hello.
it's thursday. the sun's out. there's construction. I'm in bed with two under eye masks on and my tea is getting cold.
This is an idea that’s returned to me time and time again. For those of you who were around in the long-forgotten era of Instagram circa 2015-2018, you will either respond with delight or an immediate and visceral trauma induced choking sensation, hopefully there are emergency personnel nearby. Don’t worry, I have those all the time. You don’t have to run away, baby. Don’t go. We’re in this together.
What this is, really, is a practice in the narcissism that only gifted children can cultivate. I spent my childhood wearing feather boas (for no reason), putting glitter on my face (not going anywhere), writing dramatic journal entries (I wonder what they’ll say when I’m famous?), and running around the ol farm waiting for inspiration to hit (just wait until they switch from dial-up to wifi and I get a fucking cell phone). So of course I have the delusional self belief that if I put something out there, someone is going to read it. I have a lot of thoughts, not often very good ones, but that has never once stopped me from telling them. When you have an inner longing for something, it’s probably because your higher self is like – aha – we can do something with this. So, this is me, trying to do something. If anyone questions me on it, don’t worry, my birth chart says I’m supposed to be a writer. And that I’ll get a really good inheritance. I can’t wait to tell my parents.
In the meantime, while I try to cook up something actually good (next week: you can expect a mildly thoughtful essay on the use of AI for storytelling and spirituality, Rick Owen’s Mother’s famous cookie recipe, Love Island Allstars, and how they are all connected), please enjoy some things that I’ve been enjoying. Descriptions included.
Comedy
He Should Be Way More Popular - Podcast EP with Mike Birbiglia & Chris Fleming
Comedians. These are some of the better ones. If you haven’t experienced Chris Fleming’s work, give it a watch. Refreshing comedy that pokes fun at binaries and expectations in a way that’s fantastical and decidedly unserious. They also talk shit about other comedians, and I like that.
General Activities
If I’ve got a free day (often), and the weather agrees me with (oftener), I’ve started doing this pilgrimage where I’ll go to thrift stores or used bookstores and see what I can find for a few dollars. It can be any book - so far I’ve taken home mystery novels, shiatsu how-tos, 18th-century vampire smut, and essays on how humour works (clearly written by someone not very funny at all - but incredibly interesting nonetheless). The trick is to find something that evokes some kind of response, something you wouldn’t usually pay for or something silly. Then, of course, one must get a lil treat. Usually a latte, sometimes a beer if I’m feeling absolutely reckless. It helps to wear a cute outfit and try and look as mysterious as possible. If you try it, please tell me! It’s my favourite thing that I’m convinced I invented, but obviously is a much cooler person’s regular Tuesday.
Music
On Repeat: Too Cool To Die by Post Malone | Catchy, romantic, existential, meaningless and upbeat, a summer bop if I ever heard one. Not a new release by any means, but newly loved by me. Also, somehow fits into the Taylor Swift universe that we’re all part of against our will these days. I recommend dancing to this in your underwear.
On Your Own Love Again Album by Jessica Pratt | Soft, sweet, sad. May hits year after year and I return to the haunting and simple lyrics. If you need to feel a feeling while doing mundane tasks like laundry, this is the album for you.
Dream On Dreamer by The Brand New Heavies | Funky, easy listening, peppy. Dream on dreamer, as they say. A great patio playlist or karaoke repertoire edition.
Look Easy (feat Lucky Daye) by fan fave, Kaytranada | Sexy make-out dance music that makes it all, well, look easy. Good for getting ready to go out, or walking to the BC Service Centre hoping that you’re the best-looking person there.