What I’m reading: I haven’t read a book lately except for the newspaper!
What I’m watching: Adobe Premiere Pro CC on Udemy - I’ve only done a couple of lessons. I’m not a big fan of video editing (mainly because it means I have to sit in front of the computer even more) but think I need to learn this piece of software. If you like learning from online courses you should check out Udemy. The courses are very affordable.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #2
A movie I’ve seen: On the Basis of Sex - This is a worthwhile story. Nothing spectacular but it is the right film for now. I don’t know anything about Ruth Bader Ginsburg but I hope she is happy with the narrative.
A quote I’m pondering on: “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.” - Brené Brown
What I’m listening to: Freakonomics Radio Live: “The World’s a Mess. But Oysters, They Hold it Down.”
What I’m watching: Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure - I love listening to her voice. Plus the show is good too. It’s like an invitation to retire early and travel the world.
A movie I’ve seen: If Beale Street Could Talk - I’m a real sucker for good cinematography. This film is so mesmerising to watch. The deep rich colours, the narrow depth of field and the beautiful score combine to produce a gorgeous piece of pure cinema. My husband was not a fan. He thought it was a bit slow. So what. Make room for pause, I say.
A quote I’m pondering on: ”Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, don’t have knowledge.” - Lao Tzu
What I’m reading: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon - I haven’t looked at this book in ages. It’s good to read it again as it reminds me that I’m ok and I should just go ahead and create work. “Stand next to talent”is a great quote.
What I’m listening to: Fujicast podcast #1 - I started shooting with Fujifilm gear last year. This podcast is mostly Fuji gear talk but still relevant for photographers in general. The interviews are refreshing and insightful. Kevin Mullins and Neale James are really lovely to listen to.
A movie I’ve seen: Ben is Back - I’m always deeply moved by stories that involve parents and children. Because I think about my own. And it scares me. Julia Roberts is amazing in this film, possibly her best work. The story is neither upbeat nor festive. But that’s what drug addiction is - unforgiving and relentless.
A quote I’m pondering on: “As the Zen Buddhist saying goes, how you do anything is how you do everything.” - Simon Sinek
What I’m reading: Past volumes of Smith Journal
What I’m listening to: Once More by Spandau Ballet
What I’m watching: Adobe InDesign CC Essentials Training Course on Udemy - I don’t know why I’ve avoided using InDesign until now. It’s such a useful and powerful tool for graphic design, typography and publishing. There’s nothing else like it.
A movie I’ve seen: Mary Queen of Scots - This film received mixed reviews but I liked out how it reminded me how awful men have been (against women) throughout history. Saoirse Ronan is a powerful performer and worth the price of the movie ticket alone. It’s beautifully shot.
A quote I’m pondering on: “Every artist was first an amateur.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
What I’m reading: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari - I started reading this book last year (2018) after reading his first book, Sapiens. It’s a great read but I somehow got distracted, lost the book and recently found it! I’ve had to re-read a few chapters as I lost my spot and forgot what it was about. I will finish reading this awesome book. I promise.
What I’m listening to: There’s a War on Sugar. Is It Justified? by Freakonomics Radio
What I’m playing: Yes I play “computer” games. My console of choice is the Xbox. I’ve been playing Overwatch lately. It’s a multiplayer character-based shooter. Each character has a unique ability, each reflective of their style and personality. And those abilities have cooldown timers, each different depending on their power and utility. I have some favourites - Soldier 76, Symmetra, Lucio and Orisa. It’s good fun. I can certainly waste a lot of time on it. Ugh. Now I can’t wait for this new game called Anthem. Game technology or whatever it’s called has advanced a great deal since the days of Atari and the invention of the joystick. Graphics and processor hardware is super fast and sophisticated now that game developers just need to catch up.
A movie I’ve seen: Eighth Grade - An authentic and uncompromisingly honest film. Sweet, funny, painful and excruciating. It’s not overly profound but worth watching nonetheless.
A quote I’m pondering on: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
