Hello friends,
This week I’m loving having finished another draft of my first novel, working title Therapy, Sex, Death. It’s a literary thriller with my own spin, psychological.
Here’s some other stuff I’m loving this week, no sponsorships or kickbacks involved, just sharing because you might want to enjoy some of these things too.
Writing
I love writing here on Substack, sharing with you. I’m also enjoying using the Reedsy writer’s app for my novel. You can use it free for anything - blogging, journaling essays, books.
It saves to the cloud and you can download a pdf, or epub (Kindle) ready draft anytime, all typeset to look cool.
Reading
Tu t'appelais Maria Schneider by Vanessa Schneider - called My Cousin Maria Schneider in English. It’s a raw, fascinating read about Maria who starred in Last Tango in Paris many moons ago with Marlon Brando.
I remember thinking that movie was pretty rank…not my cup of tea. Not surprised Maria never really recovered.
Maria’s cousin tells her story and actress Molly Ringwald translated it to English, but I’m doing the hard yards and reading it in French. I’m very slow, not gonna lie.
I feel for Maria. It’s great to have her story told lovingly like this. It’s the book up for discussion in the book chat on Ma Vie Française this month.
First Position by Melanie Hamrick
Listening to this audiobook purely for brain switch-off. It works for that. I don’t mind it. It’s a ballet, sexy novel, chasing Black Swan vibes but not getting there.
It is a little short on actual dancing and high on descriptions of sex and angst. It’s by Mick Jagger’s current missus….
Podcast
Dear Nelly. I love her pod. She’s fantastic and insightful. I was honoured to be a guest recently, but all the episodes are well worth a listen.
Listening on Repeat
Pink and White by Frank Ocean
It soothes. It’s beautiful. You’re welcome.
Born, never asked is my favourite all-time track of Laurie Anderson’s. Love. It haunts and chills me every time I play it. We danced to it on repeat in dance classes at Deakin in the late 80s. Takes me back.
Dreaming
A world journey. It’s gotta happen next year and it will be blogged. I haven’t left Australia for years now for a whole range of reasons but I’m hoping 2024 is the year and I’m planning in earnest.
I’m enjoying playing and dreaming with Wanderlog and Polarsteps (thanks to Nene for this suggestion), trying to decide which I want to use.
Travelboast is also a blast where you can plan or record your travels in a cute map animation form, designed for sharing with friends and family. Super fun.
Eating Out
Still thinking about how much I loved a long night at Bar Margaux with my pal Krissy. Margaritas are our big faves and they were mighty. Couples came and went at the tables next to us, but we stayed and stayed. Recommend if you’re in Melbourne and you’d like a cool underground bar experience with a bit of a Parisian twist. The scallops were pretty special. (Thanks Fifi for the voucher.)
Big new fave is Hazel in Melbourne’s Flinders Lane. The major message was how much they care about the quality of their ingredients from the ground up. Another brilliant margarita. Appreciate. Delicious. Inspiring.
You
What’s helping you feel more alive this week? Share with me.
What’s troubling, if anything? Send me your questions.
Love to you,