Book
I finished George's Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo, which I refused to read during the massive hype that surrounded it last year. I liked it a lot, though, probably because all the reviews and discussions have prepared me to better understand the structure and literary technique. The story has stayed with me for a while now. Not just the grief-stricken Lincoln and his moral dilemmas but also the assorted fleeting (literally) supporting characters with their fears and little victories clinging to their humanity.
I've now started Forest Dark by Nicole Krauss, downloaded the Australian classic Picnic at the Hanging Rock, as well as Futureface by Alex Wagner (after watching her being interviewed by Trevor Noah), then there's the newest novel by Julian Barnes, and a book my husband highly recommended,The Door by Magda Szabo. All these reading pleasures a click away on my iPad. I wish I could show it to my ten year old self who was always worried of having nothing to read.
Music
Shadow Relief by Loma. The entire album is worth listening, actually, but this song is my favorite right now.
TV
Streaming assorted design, antique, and home improvement shows from the UK, as well as a few American ones. There's something incredibly soul-soothing in seeing people build and create living spaces with love and dedication to their craft. I'm so over the Property Brothers and the extreme sponsored content they create. On the other hand, why can't Tom Silva from This Old House be my uncle?
Perfume
Usually this time of year is all about green perfumes with daffodil, violet, and hyacinth notes that reflect the going ons in my yard. It's not that I haven't been wearing Tocadilly, Lauren, or Grand Amour, but true love lately has been Civet from Zoologist. It's the joined the little circle of "why do I bother with anything else?" perfumes.
Makeup
Sheer sparkle over a cream black base on the lid. The easiest way to go is by using a shadow stick (Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier or Kiko. I have all three and use them interchangeably), blending a little to create the desired shape, maybe layering a bit more, then topping it with a powder (pressed or loose) shimmery eye shadow. I've been collecting duochrome colors from indie brands, but anything that's not fully opaque but is high in shimmer looks fantastic. Or just use Stila liquid glitters. Nothing is more simple or as a bigger impact.
Frequently Worn Outfit/Item
A black cashmere camisole by Tibi. It's the perfect layering piece even in spring, considering the wacky weather. I wear it under light silk dresses with an extra button open, flowy blouses, or light cardigans.
Food
My mom's candied orange peels. She's found a new old recipe that she says is exactly as she remembers it from her childhood. I'm all in.
Bane
The combination of severe allergies and various antihistamines just to be able not to suffocate are a brain circus. I know that yesterday happened, but I can't prove it.
Joy
I'm still smiling when thinking of the royal wedding. Harry and Meghan gave us not just what we wanted but also something we didn't know we needed.
Anticipation
Binge watching The Americans this weekend.
Wishlist
A better system to sort and store my lipsticks.
Link
I was genuinely shocked the first time I've heard a guy say that he can't stand reading books with a female narrator because it bothered him to have a women's voice in his mind. In the years since I've learned that it's a real thing. Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett explains in The Guardian why it's so very wrong.
Random Thought
It suddenly occurred to me that the word "Influencer" is exactly what I've been looking for all those years so we can make the distinction between people who write blogs to share experiences and tell stories and those whose job is to create marketing content to help brands increase their sales.
How are you? What's on your list of loves and banes? Any wishes and recommendations?
Image by Edward Penfield for Harper's, May 1897
"The Door" is spectacular and haunting, and the author fascinating all of her own. Great rec.
ReplyDeleteIf the Hungarian setting intrigues him, I'd like to also recommend "In the Darkroom" by Susan Faludi. It's a memoir of the feminist author's reconnection with her estranged father, a transgender woman living in Budapest when they reconnect. The book is so much more, and rich with history. I find myself thinking of "The Door" a lot while reading it.
DeleteFood - Salted butter caramels imported from Normandy. Haven't been able to find a domestic version of these that is as good.
ReplyDeleteThe Americans - Sigh. So sad that show has ended. I'm slowly savoring the last episodes saved on the DVR. It's like The Beatles White Album or The Wire, one of those shows I'd like to have permanently saved so I can go back and experience it again and again and again.
As more and more of the bloggers and YouTubers I enjoy become "influencers", I am ever more appreciative of the stories you tell and the moments of your life that you share with us.
What an inspiring post! I am adding Civet to my sample list and Lincoln in the Bardo to my reading list. Do you have a list of favorite lipsticks for summer?
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to share the recipe? I know, this is not that kind of blog, but...
ReplyDeleteI loved this:
ReplyDelete"I wish I could show it to my ten year old self who was always worried of having nothing to read."
Yes! The iPad/Kindle is an incredible treasure trove for those of us who love to read (tho a tad more expensive than borrowing books from the library or buying from used bookstores, which I used to try to do at least some of the time). Now I demand the immediate gratification of thinking of a book, ordering it, and seeing it materialize instantly before my very eyes. :)
Love reading these posts!
ReplyDeleteMy May looked like this:
Book
Have progressed to the fifth and final volume of Joseph Framk's Dostoevsky biography.
To Throw Away Unopened by Viv Albertine was a great read, just like her first autobiography Clothes, Clothes, Clothes, Music, Music, Music, Boys, Boys, Boys
Music
The Monochrome Set, made a playlist containing all their albums on Spotify.
TV
Rick Stein's long weekends
Perfume
May was all about blooming lilac trees and En Passant!
Makeup
My brand new MAC Nicopanda lipstick in Toung 'n' Chic, deep plum, satin finish. Love to wear it in a light layer applied with my fingertip. Gorgeous shade! Not so enamoured with the Pez candy like panda head tube, though.
Frequently worn item
My light grey Inouitoosh cotton shawl with purple, blue and green bicycles, which smells like En Passant, because I always wear them together.
Food
Quickly oven-roasted green asparagus with olive oil, Maldon salt, lemon juice and grated Parmesan.
Bane
Tennis/golf elbow
Joy
Summer! This year it started in May, which is rare.
Anticipation
My two two-week holidays in July and August.
Wishlist
Ilang Ivohibé, I need a full bottle.
Bane: "Influencers" How am I supposed to trust online reviews???
ReplyDeleteLove: Bloggers like you. This gorgeous weather. Even though I am in an office all day, at least I have a window and can see trees and sky.