January 2017 Favorites
Ahhhhh it's almost February. My homework is packed with reading and a plethora of eye strain as a result. Vendor fair is this week. I'm almost halfway through my last winter quarter. The world is in chaos.
AKA there's a lot going on, but when I'm de-stressing I fall in love with the arts & humanities all over again.
AKA there's a lot going on, but when I'm de-stressing I fall in love with the arts & humanities all over again.
Music
- I will 100% recommend songs from Hamilton, be it the original soundtrack or from the Mixtape. Dear Theodosia, History Has Its Eyes on You, Guns and Ships, Satisfied, Congratulations, etc--all wonderful, wonderful songs that fill me with a passion that resonates with a revolutionary generation, especially with songs like Immigrants (from the Mixtape).
- Vicktor Taiwò with his gorgeous voice--something to revere with the way his words unroll. I recommend JUNO specifically, as I've been writing to it. Listen to his voice, listen to his stories, don't be afraid to be welcome a new you.
- Bastille's Wild World
- The Moana soundtrack (I! LOVE! THIS! SOUNDTRACK!)
Movies/Shows
- I liked the casting for Netflix's 3%. The story itself revolves around a duality between two different worlds based on class, with a yearly opportunity given for those from the poorer, more desolate side of the community to test themselves into the lush, luxurious life of the world beyond it. I loved the characters, loved the way they interacted with each other and were never perfect. I've had enough dystopia via daily life alone, but I like being reminded that there are always revolutionaries made from different stories.
- V.E. Schwab's Vicious. I read this from a recommendation courtesy of Anna, who told me I would like it "because it has a lot of blood" and well. She was right. I love the characters, love the dynamics, and sure, I have a soft spot for morally grey characters feeling betrayed by one another, I'll admit that. Schwab creates such a magical, fast-paced world for heroes and villains, and I'm glad I picked it up this year.
- Netflix's A Series of Unfortunate Events. I'm always upset over Monty. Every single time.
- NBC's Timeless
- Hidden Figures was so good.
Words/People
- Obama's Farewell Address
- Still I Rise by Maya Angelou--a good reminder that everywhere around the world, there are people willing to fight.
- Leslie Jones being absolutely delightful on Twitter. Such a bright light in our solar system.
- Everything said at the Women's March, as well as the dialogue surrounding that!
- I think it is absolutely important that we acknowledge the complexities in intersectional feminism, and it is vital that we understand we are not perfect and still perpetuate ingrained prejudice in our everyday lives. As a result we have to work to dismantle these systematic policies and internalized thought processes that attack our everyday lives.
Food/Drink
- these seaweed snacks from Costco. I don't actually remember the name, but on a fun belated Christmas party trip, we went to Costco and bought two packs. Now they're in the communal food area, safe and sound for everyone who wishes to help themselves.
- Costco's bulk pack of Madeleines--economically it makes sense, great for school snacks, great for occasionally spoiling yourself.
- Genmaicha tea <3 Between that and Buckwheat tea, I think I have a soft spot for that sort of taste in my tea.
- The no-bake cookies I keep making. Something about chocolate and peanut butter makes everything feel all right in the world.
Apps/Social Media
- Super Mario Run was everything & anything this month. I know a lot of people don't like to fish out the $10 required to play this game, but I personally loved it. Disregarding the obvious Peach bias, $10 is what? Two frappes? Four teas? You can skip out on a coffee visit now and then to support Nintendo's bright efforts. It's fully stylized, feels like a light-hearted Nintendo game, and finding the rhythm to play the game makes you bounce along in your seat! I love it.
- I've been using Pinterest for soooo many things. Personal writing aesthetics, room layout ideas, recipes, etc. I'll keep enjoying it, and you should, too.
- As for YouTube I've been loving listening to Lucy Moon and watching Inkie Quill lately. So much great content on YouTube, I don't mind watching ads when it's people I want to support. :)
See you Thursday!
Yours Sincerely,
Dianne
