When I look back at past Octobers, it seems there’s always a certain trudge to them. When you’re brushing elbows with your friends at the playground or at school pickup or in the grocery store and you’re in that heavy-hearted space, do you say so? “Hey, how are you?” “Shitty, actually. Totally shitty. Thanks for asking!” I think we’d all be better off if we took a page or two from Jim Carrey in Liar Liar. Maybe without the, “I hate your new haircut” honesty, though.
Point is, October brings with it some weight, and this was the first year where I really recognized it, a pattern. Ah, remember that huge fight we got in? That was two years ago, October. Or when parenting woes really hit the fan? October!
I’m still glad I live in a world where there are Octobers, Anne Shirley, but there’s something to this. I just put the heat on this morning. Just a smidge. A degree! If October is going to deliver dreariness, than I’m going to fight it with my furnace (heat just kicked on, and it’s working). And with some great meals, and a beautiful mug that satisfies me every time I drink out of it. Oh, and pumpkin cider.
Some other things bringing me joy right now:
Fleabag–quirky, first season was dark, but I ended up charmed by her; couldn’t decide if I wanted that to happen with the priest in the church, and after (trying to do this w/o spoilers), but overall wrapped up nicely. Stepmother was amazing. When she couldn’t remember his name at their wedding!
Burnt orange sweaters–like this one (c/o). Could that color be more FALL. While I’m at it, stripes under are old from Gap, booties from Nordstrom, and jeans (old) from ASOS, necklace c/o Tiny Tags
Django Reinhardt–fun, jazzy tunes that are perfect for streaming on a chilly day
This book–worth the wait, I’m loving it and have so much love for Kya. Oh and Jumpin’ and Mabel. Could there be a kinder pair?
And, all is not lost. It really is beautiful out there. Even on this damp, moody day. Hope you are all well.
Cute outfit! Love the red sweater! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Your review of fleabag is right in line with what I’m hearing from everyone, so I shouldn’t be put off by the first episode or two? Keep going?
I finally got Where The Crawdads Sing from the library after waiting for what seems like forever! Mixed reviews, but I’m liking it so far.
I also just got my beautycounter samples and I’m so excited to start using them. Thank you so much!
Those booties are SOO cute! Love the wrap detail. And, I’m obsessed w the second season of Fleabag. I’ve watched it multiple times. Their chemistry is off the charts. Perfect tv.
I have a similar feeling about October, though I like the weather I know dark days are coming! (Even in Northern California, lol!).
Oh that book! I need to read it again. So hauntingly beautiful.
I love how Fleabag tackled some pretty major topics and managed to weave them into a surprisingly involved plot line. “Women are born with pain built in.” I was crying and clapping on my couch. Now I’m just waiting the appropriate amount of time before I can watch it again.
Oh my gosh, yes.
My only–and issue isn’t the right word, but… let’s say where I had to really contemplate my feelings on–was her relationship with the priest. While I really wanted to root for a romantic connection between them (could he have been more charming?), I think it would’ve been really unexpected for them to NOT end up being in bed together. As someone who believes in God, I was so torn on what I wanted to happen between them… but ultimately was satisfied by the ending (him staying in the priesthood). I guess that we’re even having this conversation means it was worth watching!!
I’m with you. I remember feeling uncomfortable during that part, for more than one reason – which, again to your point, speaks to her brilliance in writing such a thought-provoking story line. I, too, was surprised with their eventual union…but I’m not convinced that it was his devotion to his calling that kept him from their relationship – begging the (again: timely! brilliant!) questions of a celibate priesthood and how involved in the lives lived by their congregants (I know- extreme example) the church leaders can/should be. Such good questions for society. Thank you, PWB for keeping them in our minds – or at the least, on our screens.
oh! absolutely! i was raised catholic, and now when we go to church, we go to an episcopal church… and the non-celibate lifestyle of the pastor (a female at the church we go to!) is so… much wiser to me.
interesting take — that it wasn’t his devotion to his calling that kept him from pursuing their relationship further. i really hadn’t considered that… but now i am!
Another Catholic here, and I too felt super uncomfortable with that story line. After I finished the series, I actually googled “catholic priest reviews Fleabag” because I thought, man, the Catholic Church must really disapprove of Fleabag! And I was curious to see what others thought. But to my surprise there were so many VERY positive reviews from priests and prominent Catholic writers who lauded the depiction of a priest who is very human. Who has flaws and weaknesses.
And it made me think that often any kind of cultural depiction of priests or religious figures fall into two extremes – saint-like, can do no wrong, but ultimately has no personality or sense of realistic humanity…or, unfortunately, a pedophile.
The priest in Fleabag makes mistakes, and is human, and is real. And that’s a revolutionary depiction in art.
I love that there were positive reviews FROM Catholic writers. Makes me think we have come a long way.
If priests aren’t human than they are unreachable, and what good is that? Now I’m off to do my own Fleabag/Catholic priest googling!
I wonder how we’d feel differently if Fleabag herself was a little bit more “holy” — then would we have felt at all uncomfortable or disapproving? So much to think about.
Interesting that October has that weight for you. September is that month for me, and October is my personal revival. I live for the foggy grey mornings in contrast to the bright Midwestern foliage. Maybe it’s the INFP speaking. 😉