Monday Memos // 63

Listening:

"Sycamore" by Bill Callahan.

"Little Cup" by Thao & Mirah.

Reading:

TRUMP’S FIRST YEAR: THE WORD SEARCH

HORRIFYING WRITING PROMPTS — "You inadvertently send your My Little Pony/The West Wing fan fiction to the New Yorker. If your reaction was a New Yorker cartoon, what would it look like? Would it involve dogs?"

ASK POLLY ‘Should I Have a Baby?’ — First off, I love advice columns and "Ask Polly" is almost always an entertaining one. Even if this is a question you don't have or don't care about, the way this response is written is so wonderful. It gets lengthy, but I found it to be worth every word.

Writing for the Awl Was the Best Mid-Career Decision I Ever Made. — Heather Havrilesky (Aka "Polly") was on a roll this week.

I just wanted to include these TOOTSIE POP CHERRY VALENTINES because they are sweet. (via The House That Lars Built)

I just wanted to include these TOOTSIE POP CHERRY VALENTINES because they are sweet. (via The House That Lars Built)

Craving:

Peanut butter and banana on toast. Dark chocolate bars. Phone calls. Hugs. 

I want to be this cat or own this cat bed. "The feline-focused Japanese novelty company Felissimo has created an adorable cat bed shaped like the fluted crust of a fruit tart and even comes with hand stitched pillows in the shapes of vario…

I want to be this cat or own this cat bed. "The feline-focused Japanese novelty company Felissimo has created an adorable cat bed shaped like the fluted crust of a fruit tart and even comes with hand stitched pillows in the shapes of various fruits and berries to keep kitty comfy and complete the look of a yummy desert."

Wearing:

After wearing the same two pairs of pants over and over and over again for the last few months, I got myself a new pair of jeans. I've hemmed and hawed over pants for the same few months—I think I tried on the same pair at least six times but wouldn't buy them. I finally convinced myself on Friday, "you're allowed to have nice things." Thank you self! They fit like a dream.

I got neither parental style of pant. (Illustration by Kate Worum image via manrepeller)

I got neither parental style of pant. (Illustration by Kate Worum image via manrepeller)

Watching:

I watched the entirety of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of "Gilmore Girls," it was definitely that vibe of fast-talking funny females. The outfits, the jokes — it was entertaining and easy to binge.

Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel. (image via amazon)

Rachel Brosnahan stars as Midge Maisel. (image via amazon)

Seeing all the images and press from Sundance this year, it looks like there are some gripping movies to come. Chloë Sevigny kept popping up everywhere I looked and so did her upcoming movie "Lizzie." A psychological thriller based on the infamous 1892 murders of the Borden family. (Has "My Favorite Murder" done this one? My mind is a swirl of cases, I'm losing track.)

A scene from "Lizzie." A lot of great actors in this one like Denis O'Hare and Jeff Perry.

A scene from "Lizzie." A lot of great actors in this one like Denis O'Hare and Jeff Perry.

I also keep hearing about "I Think We're Alone Now." A sci-fi drama directed by Reed Morano ("The Handmaid's Tale," Beyoncé's Lemonade, "Looking"): The apocalypse proves a blessing in disguise for one lucky recluse -- until a second survivor arrives with the threat of companionship. Peter Dinklage and Elle Fanning — very intrigued. 

This will be visually stunning if nothing else. (image via variety)

This will be visually stunning if nothing else. (image via variety)

Treasuring:

Mail. To receive something in the mail that isn't a bill or a stack of useless coupons or a catalog or some toiletries you ordered yourself — what a joy! Your name written out, the excitement of opening, seeing someone's handwriting, the stamp selection... 

(image via rifle paper co)

(image via rifle paper co)