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)

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)

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)

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.

Monday Memos // 78

Listening:

"This Is America" by Childish Gambino.

"The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire (Father John Misty cover). 

"Break-Thru" by Dirty Projectors. 

Reading:

The Double-Layer Chocolate Cake I Make for My Son’s Birthday — I hope to one day have a column or book chapter called "on dessert."

My parents followed this rule and clearly it shaped me: Why I Let My Kids Eat Dessert Every Night

I might have to take on Dorie's tradition for myself or someone in my family. Chocolate-chocolate birthday cake. (image by Gentl and Hyers for The New York Times. Food stylist: Michelle Gatton. Prop stylist: Amy Wilson.)

Craving:

I participated in a taste test of store-bought kosher dill pickle spears this week. It was one of the first taste tests that didn't make me too full or too lethargic. Maybe a little extra salty. My favorites were Claussen and Boar's Head.

When I went to pick up the few remaining jars of pickles I saw Alec Baldwin. I'm always tempted to tell these celebrities in my sightings that I love them in _____. I usually just end up playing it cool and letting them be on their way. I saw another woman do a double-take and wait outside the Whole Foods (she then ended up at another little market down the street too). I went on my way, lugging four or five jars of pickles back to Tribeca — in great fear I might drop the bag and have to start the pickle pilgrimage all over again. 

I remember one summer my cousin went through a massive jar a day. (image via the splendid table)

Wearing:

I've been dreaming of a specific pair of coveralls. A boilersuit. A jumpsuit. Whatever you call it, I have been searching everywhere I go for one. I wanted it to be somewhat fitted. I wanted it to be zippered or a button-up situation. I wanted it to be a color I enjoy and/or could easily wear (no white, no orange, etc.). I wanted sleeves — long or short but not sleeveless. For months and months I have been plagued with this desire to find one. So many online shopping carts filled and abandoned. If I had my sewing machine around I might've crafted one by now. 

Saturday I found it. It's a rich cornflower blue. It's cordouroy. (I almost got one in a Bill Cunningham blue, but I put it on hold at the vintage shop, walked down the street to their other shop where I found the winner, which fit even better.) I cannot wait to wear it all the time. 

I miss Bill. (Photo by Patrick Demarchelier for Harper’s Bazaar)

Watching:

Saw: Disobedience. Powerful moments, beautiful moments, intriguing moments, and slightly cheesy moments. David Edelstein says it best: [it] isn’t packed with surprises, but that’s not why you go to a movie like this. You go to watch humans with wayward emotions labor to make peace with (or opt to war against) a formal, ritualized way of life. You go to see them argue over such words as “freedom” and “choice.”

You've Got Mail. I started watching this movie sometime in 1998 or 1999 and didn't get to finish it. Instead I witnessed some horrible animal behavior and was a bit scarred. Anyways, I finally watched the entire movie last weekend and really enjoyed it. Plus, it's set in and around my new running route and neighborhood. Even the smaller roles are great: Parker Posey! Greg Kinnear! Heather Burns! Steve Zahn! Now I've got "Dreams" by The Cranberries stuck in my head. 

I still need to got to Barney Greengrass, I do love some good smoked fish.

Treasuring:

Mornings: I tried out a new routine last week. I woke up at 6am every morning and ran outside. The early light, the blooming flowers, the podcasts, the flush on my cheeks, it felt so nice. I was exhausted by 5pm each day, but it was fun. I like trying out these new routes and ways of life. The morning is a grand time.

Truth. (via emily mcdowell)

Monday Memos // 68

Listening:

"All The Snow Is Gone" by Sniffle Party.

"Flatiron" by Suzanne Kraft.

"Suddenly" by Drugdealer feat. Weyes Blood.

Reading:

Thank you Joy for leading me to The A.V. Club's "11 Questions" series. I started with Karen Kilgariff (MFM fans!), then John Reynolds (Search Party fans!), and ended with Claudia O’Doherty (Love fans!).

For when you're endlessly scrolling: The 100 Best Movies on Netflix.

Worst Roommate Ever - This is one of the most terrifying stories. As someone who just spent the last month or so in a stressful hunt for housing in New York it feels close to home. However, I feel some relief in the fact that the psycho antagonist was in my own position and I promise dear roommates of present and future, I wouldn't even know how to be this kind of monster. 

A scene from “Jaws.” (image via Universal Studios)

Craving:

Last week I had the pleasure and discomfort of participating in a Talenti taste test. I sampled 36 different flavors of sorbetto and gelato. About six flavors in I realized this would not be the joy I anticipated. It was sticky. It was sweet. It gave me a bit of a sugary film on my teeth and a bit of a stomach ache. I wasn't surprised to discovered that all my favorites were on the chocolate and/or peanut butter spectrum. Don't choose vanilla-based flavors (anything with coconut is good though, especially coconut almond chocolate). Don't expect Ben and Jerry's levels of mix-ins. If you are into dairy-free options, the sorbettos are really creamy and generally delicious (roman raspberry and peanut butter fudge were in my top ratings).

Either way, I love my new job and these sorts of projects. I am inundated with snacks and homemade food and gourmet chocolates. 

My Wednesday looked like this. (image via Talenti)

Wearing:

Next week will be another story, but lately: black tee, black boots, black sack dress, black slacks, black leggings. This wardrobe is sometimes just the thing. I snazzed up the monotones with some old favorite gold necklaces, too.

Watching:

I know I've mentioned this multiple times, but High Maintenance is outstanding and I am continually enamored by it in every way. 

John Oliver continues to make current events entertaining, digestible, and informative. At least when I am depressed by the leaders of our world I can count on Oliver to give me some interesting perspectives. 

Treasuring:

New Routines: I'm learning how long it takes to get to work. I'm enjoying the meditative commute on the one train. I'm savoring the quiet moments when I get to work and no one else is there and I make my coffee and gaze out at Jersey City. I love shuffling down my new long hallway in my socks. I love looking out at all the new views – through the fog, the snowflakes, the rainy evenings, and the sunshine. I love wandering in and out of different markets and groceries and having a fridge, cabinet, and oven to use when I return "home."

Keith Haring lover forever. 

Monday Memos // 34

Listening:

I've had some great listening moments lately on long bus trips and crowded subway rides.

Reading:

I love reading a physical paper. This week it's been The Village Voice. 

Favorite articles:

Maximalism or Minimalism? The Modern Ice Cream Lover’s Dilemma by Nora Whelan

Ample Hills’ It Came From Gowanus with munchies topping (left) and Van Leeuwen’s strawberry with sprinkles (image by LISA SHIN via villagevoice)

APRIL BLOOMFIELD AND THE ART OF CUTTING MEAT by MITCHELL KUGA

White Gold Butchers co-owner April Bloomfield: “That meaty smell always felt so wholesome.” (image by Noah Fecks via villagevoice)

Craving:

Everything.

Hailing from a place where there are three places to eat breakfast, one good Thai restaurant and new, worthwhile restaurants popping up only every so often, being in New York City is my culinary dream!

I've had so many solo feasts and delightful treats. Favorites include: a vegetarian combo platter from Meskerem Ethiopian Cuisine; a cup of vegan ice cream from Van Leeuwen; a $12 pile of interesting, delicious salads from LifeThyme Market (beets and dill and salmon and zucchini noodles and yams, etc.); chicken pesto meatballs from Penelope...

It was unseasonably warm and my feet felt like they were bleeding and the ice cream tasted just like heaven. 

Wearing:

Consistent the last several days: Grandma's ring, novelty socks, a colored wrist band, Apple watch, something black, blisters.

Watching:

"Twin Peaks." ! ! !

I've only watched the first hour (don't call them episodes--it's an 18-hour work), but I think we're all in for a treat. Riveting! Exciting! It's finally here. 

Kyle MacLachlan in the revived “Twin Peaks.” (image by Suzanne Tenner/Showtime via nytimes)

Wanting:

Today I met the founder and creative director of one of my favorite shoe brands (Loeffler Randall), Jessie Randall. Her and one of my editor's were wearing the Lulu mule in silver and let's say I've got shoe envy. 

But really, I'll take one of anything. (via loefflerrandall)

I also met Jenna Lyons (! ! ! she was the sweetest and took my business card ! ! !) I want to wear billowing culottes and white sneakers and kimono jackets like her. Or anything like her.

I was going to snap a quick picture but instead went and talked to her. This is older, but still a great example. (image via pinterest but looks very sartorialist)

Lots of wants when you exist in the city of dreams.