A superb circus and travel godsend, plus Glen Powell in ‘Twisters’ and ‘Hit Man’
The giveaway is ‘Mrs Hopkins’ by Shirley Barrett
We’re gliding back to the usual format this week. My time since getting back has been spent catching up on sleep, laundry, and soaking up the joys of home life. Oh, the glamour! I did make it out on the weekend to watch a dance competition, which was a slice of happiness, although my bones felt old without a can of Coke to sustain me through the evening.
I finally finished that short story I was limping towards completing at Varuna and sent it off for feedback, so that felt good. I’m nervous about the ending I’ve chosen. I like it, but I’ve got no idea how it will play with readers. I think there’s a decent chance they’ll hate it. I’ll get a few opinions and see how I go. Might be back to the drawing board for how I’ve written the second half after that.
Another development that happened while I was away: there’s a decent chance my partner and I will be going to Sweden for four weeks in the next six months or so. Not sure exactly when yet. So, we’ve both started learning Swedish on Duolingo (even though most people speak English over there). I can’t help feeling I sound like a Muppet. There’s something really cheerful about it and I’m extremely here for it.
Have a great one.
News
1. How gorgeous is this! Senior citizens and Year 7 students are learning circus tricks together in a small town. Apart from fostering intergenerational friendships and building confidence after illness and similar bizzo, it’s about people having a good time and trying new activities. They try spinning plates, devil sticks, and hula hooping, then put on a performance once they’ve built up some skill. Very cool indeed.
2. Those of us despairing over the state of the environment will rejoice at the sound of this – Aussie microfactories finding new ways to manufacture items out of hard-to-recycle waste objects such as mattresses, fabrics, and dirty glass bottles. Through the process, they’re made into furniture and ceramic tiles. Perhaps even more heartening than this outcome is the fact that the program came about from a partnership between a university research centre, local government, and an industrial enterprise. It goes to show what can be achieved when everyone plays nice.
Reviews
1. Seeing Glen Powell’s name gets an automatic ‘yes’ from me, based on my feelings about him in both Hidden Figures and Top Gun: Maverick, so we watched Hit Man on Netflix. Honestly, I feel the most impressive thing about the whole film is how greasy and nerdy they managed to make him look in the beginning. His character undergoes a gradual metamorphosis thanks to a job where he takes on various fake personas. Essentially, he’s a blindingly bland man who learns to become decidedly un-bland. The movie feels kinda amateurish and aimless, but this also keeps you guessing as to where it’s going. What kept me watching was probably not impeccable screenwriting, but this wildcard effect and the watchability of Glen Powell. I don’t think this will become a favourite I’ll watch over and over, but it’s a decent pick for a Friday night in with a few chuckles along the way.
2. Continuing on the Glen Powell theme, we watched the newly-released Twisters movie on the weekend. Way back when, I saw the original 1996 version but I can honestly say all I remember about it is Helen Hunt, tornadoes, and a flying cow. It’s not required viewing to enjoy this new film, don’t worry. I’m not familiar with Daisy Edgar-Jones, but I thought her performance was decent without knocking my socks off. Powell brought the appropriate level of looks and charisma to the role of Tyler Owens, aka the cowboy-esque ‘Tornado Wrangler’, that Twisters absolutely needed. The movie would’ve, I think, fallen flat if his character hadn’t shone. The story held together well and offered some exciting moments, although I can’t say it was to the point where I was 100% invested, hanging off the edge of my seat. There were also a few flat points in the script that could’ve been cut, but they didn’t last long. Overall, I’d watch this again if it came back on TV, but it’s not so irresistible that I’ll be adding it to my list of favourites. Switch off your brain and enjoy the ride.
3. While I was away, I took a sachet of Mecca Max’s ‘Thirst Impression’ priming hydrating moisturiser. This was a good move, as the freezing temperatures were drying out my skin like nobody’s business, particularly my hands, neck, and lips. I was mighty impressed by how this moisturiser performed. It’s vegan and fragrance-free, plus it’s relatively well-priced ($24 for 50ml). The cream glided onto my face nicely, absorbing well and left my skin instantly juicier without a greasy after-effect. I’ll definitely consider buying this in future.
4. Shortly before my recent trip to the Blue Mountains, I bought a bunch of packing cubes from the RAA. (Similar ones available at Big W and elsewhere.) I’d previously always balked at buying them because strictly speaking, they’re not necessary. But boy, am I a convert now! Particularly useful for trips running for more than a week, I loved being able to pack an entire outfit, other than shoes, into each cube and see, at a glance, how many days’ worth of outfits I had left in my suitcase. They were also helpful if you’re staying in a place with a shared bathroom sitch, as you can just cart your little outfit in its cube, swinging it by its handle, to the bathroom each time you shower. Sweetly simple.
What I’m Feelin’ Right Now
Wandering a junkyard on a sunny day
An appleberry sauce topping for a savoury dish
Cancelling the word ‘flaunt’ to describe women wearing clothes
Kitties looking all grumpy and judgemental
Appreciating pretty weatherboard homes
‘Close To You’ by Gracie Abrams
Pics of the blonde wombats on Maria Island, Tasmania
Girl dinners involving almonds, leafy salads topped with sliced pear, dip, and corn chips
A deep purple beret
Giveaway
Last week’s giveaway, Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan, was won by Tiffany. I’ve emailed you, Tiffany!
The giveaway this week is new release Mrs Hopkins by Shirley Barrett. Enter your name and email address here for a chance to win.
Playlist of the Week
Fog and mist bringing cloudy living to the ground: