I've been consistently impressed with the quality of storytelling and acting in GIRLS season 5. The double-episode finale really proved what incredible vision Lena Dunham has for the show. I was probably most enthused and delighted by her Moth standup bit. I am also growing to appreciate the dialogue so much, because it really speaks volumes about each character, reflecting in the most nuanced way how they think and approach the world. The dialogue always genuine, and in turn making me feel genuinely some thing (mostly annoyed or depressed). But above all, I'm still having fun watching the show. How 4 years has passed since the start of the show continues to boggle my mind. In many ways, my New York experience has been running along side Hannah's. The O.C. was my outlet in high school, while GIRLS is not so much an outlet but a warped mirror that puts capital-R relationships (w/ friends, lovers, family, strangers, etc) and one's sense of self worth at the fore. It's been a great ride. Here's to one more season.
Reading: Inferno (a poet's novel), Eileen Myles
The cover is so appropriate for a book so vibrant and fiery. I was first introduced to Eileen in my poetry class. She came to Duke for a reading as part of her tour for this novel. I remember being really impressed with how raw and real her words were. She really spoke to me, aspiring poet me. And now that I'm reading Inferno where heroine is coming of age in New York and I'm kinda sorta coming of age in New York but in a totally normalized and less bohemian way, I feel an even greater connection to her work. I love that her novel reads like short excerpts of her prose. There are so many poetic moments, but still cohesive in a way that poems can't and won't be.
"I was living in New York! All my dreams were collapsing into each tiny decision--suddenly I dropped my pen. I felt something, smelled it. I had an urge. And stepped out into the cool early fall night."
Listening: Big Black Coat (2016), Junior Boys
late-night musings, march 24 2016
I'm holed up in my hotel room as a tornado warning looms outside. Antsy to do some/any-thing, I even mustered up the energy to put on gym attire only to realize the gym is "under construction". Back in the bathroom, I'm reminded of the bits of hair sprinkled all over the sink and hair dryer like tiny morsels of surprise at every corner. You start to wonder who hasn't been to this hotel. I am tempted to watch another episode of "Togetherness" but realize that I should go to sleep soon since I need to wake up in 6 hours.
Work travel isn't all it's cracked up to be, especially if work drags you to cities like Kissimmee and Cincinnati and Clearwater. However, work travel has exposed me to parts of the country I only see in passing, read about in statistics, and excuse as a world so foreign to -- and beneath -- my own. Yet, these places are home to many of Americans, many of which I have met and loved and adored at point or another. Acknowledgement toward the vast suburban complex that sprawls across the landscape is crucial to understanding what it means to be an American. What is this country built upon? From what I see, capital C consumer that drives the post-industrial economy and livelihood and desires of happiness of so many. From one drive-thru to the next parking lot to your favorite chain restaurant back to home.
The Double - Trailer
This movie looks great. Hope the full length lives up to the mystery and whim.
A Handy Tip For the Easily Distracted
Miranda July is so wonderful. The end.
More Seeing, More Doing
I wanted to repost my horoscope from the quirky Galactic Rabbit of hairpin. It speaks volumes for how I plan on approaching the year (or at the next few months). Stepping into this strange and intense period of self-reflection as I waver between excitement and fear, I feel comforted in these words, and of the words of others. I highly encourage others to scope out their sign and see if they feel as astonished by the accuracy of the horoscope as I do...
Gemini, did you know that this is the Chinese Zodiac year of the horse? Well, it is, and I’m pleased to tell you that the sign of Gemini reflects the horse in the Zodiac Wheel. What can that mean for you? This is the year you gallop out from behind the fog and into the wide-open field. Take this month to assess your gifts. How can you enjoy yourself and make yourself of use? What makes you proud? Twin star, you carry a mirror wherever you go. Hold it up to the world around you. There is more than one town, more than one person, more than one dream ready and open to you. You are yourself and your reflection, dear heart, so look twice and look deep. Think about Stevie Nicks whirling up her Gemini-witch: Here I go again, she is you, I see the crystal visions, I keep those visions to myself. It’s time that seeing becomes doing. Devote yourself to the journey.