The great February recalibration of our muffed-up plans… but writing $$ are on the way
When the best-laid plans crumble in January, and not in a tasty streusel-ish way
Hands up if January kicked you in the ass and your plans slid sideways? Me too. In January, I made SMART goals, broke them down into bite-sized pieces, slotted those pieces into carefully spaced out days in my Kikki K planner and smugly thought I’d started the year off right. It went well for two weeks, then life hit. Nothing earth-shattering, just life admin and appointments that should’ve taken a day or a few hours, but snowballed into much bigger and more time-consuming chores. They dragged on, and my writing time shrank. Ugh.
We do seem to have achieved some tasks around the house, but these wins were harder-won than I would’ve liked. No matter, I’m picking myself up, dusting the dirt off my knees, and going again for February. Let’s see how this goes.
This month, there’s a fab thing to look forward to – next week I’m flying to Melbourne for a K-pop concert, seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, squeezing in some shopping and museuming (totally a verb!), and generally soaking up the thrill of being anywhere other than South Australia for the first time since the pandemic began. Can’t. Wait.
How have your goals gone in January? Are you currently recalibrating like I am?
News
1. I’ve been following Rachel Burke of imakestagram fame and drooling over her incredible shine-tastic creations for years, even dreaming of rocking one of her pieces someday myself, if only I can find the right occasion to go for balls-out sparkle (a book launch, perhaps?). So it’s wonderful to see her now hitting Tinseltown – literally – designing a birthday suit for Harry Styles and also a Grammys red carpet look.
2. Wonderful to see Australia jumping on board to acknowledge that authors deserve compensation for folks borrowing ebooks in libraries. About damn time! And while we’re at it, the future’s looking rosier for Aussie writers generally now the government has announced its National Cultural Policy, which includes creating a new body – Writers Australia – and the position of poet laureate in our country. Honestly, every time I’ve taken a squiz in the last few years or even before the pandemic at applying for a grant, it’s seemed like visual arts have been better funded than the literary world, when I would’ve thought it’d be the other way around (though both deserve dollars to help artists earn a living wage). These announcements will hopefully go some way to addressing the underfunding of writing here in Australia, as well as a little more respect for the vocation.
3. Good to hear Salman Rushdie is on the mend and, although shaken by his attack in August, now able to speak about it. Imagine not just the usual self-doubt and insecurities every time you sit down to write, but PTSD on top of all that making it difficult to concentrate and feel in a safe space mentally where you can relax and let the words flow. Then add on difficulty typing from the injuries sustained from the stabbing. He’s faced death threats, he’s faced a fatwa… writing the truth can place you in serious danger.
Reviews
1. Respect and appreciate the tone of SJP’s answers in this interview with French Vogue: Sarah Jessica Parker shares her best tips for looking and feeling more confident than ever at 57. While she does use skincare and make-up products from time to time, and is speaking as an ambassador for ROC Skincare, her focus is on minimal usage when she’s not filming, and she doesn’t feel compelled to cover her face or grey hairs for anybody. When asked her response to pressure around her appearance, she notes no one bats an eyelid about men’s greys, but they comment on her skipping the hair dye: ‘I just really can't be the person that others expect me to be.’ Words to live by, man. Elsewhere in the piece, she says: ‘How do I feel when I wear a dress? That’s what matters. I dress in a way that makes me feel good and I hope that it’s also interesting for people.’ Bravo! Sounds like she’s really walking the walk when it comes to not obsessing over what others think of her face, whereas she makes an effort clothes-wise, as it’s a form of artistic expression, and hopes others enjoy her outfits. Fashion is for making herself and maybe others feel happy (when she wants), but her face is none of anyone’s business but her own (when she’s not on a screen, at least). This feels like a really gentle take on ageing, both towards herself and other people.
2. Thought I’d found my ideal hair treatment, but guess I was wrong. On Friday, my hairdresser tried DNA Organics Primrose Reco Masque on me and by jingo did my hair instantly untangle and fall into a smooth line. Even better, the masque’s organic and cruelty-free, so I bought myself a tube. Previously, keratin seemed to be the vital ingredient that tamed my ultra-dry frizz. This goop contains none, so not sure what’s powering its magic effects, but I’m 100% in love.
Giveaway
The winner of the signed copy of Jane Harper’s crime novel Exiles from last week’s giveaway is Rachael Mead. I’ve emailed you, Rachael.
As I’m interstate late next week, there’s a little pause in giveaways this week. They’ll be back soon.
Playlist of the Week
Self-love for St Val’s Day next week:
1. I Love Me – Meghan Trainor, LunchMoney Lewis
2. Masterpiece – Aya Senusi
3. Look at Her Now – Selena Gomez
4. On The Ground – ROSE
5. Q.U.E.E.N. (feat Erykah Badu) – Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu
6. Breakin’ Dishes - Rihanna
7. Paris in the Rain – Lauv
8. Feel My Rhythm – Red Velvet
9. you should see me in a crown – Billie Eilish
10. Who Says – Selena Gomez & The Scene
11. I Love You But I Love Me more (feat. Beach Bunny) – MARINA, Beach Bunny
12. Pretty Girl Rock – Keri Hilson
13. Hot In It – Tiesto, Charli XCX
14. Bouncin – Tinashe
15. Snapping – Chung Ha
I am still surprised that Rushdie survived such an attack at his age, and even more sad than surprised that he had to. He's a great writer. I'm glad to know that he can and will still speak out.