Monday Memos // 66

Listening:

On Friday I took myself out for an overpriced, delicious breakfast. The playlist was lovely and I noted a few of the songs as I ate my eggs and toast. 

"Seven Seas" by Echo and the Bunnymen.

"The Light" by Mirah.

"One More Night" by Michael Kiwanuka.

Reading:

NEW EROTICA FOR FEMINISTS - "He calls me into his office and closes the door… to promote me. He promotes me again and again. I am wild with ecstasy."

How Pastry Chefs Hide Engagement Rings in Desserts - A bit fascinating, a bit strange—the things people do (and why would you want to propose on Valentine's Day?)! I was once part of an engagement set-up at a restaurant I worked at. I was very excited to participate (who doesn't want to be intwined in a wonderful act of love?!), but also kind of nervous that this very important last-minute choreography on my part had lifelong consequences. She said yes, it was cute. 

Engagement cake. (image by Andrew Janik via bonappetit)

Craving:

I ate some outstanding pizza Saturday evening (and then on Sunday afternoon). The "B’More Clubhouse Pizza" at Joe Squared: pink sauce, roasted chicken thighs, diced shallots, sautéed mushrooms, sweet potatoes, mozzarella, boursin, parsley and sea salt. 

I felt a calling for Coconut-Chocolate Mousse this week. Molten chocolate cake, too. Nothing out of the ordinary, really. Last week, on the same day as my gourmet breakfast, I also got a fat slice of chocolate chip banana bread at By Chloe. It was outstanding and helped me enjoy a woozy highway bus ride. 

This mousse via Healthyish looks divine. (image by Alex Lau via bonappetit)

Wearing:

I realized at the end of the week I had worn a great selection of cozy hand-me-downs (thanks Mom! thanks Grandma!). Yellow, eggplant, and maroon sweaters. A thick and bright flannel. No wonder I stayed so warm. 

Also, on a totally goofy note, I would definitely wear these Bill Murray designed floral bell-bottoms. 

Bill bottoms. (image via betabrand)

Watching:

In the early 2000s I was a big fan of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." I actually started rewatching episodes of it in my early 20s, too—I loved that Fab Five. Netflix just made a reboot and I am interested. The new version is set in Georgia (yeehaw) with an entirely new cast. The trailer gave me feelings. I promise I'll get to it when I finally come out of my "Offspring" fog/obsession. 

This picture is a bit embarrassing, but I'm still in. (image via netflix)

Treasuring:

Lightheartedness. I found myself dancing around my parent's kitchen. Skipping down a hallway. Laughing at immature jokes. It's a nice feeling to crack yourself up. It's the best to be overcome with silliness. 

cards via maddy nye

Monday Memos // 64

Listening:

"Goodbye Bread" by Ty Segall.

"My Shadow" by Jay Reatard.

"What I Thought of You" by Holly Throsby.

This progression of songs doesn't make any sense / absolutely makes sense. 

Reading:

Want to read: "Her Body and Other Parties: Stories" by Carmen Maria Machado. Earthy and otherworldly, antic and sexy, queer and caustic, comic and deadly serious, "Her Body and Other Parties" swings from horrific violence to the most exquisite sentiment. In their explosive originality, these stories enlarge the possibilities of contemporary fiction.

Still enjoying: I'm slowly making my way through "Theft By Finding," the latest Sedaris book. His life is crazy and bleak and hilarious. I bet he never would've thought as a nearly homeless construction worker artist he'd be a millionaire one day.

(image via npr)

Craving:

Gigantic oranges. Hawaiian pizza. Pesto. "Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning." More chocolate.

Wearing:

Easy wear: jeans, tee, sweatshirt, wool socks, puffy jacket, black boots.

Watching:

Binge: I can't stop watching "Offspring." It is an Australian television comedy-drama centered on "30-something obstetrician Nina Proudman and her family and friends, as they navigate the chaos of modern life." It reminds me a 'Scrubs.'" I laugh, I cry, I zen out in Aussie oblivion.

Adore: "High Maintenance" is back—season 2. The first episode blew me away and the last scene made my eyes well up. I could rewatch it more than once. I'm glad I have to wait each week for a new episode, it's a nice something to look forward to.

Treasuring:

Walking. Thank you legs for bringing me all around town. Thanks for all the wandering around lakes, through crusty snow piles, up and down long hallways. I'm about to do a bunch of good city walking; even if I start crying in the middle of the sidewalk or if I feel overwhelming joy in all the sights and sounds, I'm looking forward to all the walking. 

Nancy and all her boots.

Monday Memos // 59

Listening:

"Shelia" by Atlas Sound.

"Cathy's Clown" by The Everly Brothers.

"Kiss" by Scout Niblett (Feat. Will Oldham)

Reading:

When you want to do something that seems unattainable: A Story of a Big Dream and a Single, Small Step.

I love the Smarter Living section of the New York Times. From sleeping to running to hosting a party, they've got some good words/ideas to help out. How To Be Happy.

Poppy! (Illustration by Esther Aarts via nytimes)

Craving:

Roasted squash, pesto on everything, Acme Bread (specifically the Cranberry Whole Wheat Raisin Walnut loaf), peanut butter by the spoonful, and microwaved chocolate mug desserts.

Thanks Mom and Dad for schlepping this from Berkeley! "The natural sugars from the cranberries and raisins make it a great choice for breakfast toast or mildly sweet snacks throughout the day. This bread also sticks to your ribs and keeps you feeling full and well-nourished for hours on end." (image via acmebread)

Wearing:

Back to my old habits, entering and winning giveaways, I received this perfectly funny and quite beautiful pizza pendant necklace from a favorite maker: Yellow Owl Workshop. It definitely speaks to my deep love of pizza. I love wearing it. 

They make so many whimsical designs. I have a cat and terrarium pendant, too. (image via yellowowlworkshop)

Watching:

"Lady Dynamite." Maria Bamford silliness. "Series is based on what Maria has accepted to be 'her life.' The occasionally surreal episodes, refracted across multiple periods of the actor/comedian's life, tell the story of a woman who loses - and then finds - herself." So many outstanding comedians as guest stars. 

"She's Gotta Have It." I've watched several episode of the Netflix tv remake of Spike Lee's movie. It's entertaining, the music is great, there are some thought-provoking elements, and it's a little cheesy. So much of the dialogue is emoted like a spoken word performance. It can be really hilarious and a little cringe-worthy. I'll definitely finish the season.

I've been itching to watch some Christmas comedies like "Elf" or "Home Alone." I think a dose of Will Ferrell is always a good cure for the winter blues. 

Treasuring:

Cold weather. Snow! Boots! Hats! Scarves! Even if it makes my nose run, it's exciting to have some weather other than hot. I'm enjoying the slipper-centric, hot-cocoa-desiring briskness. Plus, it makes the holiday season feel more exciting. To wake up with snowflakes falling was such a treat. My cat has been tucking himself into my blankets at night and it's so sweet and cuddly.

This is my current and future self. (ILLUSTRATION BY KONSTANTIN KAKANIAS via nytimes)