Another October wishing I was in the Northern Hemisphere
I mean I guess spring is kinda the same except it's not
October has a vibe. But only in every other country that’s not in the Southern Hemisphere. I’m not sure why, I don’t make the rules. But I’m here to pretend October is still ~October~
My DNA is programmed to the Northern Hemisphere’s seasons, so I’m here to share what my deeply embedded inclinations have enjoyed recently.
Books
I’m not reading as much as I used to. I just don’t have the time nor the mental energy with so much change happening in my life recently. But here’s what I’ve read recently and a few books I’d like to read at some point as well.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. I picked this one up in the middle of some major life changes. Unfortunately, I think this really affected my enjoyment of the book. And though at times I was fully immersed in it, there were more instances where it dragged. But literary fiction often requires a longer attention span, which I was clearly lacking at this time of my life.
The verdict: beautiful writing, reader needs long attention span. Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book that proves how beautiful the writing was:
“March came in, mellow and pastel. The air felt washed. The scrubbed newness of the spring gave the rooftops and the street furniture a friendly polish. I was angry, every day, terrified of death at the hands of a burst of blue light, and I was also nursing fragile joy. It was disorienting.”
Asta’s Book by Barbara Vine. I’ve never even heard of this book before discovering it in a library. Basically, you’re reading someone’s diary and within this private plot-line is a secret to an unsolved murder. Say less. Sold. I haven’t finished it yet but highly recommend. The verdict: Visit a library and trust the internet less to do the book recommending for you. The irony.
The Wild Huntress by Emily Lloyd-Jones. A high stakes fantasy that’s screaming at me to read it before the season ends. According to the internet: The story follows a strong and determined female protagonist who embarks on a thrilling quest that tests her strength and resilience. It’s giving Hunger Games but different, and I’m here for it.
The Creative ACT: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. According to the internet: A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere. I saw this in a small local bookstore once and was immediately intrigued. In the 15 minutes I was there, two people purchased it. I didn’t realize how sought after this book was and now I regret not being one of those people who bought it. I have a Kindle now so maybe I’ll purchase it on there, it’ll be much cheaper I assume.
“in other words” by your’s truly. Shameless self-promo. If you enjoy reading poetry and short fiction, I upload regularly on this publication. Here’s the link: “in other words”. My most recent poem: stormy weather
Scrapbook Journaling
Recently, scrapbooking has been trending again. Not in the oversized album, cliché paper border, cheesy picture kind of way our ancestors used to scrapbook but in the aesthetic, overly nostalgic, chaotic girl with a journal-buying problem kind of way. Sticker obsessions have been normalized and now you have an excuse for the cluttered mess at the bottom of your bag made up of receipts, ticket stubs, stolen napkins, and candy wrappers too cute to throw away. Scrapbooking is now journaling with ephemera and mix of cute stickers and bits and pieces you’ve collected along the way.
Martina Calvi is a huge reason why scrapbooking is cool again. I moved to Sydney recently and met her at one of her pop-ups in the city for her small business catered to crafty girlies — Martina’s Tiny Store. I’ve been scrapbook journaling for years but never really knew what to call it. I think deep inside I was too scared to call it scrapbooking because that made me feel like a 60-year-old grandma. If you’ve also been scarred by the past reputation of scrapbooking, I definitely recommend searching “scrapbook journaling” on Pinterest or checking out Martina Calvi’s Instagram. It’ll help you heal. Side note, Martina Calvi is releasing her book The Art of Memory Collecting very soon, I’m so excited for her!
Music
Gracie Abrams has become a recent favorite. She’s on repeat at the moment, especially I Knew It, I Know You. I’m a sucker for a song with a tempo change.
Why is Add Up My Love by Clairo so underrated?
Sydney-based Salarymen is a new band I’ve come across. I thank Instagram for that. They’re an indie rock style band with some 80’s elements, which I normally wouldn’t like but they do it well. Now I’m watching them play in the city on Friday along with two other bands, and only for $15!
Can we talk about the Bleachers’ 10th anniversary of Strange Desire acoustic release A Stranger Desired? It amazes me how you can make a song hit differently just by the style it’s played in. My favorite is Take Me Away, a whole experience in under 2 minutes.
I get super into reading, journaling, and indie music come September/October, as you can tell. What’s inspiring you this season?
