I have so little energy to read after desperately trying to write writing all day so I’m trying to fill the creative bucket by watching movies. This episode of Las Culturistas inspired me to delve into some movies with *Oscars buzz.* I saw “All Of Us Strangers” last night mostly just for Hot Priest (Andrew Scott) and unfortunately it destroyed me. Would recommend if you wish to be forever haunted (in a good way???)
This old New Yorker cartoon still applies:
I also watched “Sideways” for the first time (written/directed by Alexander Payne who made this year’s “The Holdovers,” also starring Paul Giamatti, which I have yet to see) and I loved it. How is it even possible to make you want to root for someone who is so full of volcanic self-destructive rage? (Make him a wine connoisseur? Make his best friend even worse?) How do you stretch out an emotional breakdown over the course of a whole movie and have it still be impactful when it ends?
It was also funny/a little stressful how both of these movies’ protagonists are struggling or failed writers, lol.
An unusual new year’s resolution i’m doing is the 75 Hard Style Challenge, a thing on instagram i heard of thru a friend. It’s aimed at helping you appreciate the clothes you already have and “shop your own closet.” For the first 75 days of the year, you have to get dressed in an outfit every day, be creative in choosing from clothes you already have, and you’re not allowed to buy new clothes. I work from home so i rotate through the same four shirts and have a miniature existential crisis every time i have to get dressed to see friends (seriously, it is very stressful). This leads to a lot of impulse shopping to fill the void.
I’m surprised at how good of a time i’m having, and at how empowering it is to be conscious of what you’re putting on your body every day, and to look at what you own with a mindset of possibility instead of overwhelm/despair. AND i’ve already worn a ton of clothes that I haven’t touched in months/years.
Will leave you with this photo of my biological daughter on a frozen lake this morning. I had no idea that frozen lakes ring when people skate on them, and that the ringing sounds like the pulsing of sonar. What a world.
Current books that I’m reading 5 pages at a time:
Infinite Jest. I found it in my free library and i figured why the heck not! Every page i’ve read so far has been so character-forward and compelling but i’ll check in after the next 500 or so.
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein. Started this during Christmas break and I think it will actually help me (and everyone) navigate this increasingly polarized world with more competency and compassion, so i am very much trying to finish it.
Daemon Voices - essay collection by Philip Pullman. I was obsessed (OBSESSED) with the His Dark Materials trilogy as a child, so these essays/talks have been really enlightening, both in a craft sense and also just to get a peek behind the curtain of how those books were written.
xo Zoe
I also do outfit cartoons when I am procrastinating!!!
I have to lose 60 pounds so I can even wear the clothes in my closet 😂