Monday Memos // 71

Listening:

"Only With You" by Angel Olsen.

"You and I" by Wilco featuring Feist.

This song was in the latest season of Love on Netflix — bringing me back to my family Wilco days.

"Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens.

I waited forever and a half to see Call Me By Your Name. I think I needed some emotional stability so I wouldn't sob the entire movie. This song paired with the scene, it gave me an enormous swell of feelings. I love Sufjan.

"I Was Born A Unicorn" by The Unicorns.

This song was also in the latest season of Love and instantly transported me to 15 years old. (Roz, remember when we went with them to prom?)

Reading:

I Hid Who I Was for So Long. Until I Became a Cook. By Andy Baraghani. This is a wonderful piece. I feel very inspired by my coworkers.

If you're curious how the Talenti Taste Test I participated in went down, this is Joe's full report. I'm still more of a chocolate and peanut butter varietal fan.  

That's my arm on the left. (image by Caleb Adams)

Craving:

This week is brought to you by almonds. I'm in love with this almond-based dip/spread called Bitchin' Sauce — all the flavors are delicious.

I participated in an almond butter taste test (grocery store brands are top ranking: TJs. Whole Foods 365, Costco, etc.).

I devoured a variety of "cocoa-dusted" almonds that were sitting next to my desk (in espresso, maple, and mayan) — I didn't adore them, but they were there.

I also cannot stop eating dates. 

I got to try these Salted Chocolate–Tahini Bliss Balls and I want to make more for myself. (photo by Alex Lau)

Wearing:

Last Monday I was walking to work and thought, I should revive my fashion game now that I go to a big fancy building for work. A couple hours later, I was pushing a cart full of toasters down an empty hallway, wearing jeans, my It's-It sweatshirt, and my decade-old purple vans, and guess who walks right by me? Anna Wintour! In the flesh, full-on sparkling tweed skirt suit. She definitely didn't look me in the eye. At least I do really love that sweatshirt.

Just Anna and the Queen. (image via hello magazine)

Watching:

Live: I went to this show last Friday: LAS CULTURISTAS LIVE: I DON'T THINK SO, HONEY! Wow! Dozens upon dozens of comedians and performers take one minute each to go off on culture. My face hurt from laughing so much. My hands hurt from clapping so much. Now I am in a deep dive of the Las Culturistas podcast and thoroughly in love with the hosts and concept. 

On Netflix: I consumed season three of Love in a couple of days. I think I enjoyed it more toward the end of the season, and maybe not as much as the first, but still a fan.

Shorts: If you want short segments of brilliance, watch 555 on Vimeo. "A motley cast of characters, played entirely by comedians Kate Berlant and John Early. Director Andrew DeYoung rounds out the trio of creators who put their minds together to birth this hilariously cutting new miniseries (and freshest Vimeo Original). In five short films, they show us the struggle of trying to achieve big tinseltown dreams, in a town built on power." — Vimeo Blog

HBO: Week after week, High Maintenance is my favorite in television. The latest episode was bursting with weirdness and beauty and more than I could put into words.

Poster and logo for 555 produced by Abso Lutely.

Treasuring:

Dogs: I saw an excitable husky in a window the other night and I keep passing the same apartment on a daily basis hoping to see it again. There are always so many great dogs in the city from Dalmatian puppies to scrappy mutts in sweaters to the sweetest looking Corgi in a backpack. I am a fan of them all. It is year of the dog after all. 

Scene from Maira Kalman's Max series — I've got a tattoo of Max, in the brown hat and coat. Her dog depictions are superb.

Monday Memos // 62

Listening:

"Funnel Of Love" by Wanda Jackson.

Take note of the songs that make you run faster.

"Let's Get Lost" by Chet Baker.

Perpetual "I need something to ease my mind" song.

"New Year" by Kyle Sammond.

Find a friend who will make a song and give you a supportive shout-out on it. 

New Year by Kyle Sammond, released 08 January 2018 I'm stepping out into the new year I'm not beheld to my old fear Like a light upon the lawn Like a cemetery dawn I'm rearranging all my space It's helps to forget about your face I'm stepping out into the new year I'm thinking like I never knew ya Time has a way to just confuse ya It fails when the arrow goes right through ya I've been thinking all night long Like an early morning fawn On some plain we haven't seen Was it real or just a dream?

Reading:

My latest library haul includes:

"Forest Dark" by Nicole Krauss. "One of America’s most important novelists" (New York Times), the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The History of Love, conjures an achingly beautiful and breathtakingly original novel about personal transformation that interweaves the stories of two disparate individuals—an older lawyer and a young novelist—whose transcendental search leads them to the same Israeli desert. I really loved "The History of Love," so fingers crossed.

Will Write for Food by Dianne Jacob. "Whenever someone emails me about how to pursue a career in food writing, I politely tell them they're in the wrong place, that I have no idea what I'm doing, and to buy this book instead." - Deb Perelman, author of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook and smittenkitchen.com

My latest internet dive recommendations:

Katja Blichfeld Gets What She Wants. As a fan of the series "High Maintenance" I was interested, but it goes way beyond that. One of the other tattoos she got this year is of the words “Best Crab,” an inside joke with Gregory. According to him, it’s about how she wants “to nurture and grow people,” sometimes at her own expense — like the character in Joy Luck Club who takes the worst crab for herself, rather than reaching for the best one. 

"I Made the Pizza Cinnamon Rolls from Mario Batali’s Sexual Misconduct Apology Letter." The recipe calls for too much icing, and the result is that the rolls are drenched in it. We’ve reached the “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME” portion of the recipe.

"Blichfeld treats everyone she interacts with pretty much exactly the same, which is to say, she treats everyone with patience, curiosity, openness, and honesty, and then at the end of the interaction she gets exactly what she wants." (Photograph By Lia Clay via nymag)

Craving:

I did a fair amount of driving, wandering and exploring last week. I went to D.C.—journal store, book store, post office, cafe, hot foamy drinks and a sense of contentment. I went to Princeton, New Jersey—Thai food, introductions, wonderment, brisk air, architecture, ginger turmeric tea, bustling shops and the best gooey chocolate chip blondie. I went to Baltimore—terrible drivers, brick streets, velvet clothes, fizzy pineapple water and the best air vents by way of H&S Bakery (it's like I could taste warm cinnamon raisin bread from the gusts of wind). 

The sunshine pairs well with everything.

Wearing:

In the spirit of "dress for the job you want," I got myself some glittery socks and a blue velvet top. I'm not sure exactly what this says, but I like it.

I love Isabella Rossellini. (image via David Lynch's "Blue Velvet")

Watching:

"The End of the F***ing World." One day last week I went to Netflix and this show was the first image on the page. I hovered over the title as the trailer played and found myself intrigued. Fit my British kick of late and seemed like a love story I could handle without crying. Then it proceeded to exceed my expectations. The music is superb. The characters and actors are heartbreaking and hilarious. I wish there were 20 more episodes to watch. For your own curiosity and the slightest of descriptions, it's "deceptively endearing for a story about a 17-year-old self-diagnosed psychopath and the teen girl that he’s determined to murder in cold blood."

Alyssa (Jessica Barden) and James (Alex Lawther). I did still cry, but it was worth it. (image via Netflix)

Treasuring:

The sky. The other day I noticed my photo feed was filled with pictures of the sky. I've been getting so excited about how beautiful it looks. To be so enamored with the sky, what a great feeling! Saturday I was driving on a highway ramp, getting on I-95 South, when I gasped, I hollered, THE SKY! It was one of the most incredible views I've ever seen—even in all the grime of the city and cement. The brightness, the vastness, the glow, the colors, the clouds, the shadows and shimmers in a billowing smokestack... I wanted to take a picture so badly, but—I'm responsible—and I just wanted to savor the moment with my eyes and my mind.

Throwback from the eclipse.

P.s. Happy Birthday to my sweet baby angel, Joshua. 

Monday Memos // 58

Listening:

"Drivin' On 9" by The Breeders.

You could be a shadow / Beneath the street light / Behind my home / Drivin' on 9 / I sure miss you

"Just Another Diamond Day" by Vashti Bunyan.

"Sister" by Angel Olsen.

"For You" by Sharon Van Etten.

Sharon just reissued her 2009 debut album, "because i was in love," with a two new tracks (this is an old one) entitled "(it was) because i was in love."

I was hoping that you knew I'd wait for you / I do, I do

“Blissing Me” by Björk.

The second song released from her tenth album, "Utopia." "Much like “Headphones” (released twenty-one years earlier), the track is a subdued electronic ballad about 'two music nerds' falling in love via swapping music."

Reading:

I can't concentrate on any books lately. Is my mind too full or are they just not the best books for me? I started "Telegraph Avenue" by Michael Chabon, though, and I like thinking about all the East Bay scenery and characters. 

"A big-hearted and exhilarating novel that explores the profoundly intertwined lives of two Oakland, California families, one black and one white. In "Telegraph Avenue," Chabon lovingly creates a world grounded in pop culture—Kung Fu, ’70s Blaxploitation films, vinyl LPs, jazz and soul music—and delivers a bravura epic of friendship, race, and secret histories."

One of the rejected covers of the novel. (via huffingtonpost)

Craving:

I continued my leisurely, lifelong adventure of trying all the Ethiopian platters/combinations that I can. This week took me to a random strip mall in Ellicott City, Maryland. There were minimal tables, one family eating, and seemingly one employee—also a local realtor. The smell was divine. My younger brother and I shared two combinations—kindly put together as one giant plate. For the first time in all my dining experiences, we were offered hot sauce. It was red, the thickness and color of Sriracha, the slightest bit tangy, and really good. The chicken was a bit tough, but everything else made up for it. 

Also consistently eating: dark chocolate, almonds, cashews, dried sour cherries, extra toasty toast, and spinach.

Kind of hard to show a bunch of piles of brown food in a flattering light. So here is a beautiful food image by Leah Goren. (via pinterest)

Wearing:

I had an epiphany last week: "I need to be embraced in the hug of my It's It sweatshirt!" When it's cold outside and you feel a little under the weather and a little sad, encase yourself in the image of a fabulous ice cream sandwich. Luckily I knew where to find it in the storage unit of all my belongings. We are reunited and it is so cozy. 

I know I have mentioned the sweatshirt and delicacy here before. (image via zielcreative)

Watching:

I watched almost the entirety of "Easy" season two in one sitting. From awkward to hilarious to mind-boggling to heartbreaking, the characters, stories, and music are wonderful. 

For those who appreciate The Great British Baking Show/Bakeoff," Netflix has another sweet and mouthwatering option, "The Big Family Cooking Showdown." 

I've heard nothing but praises and heartache around "Call Me By Your Name." This romantic drama is more fully and convincingly realized than most cinematic love stories in recent memory.

On the other hand, "The Disaster Artist" looks entertaining and goofy. Because I know Kelly Oxford is involved, I am extra thrilled.

Treasuring:

Emotions. Sometimes you have those periods of time where you cry a lot. I try to embrace those times and let it all wash over me—pour out of me. Sometimes you have to cry on the sidewalk and at a restaurant and in a car and on the couch—wherever it strikes. I think 2017 needs to squeeze a little more out of us. It is going to no matter what.

Untitled by Pablo Picasso (via missmoss)

Vintage Marimekko editorial in a LIFE magazine edition from 1966. (via missmoss)

Monday Memos // 45

Listening:

"Angel in the Snow" by Elliott Smith.

Perhaps influenced by the weird feelings my lack of sleep (and the lunar eclipse?) have been giving me, also maybe because it was Smith's birthday on the 6th, I happened upon this song and have listened to it too many times.

"Ashes To Ashes" by Warpaint. (David Bowie Cover)

I love looking for new-to-me cover songs, especially when they combine two different artists I really enjoy.

"Sick of Myself" by Matthew Sweet.

This song gives me a huge pang in my chest. Serious 90s nostalgia. I remember blasting this on my boombox in my bedroom, flipping through the cd insert, memorizing the lyrics, and thinking the cover photo looked like a girl. 

Reading:

An Ode to Bad Family Vacations - This is a nice piece on remembering those hilarious and harrowing moments on trips. My own include: my years of overwhelming carsickness, hangry outbreaks, inappropriate soundtracks... oh the memories of a family of five in a mid-sized car driving from Florida to Maine.

I plan to read this in the coming week to prepare for next Monday's solar event: Annie Dillard's Classic Essay: 'Total Eclipse.'

A total solar eclipse in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway, on March 20, 2015. (image by Jon Olav Nesvold / Stringer / Getty via the atlantic)

Craving:

Mediterranean food (hummus, pita, falafel, pizza, salade niçoise), breakfast food (eggs, toast, granola, doughnuts) and water water water water water water water water water (have I mentioned how hot it is?). 

Yes please. (image via muncheezdc)

Lots of coffee, too. (image via onnit)

Wearing:

Breezy button-ups.

Much of my dressing lately involves the best items for extreme sun and heat. I thought to old men on the beach: breezy tops in light, often tropical colors. Lots of linen and light cotton (I really need some loose linen pants).

Happy to report my summer look is very James Bond in "Thunderball." Shorts, shoes and all. Now I want to watch this. (image via bamfstyle)

Watching:

"Lovesick" on Netflix. (Originally called "Scrotal Recall," which is probably why I never watched it until now.)

I was exhausted and beat from hours in the harshest sun, so I showered, plopped in my bed and needed something easy. I was skeptical, but pressed play on this British sitcom. I should've known I would be instantly binge-watching—historically, I am quite captivated with these Channel 4 picks. (I noticed some characters from "Fleabag" and "Chewing Gum.") I laughed, I cried, I watched nearly 2 seasons in two days...

Roxanne at Paste describes it perfectly: "'Lovesick' thrives on gawkily funny and often sexually charged situations, handled in such a down-to-earth manner it doesn’t feel like your typical, canned-laughter comedy. Instead of being overly in-your-face with punchlines, the series relies on its well-defined protagonists for humor, and by introducing new characters and environments in every episode, 'Lovesick' feels more elaborate than your average sitcom, allowing for the occasional surprise."

Daniel Ings, Antonia Thomas and Johnny Flynn. I hope they make more seasons. (image via netflix)

Treasuring:

(Note: I decided to change up this last category for a bit. I keep finding more things I'm just excited about or appreciating, and thought it'd be nice to recognize those instead.)

At least every Friday, I check out NY Mag's Grub Street site, particularly for their Grub Street Diet column. This week (Scoop Week, how perfect), I was scrolling through and saw my own piece right above one by Mark Bittman! Although mine is simply a compilation of ice cream makers to buy on Amazon (they did find a fitting person to write that, I might add), it sure does feel like something!

I stumbled into helping a friend make a short film the last few days. Even though the hours a day—in the midday sun, the sun I try to avoid most often—makes me feel deliriously fried (physically, mentally, and sometimes emotionally), it's been extremely enjoyable. Tromping through tall grasses and holding up reflectors to get the light just so, sweating through every layer of clothing and fearing the sound of a possible rattlesnake... it's all really interesting to watch happen and be a part of. I can't wait to see the finished project. Go support this superb dude, if you can.

So much Florida flora.