Alchemical Sundays-edition #9
Oh hey, friends,
I’m in the desert this summer. Did I mention that? Actually, I did and you can read some words about the magic of Tucson, the desert, and check out some links to excellent places to check out should you decide to plan a visit (which I highly recommend).
However, we are having a heatwave here (is a heatwave in the desert, in the summer, redundant? No.) and the temperature has spiked to highs of 111–113, which is quite unusual in Tucson. That has seen me getting out for sweaty walks at 7 am, when the temperature is a “cool” 85 degrees, and then spending the rest of my day inside. It is HOT AF. But, the upside: lots of time to write! I have continued beyond my initial commitment to two weeks of 1K words a day and am delighted to say that I have written over 12K words and created a habit. Lots of alchemy swirling around these days and I couldn’t be happier and feeling productive.
This weekend saw the 30th (!) anniversary of one of my all-time favorite films ‘Thelma & Louise’. Not just a favorite story, this movie was really impactful to me during a critical time in my life. This week's original writing covers that with ‘What Thelma & Louise Means To Me’. I hope you check it out and enjoy it. Also, if you haven’t watched the movie in some time, queue it up. If you have never seen this incredible, fun, sexy, thrilling movie — well, get on that ASAP. You won’t be sorry.
Word Alchemy: “Y’all want to hear the story about how me this here B*tch fell out? It’s kinda long but it’s full of suspense.” -Zola
There is no way you can’t read those words and not feel a jolt of electricity.
Alchemical Storytelling: Books and Movies
You can’t have a movie without writing a story….
Keeping on the themes of great storytelling, whether the stories be books, movies, or 148 viral tweets, I am gleefully anticipating a return back to the movie theatre later this month with the release of @zola.
First off, anyone and everyone who knows me knows what a big moviegoer I am. While movies have been a rich and joyous part of my life since childhood, it took me until 2004 to finally discover the distinct pleasure of going solo to watch a film in the theatre. I still remember the day and the movie — the release of ‘the Notebook’ (I completely own that I love this movie and I really loved it in the 2000s). The theatre showing the Notebook that afternoon was packed and the woman sitting one seat over from me generously shared her box of tissues with me since I had neglected to bring some. Oh, the days. Incidentally, the day before the world shut down last March, I spent the evening at one of my favorite Portland theaters watching Julie Garner in ‘The Assistant’ (I am a fierce Julia Garner fan — her turn as Ruth in ‘Ozark’ is one of the best ever. I adore her.). The next day as news of the coronavirus spread I seriously questioned my choices but since the theatre was mostly empty, I felt ok. That was the last time I went to a movie theatre. I’ve really missed it, especially on rainy winter days in the Pacific Northwest or really hot desert days this summer. But, I feel like my movie theatre embargo is coming to an end since I’m fully vaccinated and feel like there is a movie that I must see in the theatre: @Zola.
You can watch the trailer here (which I have watched at least a dozen times) and there is a great Vulture interview with ‘Zola’ by Allison P. Davis (a favorite writer) to get you up to speed. I just found out this week that there is a BOOK called ‘the Story’ which is of said tweets and the foreword is written by Roxanne Gay (another favorite who I have linked to previously here on Alchemical Sundays). I must get the book and go see the movie. Another female road trip story of a different kind, I am full into the vibe this movie has going on and I’m in feverish anticipation of walking into a theatre, having the lights go down and losing myself in the story.
Alchemical Inbox:
Have you signed up for Roxanne’s newsletter, the Audacity, yet? She’s so good — it is magic for your inbox.
I also have recently started dreaming of 1euro houses in Italy — taking off from the US (seriously, I am ready) and buying a farmhouse, fixing it up and welcoming guests from around the world. Elizabeth Minchilli, a cookbook author and host of incredible food and wine experiences in Italy, is the perfect person to follow if you are dreaming of such things. Her newsletter takes you on armchair travel and her intimate week-long food, wine, and agrotourism retreats will have you booking a flight. Check her out on Instagram here.
Alchemical podcasts:
I recently discovered Bruce Springsteen's podcast, Renegades, and queued up his episode with Barak Obama on Fatherhood (for fathers day). Barak Obama has one of the most magical voices on the planet and I so enjoy listening to him speak. These two ponder fatherhood, being husbands, and what they learned from experiencing both.
Alchemical Books:
I have a few personal writing projects going at the same time in addition to my practice here with Alchemical Sundays. One is something of a memoir and is where I spend a lot of my time during my 1K words a day practice. When writers are asked how to start writing most answers are: just take a pen or a laptop or typewriter (your vessel of choice) and start writing. I find this advice to be perfection because honestly, that’s where it all begins for me — by just starting. However, I love to learn from those who have mastered the skill and Mary Karr is a prolific master. She’s an award-winning author, a poet, and a professor. Her book: the Art of the Memoir is just fantastic. Even if you don’t want to be a writer, this book is just awesome. Mary has a wonderful way of communicating through the written word. She’s also a great interview — her discussion with Tim Ferris on his podcast is one of my all-time favorites.
Tarot Card Pull of the Week:
From my all-time favorite: Kim Krans — her cards and books and art are wonderous. Check them out here.
Son of Cups
The Son of Cups excels within the arts. He has a natural tendency to look inward and is charming and mysterious. Intensity surrounds him.
The message for the collective is to go inward this week and tend to your artistic and dreamy side. What can you create with some focus?
Thanks for reading. Have a magical week my friends.
