Finger buns, rug masterpieces, and the making of a girl group

The giveaway is ‘The Art of Catching Feelings’ by Alicia Thompson

Oct 08, 2024

Hey all, we’re back to the usual Becks and the City format!

And oops, yeah, last week’s newsletter didn’t happen. I don’t know what I was thinking – attempting to send out a Substack the day after we’d landed from our long-haul flights was never feasible.

In any case, here we are. You’re all likely sick to death of hearing about Sweden, so I’ll let up on talking about my exploits over there. I’ll continue you post some photos on Insta, so catch me there, if you’re keen.

Let’s see, what else can I tell you? My story ‘The Waiting Room’, which was longlisted earlier in September in the Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Competition run by Hawkeye Books, has now been shortlisted. It’ll be published in the anthology of all longlisted entries, due out later this year. Yay!

Also, an article I wrote for House of Wellness has been published online. It’s about why you need to stop apologising so much. Ahem, I might need to take my own advice there. Sorry.

Until next time, have fun. : )

News

1. Someone give this lady a raise! Laurie Nelson is a cleaner at a primary school. A month or two ago, she started creating artworks in a blue carpet rug by vacuuming and using her hands to brush the pile in various directions. Her new creations appear on a weekly basis and the kids are eager to discover them when they arrive in the mornings. And she’s quite an artist. Such a lovely way to create wonderment for the students by sharing her gift.

2. Finger buns are just the best. I’m not sure how I feel about the emerging trend of giving them a ‘glow up’, as I’m mighty attached to the classic version. I am definitely applauding the renewed love they’re receiving, though. To me, they reach their pinnacle simply topped by desiccated coconut, filled with sultanas, and heavily slathered in butter across the middle. Pink colouring in the icing optional. Despite my reservations, you better believe if I come across a new flavour I’ll give it a go, though. Perhaps a Christmas version with cranberries and cream cheese? Bring it on!

3. This is not new news, and possibly belongs in the ‘Reviews’ section instead. In any case, I appreciated this is a gentle, respectful write-up by the BBC about the recent passing of legendary actor Maggie Smith, aka serious contender for the best thing about the Harry Potter movies. She always came across as so dignified, kind, and clever in the rare interviews she did. So watchable and epically talented. I’m still not over McGonagall. Vale, Minerva.

Reviews

1. I debated about whether to write this review at all. In the end, I figured I’d give you a (hopefully) spoiler-free heads-up, and let you make the decision. In Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, the company behind K-pop group BTS sets out to make a global girl group. They hold auditions and actively seek out on social media young women who can sing, dance, and display off-the-charts charisma, with the aim of training them to stringent K-pop standards and turning out a six-member group. The final line-up had already been announced by the time I watched the series. This didn’t spoil it for me, though, since I wasn’t previously aware they even existed. I’m not entirely happy with the final line-up, which is to be expected. It’s unlikely all your favourites will be picked. The main disappointment in the show was that it started out as pretty much a documentary of how hard they were working and seeing who went home and who was picked to continue. The girls all got along well. The atmosphere then took a turn when the makers of the show threw in some unfair twists, all in the name of stoking the drama. It was entertaining, but I wasn’t as on board with the tone of the show after that. Incidentally, there is a Swedish contestant named ‘Lexie’, and for reasons that have nothing to do with her country of origin, she’s a friggin’ QUEEN. That’s all I’m sayin’.

2. When I was bundled up in bed feeling unwell in Sweden, I came across Just for Showmance on the TV. It had an easy-watching ‘Hallmark movie’ feel to it that was exactly what I was after while ill – nothing too distressing or thought-provoking, just light and fun. That’s what it promised, and that’s exactly what it gave me. Even though it’s not going to win any serious film-making awards, it’s a decent romantic comedy. The premise is that a struggling TV host signs up to be on reality show where they match her up to marry a man she’s never met. She sets out to track him down and warn him she’s only in it for the boost to her social media profile (as if he couldn’t have guessed). I wasn’t familiar with any of the cast, but they did a serviceable job. Best of all, as it had Swedish subtitles along the bottom, the final screen read: ‘THE END… slut’. (‘Slut’ being the Swedish word for ‘final’ or ‘over’.) I had a giggle at that one.

3. Recently, I gave Diptyque’s Fresh Lotion for the Body a try (available from MECCA, and other places, for around $90 for 250ml) and I’m sorry to say it’s not for me. It has a lovely scent reminiscent of skipping through an orange orchard, although it comes on a tad too strong for my tastes. The cream is light, glides on smoothly, and left my legs feeling nourished. However, I’ve got to say for the price… I was expecting something more. Maybe I would’ve liked it to be a little thicker and creamier. Or differently perfumed, despite being the type of natural scent I usually go for. I’m not sure, and I seem to be alone in this opinion, as folk online seem to rave about it. Overall, I feel like I’ve used equivalent products at a lower price point that I’ve liked more.

What I’m Feelin’ Right Now

Caesar dressing for more than just salad – as a dip, on sandwiches, and on roast vegies
‘Good Luck, Babe’ by Chappell Roan
Evening walks, especially if there’s food at the end of them
Lenticular pictures
Cola-flavoured lollies
This super-shiny Oscar de la Renta dress
BBQ sauce swirled on top of chipotle sauce
A low ponytail that’s a sleek middle-part on top and a voluminous fuzzed-out tail
Serving everything I eat on top of tomato bulgur pilaf