Everything is terrible BUT…
10 things to take your mind off the terrible. Occasionally features cute animals doing cute things. (Sunday 28th February 2021)
- Penguins in wooly jumpers. This is actually from a news story first published in 2015, about a man called Alfred Dale, Australia’s oldest man, who knitted jumpers for penguins. Alfred has since passed away, but this story has been making the rounds again this week. (And thanks to reader Rosie Earl for bringing it to my attention!) The picture above shows some of Alfred’s designs on display. What a lovely legacy.
2. This week I really enjoyed watching the musical of The Color Purple. Ive never read the book or seen the film, so knew very little about this. But what a beautiful uplifting evening with an amazing cast. It was presented online by The Curve Leicester, bringing back many of the cast from their 2019 production. Directed by Tinuke Craig, it can be viewed online until Sunday 7th March. More details can be found here.
3. Have a go at life drawing. One of the things that has kept me going throughout lockdown is life drawing. I hadn’t drawn anything since school until my pal Vicky sent me the link last March. All the Young Nudes is online every Monday from 7pm — 9pm, for a very chilled out, very relaxed, and fun drawing session. Models are pre-recorded in a series of poses. You don’t have to have loads of experience — just give it a go! You don’t have to share your drawings if you don’t want to, and there’s a fun playlist to draw along to. Weekly classes are £6 or you can sign up to to their patreon for other price plans.
4. It’s Golden Globes weekend! With the Oscars delayed, and the film awards calendar topsy turvy, I’m really excited about this. Not everything has gone perfectly in terms of nominations (Emily In Paris over I May Destroy You? Why??), but with Tina Fey and Amy Pohler hosting (on different coasts!) it should be good fun. All thE nominations can be found here.
5. Speaking of films…my virtual film club watched Muriel’s Wedding this week. I’d forgotten how much I LOVE this film. Must try and rewatch my favourites more often. It’s available on Amazon Prime and the usual places.
6. This Panda being very silly.
7. Kazuo Ishiguro’s (Never Let Me Go, The Remains of The Day) latest book is out this week. “From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans…..Ishiguro explores the modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?” I really loved Never Let Me Go so looking forward to this.
8. Shedinburgh is back! This past year had seen the theatre industry respond to being shut down last March. One brilliant thing that happened was Shedinburgh, an online series of shows from performers that would normally be at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s the creation of Producers Francesca Moody and Harriet Bolwell and writer/performer, Gary McNair. They’re making plans for a 2021 edition, but in the meantime you can revisit shows from last year until March 22. Tickets and more info can be found here.
9. Wandavision gave us one of the most beautiful lines ever heard on TV.
10. The first signs of spring are here! Lighter nights, actual sun, daffodils. Even though Autumn is my favourite season, this winter has felt especially tough given lockdown. Things do feel a lot more hopeful.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe and wear a mask!
Mhairi x
