November Lately

A birthday, a change in seasons, an extra hour, a few midterms, unbelievable tragedies, and a few signs of hope . . . all these things have happened since I last posted anything, and now, a little over a week into being 19, I'm hoping to get out of my "write everything in my head and never on paper" phase.  Writing in your head is great, but it's even better sometimes to actually translate those thoughts into real words.  (That said, I'm studying for a history test right now, too, so many of my thoughts are currently ancient civilizations-related. Stay tuned for a post on Gilgamesh.)
Anyway, I suppose it goes without saying that it's November. (Yay, the month that connects Christmas to Halloween!)  Here are a few of the things we've been extra excited about this month:

• Stranger Things
• I've never binged a show before, but over the summer, after coming home from my nana's funeral, I may have binged this with my mum and brother.  Maybe.  (Okay, yes, definitely!) But how couldn't I have?  Winona Ryder's Joyce Byers is one of the best television mothers ever, and Steve and Dustin are #friendshipgoals.

• The Book Thief
• I'm kind of "behind" with this one, seeing as the book came out in 2005, but if you haven't read it, please do! It's narrated by Death, it's set in World War II, and it's interspersed with Wes Anderson-esque asides revealing things about characters that only Death would be able to tell you.
• Yoga and Pilates
• Once upon a [very recent] time, I was a cardio junkie. Intense HIIT-type exercises an lots of running can release edorphins and make you feel like you've "hit the wall," but that isn't always the best thing when you're long-term goal is to reduce anxiety and be a more relaxed person! For now, I'm moving on from these sorts of hardcore activities and embracing yoga and Pilates. I love dancing, and I'll admit to having played around during a dance video the other day, but, when I do feel like "movement," I think that yoga/Pilates movements are the most beneficial choices. Everyone is different.  Magazines and websites will always make it look like you need to "go hard or go home," with thinspo and fitspo preaching extreme fitness, but that's really not the case.  Just find a sustainable way to relax and feel happy!  If you're into yoga or Pilates, know that I'm excited about 1) being able to get my palms to the mat when reaching for my toes and 2) looking like a graceful ballerina while attempting plies.
• Patrick Watson
• This is my brother's new favorite musician, and he's brilliant.  His song "Big Bird in a Small Cage" is tragic and beautiful and perfect. 

 

 

Sending love and the Force for everyone!  Happy Veterans Day, too. Many of my family members have served, and we're all thinking of those who have made sacrifices. 

<3 Frances