exhaustion and a full moon and a weird schedule had me feeling a little slow and low last week. Still, the weekend revived me with good feelings for the future and what I am doing and where I am. Lounging on the couch in the sunshine. Creative projects simmering in my head. Short trips and visits from friends in the coming weeks. Groovy June-y, baby.

May we all feel this way. Amen.

May we all feel this way. Amen.

Monday Memos // 17

Listening:

"My Favorite Murder" A true crime/murder mystery podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. 

I'm not usually someone interested in horror and gore, creepiness and death. BUT this podcast is amazing and makes me enjoy the darkness. It probably helps that it is hosted by two hilarious, unapologetic ladies--I would listen to whatever subject they presented to me. 

Sometimes I question listening to this podcast when I am alone at home, in the shower. However, it never gets to me in a way that makes it hard to sleep. If anything, I feel more informed about history and empowered by the catchphrases like "stay sexy and don't get murdered."

You might just become a Murderino too. (via themajorie.com)

You might just become a Murderino too. (via themajorie.com)

Reading:

"From Syria, With Love" by Amanda Avutu.

I always read The New York Times' Modern Love series (that's another good podcast). This past weekend, I had tears welling in my eyes while reading. They were of the happiness variety, though.

In this time of heartache and chaos and horrible actions, it was so nice to read about decent people doing decent things. Humanity is always appreciated. Everyone should read this. It's a perfect holiday time story. 

By Brian Rea (via nytimes.com)

By Brian Rea (via nytimes.com)

Craving:

Oats.

That would be the general way to describe this craving. Today, specifically, it came in the form of granola: soft-baked peanut butter and jelly granola from Lucky's Market.

This stuff is kind of like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie fell apart in a bag. Moist clumps of nuts and oats, a dried strawberry and cherry here and there. Delicious. I accidentally ate the whole bag in one sitting.

More please. (via snackville.com)

More please. (via snackville.com)

Wearing:

Girlfriend Collective leggings.

These leggings are high-waisted, so soft, really durable and I want to put them on every single day. Plus, their site and social media accounts are beautiful and inspiring. 

If that's not all, to introduce the world to their brand THE LEGGINGS ARE FREE!

"We are doing this free campaign because we believe the best way to fall in love with a product is to try it yourself. Our experience in the fashion world developing premium denim lines inspired us to make something of our own that spoke to our values."

Those who want them just have to pay for shipping (roughly $20). It is worth it. (Do it!) They are incredible and I cannot wait to see the rest of the collection set to debut early 2017. 

Photography by Sisilia Piring and modeling by Tavia Bonetti (via hypebae.com)
Photography by Sisilia Piring and modeling by Tavia Bonetti (via hypebae.com)

Watching:

"Blue Jay" A movie written by Mark Duplass. 

I sat down to watch a little bit of something Saturday night and came across this film on Netflix. I love all things Duplass (Togetherness, The Overnight, The One I Love, Animals, roles in Transparent and The Mindy Project, etc.), so I was pretty certain I would be satisfied with my choice. 

I laughed and I cried and I felt so many feelings. It was like a play, short and simple (80 minutes, two main characters, black and white). I loved it and I kind of want to watch it again. 

Sarah Paulson's outfit is perfect, too. Along with the score and Waynie and everything else.

"Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson play high school sweethearts who have a chance encounter decades later in “Blue Jay,” directed by Alex Lehmann." CreditThe Orchard (via nytimes.com)

"Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson play high school sweethearts who have a chance encounter decades later in “Blue Jay,” directed by Alex Lehmann." CreditThe Orchard (via nytimes.com)

Wanting:

Perhaps because of all the planning of my future and new paths and new destinies, I've been wanting a tarot deck.

I came across this animal spirit deck months ago on one of my favorite blogs and the idea has been in the back of my mind ever since. I like the idea of pulling a card each day to awaken some magic. 

"Use the deck for self-reflection, as an oracle, for inspiration." (via thewildunknown.com)

"Use the deck for self-reflection, as an oracle, for inspiration." (via thewildunknown.com)

"Open your mind, draw a card, and have fun on your journey…" (via thewildunknown.com)

"Open your mind, draw a card, and have fun on your journey…" (via thewildunknown.com)

The Golden Universal deck looks pretty dreamy. (via shopspring.com)

The Golden Universal deck looks pretty dreamy. (via shopspring.com)