What I’m reading: Gosh I’m so behind! I can’t even remember where I’m up to with my reading so I’m not going to “backdate” the content of this post. I’ll just write down what’s happening now. I’m currently reading “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. I have a really meaningful connection with her work but it’s also the most difficult to put into practice and embrace wholeheartedly. It’s a slow process. It’s like learning a new language.
Here’s a quote from her book: “One of the most important findings of my career is that courage can be taught, developed and measured… All it requires is a commitment to doing bold work, having tough conversations and showing up with our whole hearts. Easy? No. Choosing courage over comfort is not easy. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and work. It’s why we’re here.”
A movie I’ve seen: The Favourite - I can’t remember whether I’ve written about this already but I wanted to mention it because it was such a memorable film. The three leads, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone and Olivia Colman who I believe won the best actress Oscar, were all superb. It’s compelling, unnerving and at times difficult to watch. I love the minimal use of ultra wide angle shots.
What I’m listening to: Adam Savage on Great Tools, Great Projects and Great Lessons - Tim Ferriss podcast
What I’m watching: Star Trek Discovery Season 2 on Netflix - I love this show. It’s not well liked by Star Trek fans but I’ve never been a fan. That’s probably why it works for me. I’m a fan of sci-fi. I think it’s always exciting and enjoyable to watch. And I’m invested in all the characters. I’ll be sad when it ends.
A quote I’m pondering on: “If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a life time — help someone else.” — Chinese proverb
What I’m reading: Time magazine
A movie I’ve seen: Us - This film is bloody terrifying and thought-provoking at the same time. Funny that. Lupita Nyong’o is perfection! The movie does require a bit of a debrief afterwards as we tried to work out the entire plot after being scared for 2 hours. I’m not a huge fan of the horror genre but if the film is well put together and not rubbish I will go so see it. With my eyes half-closed.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #7 - The interview with Jason Florio about 9/11 is eerie and worth a listen.
What I’m watching: Miracle Workers on Netflix - I’ve seen a few episodes and may have even finished the season, I can’t remember! It’s ok. The show is entertaining enough and tackles some interesting issues with some depth and sensibility. Steve Buscemi who plays God is highly annoying though. I’m not a fan. And Daniel Radcliffe is equally annoying and seems to play himself or at least a neurotic version of Harry Potter. His accent/voice is too recognisable for me.
A quote I’m pondering on: “A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” — George Bernhard Shaw
What I’m reading: Lens Culture’s Portraiture Guide
A movie I’ve seen: Vice - This movie (or more appropriately, the director) is quite inventive in the way it/he tells a powerful story. The performances are amazing. Christian Bale and Amy Adams adds so much depth and nuance it probably be so entertaining if less capable actors were cast. This is an important movie to see.
What I’m watching: Bodyguard on Netflix - I’m not sure why I haven’t paid attention to this show before but I am totally hooked. This is a tightly-written show with plenty of depth. The acting is superb. It’s a gripping emotional thriller.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #6
A quote I’m pondering on: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein
What I’m reading: I’m struggling to read anything substantial these days except for the newspaper.
A movie I’ve seen: Alita Battle Angel - I was rather blown away by this movie. It can be difficult not be affected by the glorious spectacle. This movie is big, fast and beautifully animated. We saw it on iMAX no less. It’s really well made and if you’re a sci-fi fan like I am then you’ll love this film. The storytelling is a tad awkward at times and probably too thin but I didn’t mind it.
What I’m watching: The Umbrella Academy - I may have listed this already in a previous post but yes I’m still watching it because like some people I don’t binge-watch shows. I don’t have time to do that. We also watch it as a family and the episodes are fairly long; it’s like immersing yourself in a full-length movie. I’m enjoying it so far. I really dig the music and the soundtrack. The cinematography and colour-grading is gorgeous too. On that note that reminded me that I should download the soundtrack to my Apple Music library. Done.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #5 - These guys are really lovely to listen to. Sometimes, while editing, I will drift off and miss 10 minutes or so and I have to rewind!
A quote I’m pondering on: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi
What I’m reading: Eat Real Food by David Gillespie - This book was published in 2016 I think. A lot of the information here about sugar and seed oil will seem scandalous to some because it does sound a like a big conspiracy. Time will tell but for now, I’m applying a lot of the info from this book to the way my family and I eat food. At least 90% of the time.
What I’m watching: The Umbrella Academy on Netflix - I’ve only seen two episodes and I’m loving it so far. The soundtrack is surprisingly good and unexpected. It looks and feels different. The CGI on the monkey character looks flawless (because that’s important). It’s a gorgeous-looking production that evokes another world. And I am intrigued by all the characters. Let’s see if the entire season is as satisfying as the first two episodes.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #4
A movie I’ve seen: Captain Marvel - It’s taken a long time for Marvel to come up with it’s first female-led movie. It’s solid and enjoyable yet still a tad safe. Nevertheless, I can’t stress how important it is for today. The story fits well within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not that I pay much attention. I’m looking forward to seeing Avengers: Endgame.
A quote I’m pondering on: “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” - Brené Brown
