Muse Letter: June 2024
A recap of my month on books, music, shows, and the special moments all swirled in between.
Dear Reader,
How are we feeling as we step into the mid-mark of 2024? Hot? In a place of contentment? Embracing a refreshed outlook? Appreciating the little things that matter most? We have been blessed with yet another day to live life and that my dear reader feels lovely.
Before we face July head on I’d like to throw in a little moment of reflection on some things that carried me along in inspiring, entertaining, and heartfelt ways throughout the month of June.
HOME
- family, my dog, home cooked meals, patio picnics, lounging in the lawn, flowers, and sunshine.
“The sun at home warms better than the sun elsewhere.” — Albanian Proverb
“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” — Jane Austen, English author
“Peace — that was the other name for home.” — Kathleen Norris, American poet and essayist
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action.” — Mother Teresa, saint and founder of the Missionaries of Charity
The It Girl by Ruth Ware (Thriller)
This was my first book by R. Ware and I read it with a friend as a Buddy Read. It’s a murder mystery centered around a group of college students set in a dual time-frame between before and after the murder. It wasn’t my favorite read ever, but it was entertaining and kept my interest for the most part. The writing fell flat at times with too much obvious direction on what the author wanted the reader to think, but other than that we had fun with it. *3/5 stars*
The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines (Memoir)
This one was a summer buddy read with my mom and sister and I decided to listen to it via audiobook so that I could hear Joanna’s voice tell her own story so that was a nice perk. The book didn’t really provide any new food for thought that I haven’t already heard before. However I did enjoy her delivery with metaphoric support. I actually enjoyed learning more about her and her personality than anything. *4/5 stars*
The Guest by Emma Cline (Contemporary Fiction, Psychological Thriller)
This was our June Textured Book Club read and I loved it! I can’t say this book would be for everyone, but if you enjoy a stream-of-conscious writing style give this one a try. It follows Alex our narrator as she moves from place to place after recently being kicked out from her previous living arrangements. Her ghost like existence navigating necessities within the daily mundane and her talent for subtle observations in her surroundings are so mesmerizing and keep you reading for more. *5/5 stars*
Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson (Literary Fiction, Coming of Age)
Kevin Wilson is one of my favorite authors. His amazing ability to write character driven stories in such unique, comical, and often bizarre scenarios has been really enjoyable to dive into. This story follows teenagers Frankie and Zeke as they navigate broken homes, isolation, awkwardness, and everything in between that comes with teen emotions. I laughed, I cried, I did all the things, and honestly didn’t want it to end. It is a beautiful book about art, drive, partnership, first loves, and so much more. I loved it! *5/5 stars*
Atonement by Ian McEwan (Historical Fiction)
[sigh]...this book was not for me! I have been holding off on watching the movie with Kiera Knightly and James McAvoy for so long so that I could read the book first. And now I’ve read it and didn’t like it at all. So my beautiful plan to read an amazing book and then be moved by a visual adaption is now ruined, lol. It was mainly the writing style that didn’t work for me. It was 350 pages long, but I felt it could have been only 50 pages with what little content it actually had around the circles of flowy wording. I skipped a lot and couldn’t wait to reach the end. I stuck it out to the end, but only because I really did want to know what happened. And then the end came and...[sigh]. I get why it ended the way it did, but still! That was a lot of work for that barely ending. I will probably still watch the film mainly to find out if I was actually missing something really amazing during my reading experience. *2/5 stars*
Outline by Rachel Cusk (Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction)
This was one of those books where I knew I was experiencing something special and unique, but had no clue how to wrap my head around what that might even be. A bit intimidating! Gradually as I allowed the flow and content to marinate, the author’s messages quietly began to show themselves. I’m still trying to digest them, but basically we follow the narrator who is a writer traveling to Athens to teach a writing course for the summer. We as the reader practically become her ears as random people within her journey tell her their life stories with minimal contributions of her own. It was definitely different, but kept my interest. I will probably read the rest of the series, but will prepare a bit mentally beforehand to hopefully grasp the content a bit better. *4/5 stars*
Naked by David Sedaris (Non-Fiction, Humor, Essays)
This was my 5th book by D. Sedaris and sadly was my least favorite. I always turn to his books for a good laugh, but this one was just meh! I’m not even sure I laughed once. I usually listen to his books via audiobook because part of the fun is hearing his unmistakable voice and delivery. But in this one he and his sister Amy (who is also hilarious) chimed in the story with weird voices and background noises and it just leaned towards cheesy to me. His book Calypso is my favorite. *2/5 stars*
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (Mystery)
My first Agatha Christie mystery and my 2nd attempt at reading it. Unfortunately about halfway I had to call it quits probably for good this time. I just couldn’t get into it, nor figure out how to care about any of it. I really wanted to though. I was inspired to tackle Emma Straub’s Summer Reading Assignment and I already owned this book that was on her list. Apparently it is considered classic summer reading? I’m not sure why, but ok. It was a reading experience with classic mystery writing from the much loved Agatha Christie. I just couldn’t connect. I’ll have to just stick to Murder She Wrote. I will however, continue to try and make my way through Emma Straub’s list of summer reads. *2/5 stars*
A great playlist this month if I do say so myself! It’s full of mostly Indie tunes I’ve been loving lately with a few strays. Again, these monthly playlist are made chronologically throughout the month where I’m simply adding any music that strikes a chord with me. A music mood diary of sorts. Anyway - I feel joyride vibes when I’m listening to this months playlist. Which is interesting since I was mostly home in June with little driving other than parent Uber responsibilities. Home was my joyride. Speaking of...does anyone remember this oldie but goodie??
Playlist honorable mentions:
Song 1: to Perth, before the border closes
Song 2: Cerca De Ti
Song 5: Baby Blue Movie
Song 6: Say Yes to Heaven
Song 10: Sweet Disposition
Song 11: Looking for Something
Song 14: Don’t You (Forget About Me) - a great cover I heard on the Brats Documentary!
I’m not a big tv person so this category doesn’t always make my Muse Letters, but I enjoyed a few goodies this month worth mentioning.
Dark Matters (Thriller, Sci-Fi)
I didn’t love the book. In fact, I couldn’t even finish it because I was so lost. But the tv series...is SO good! I’m still lost lol, but with visuals it is more manageable for me to at least try to keep up. It is quite addictive and I’m anticipating my mind to be blown once we reach the last episode. I believe we only have one more episode to go...so close!
Brats Documentary (Documentary)
I gotta say I had mixed emotions about it. On one hand it was really great reminiscing over some of my favorite movies from my younger days. I was 8 and 9 when The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink came out and still love them to this day. But on the other hand it kind of was a downer. I just wish the individuals that got thrown under the Brat Pack category didn’t feel soooo negative about it. Yes, the label may have hindered or ‘boxed in’ their careers as first. But dare I say some of them kind of proved the bratty point by carrying such pout over it for so long, ya know?
I just feel we can’t ever control people calling us names in life. But we can control how we let it affect us and even turn it around to our advantage if we are smart about it. I mean people in the industry do it all the time and from much worse than a little name calling. But hey, what do I know? I was just a kid when I started looking up to them and still feel fond nostalgia from the Brat Pack era.
Either way, I’m glad they were able to get that off their chest after all these years and can now hopefully turn a new leaf and be proud to have been a part of a very powerful and pivotal time in film history that I grew up with and loved.
I|AM Celine Dion (Documentary)
Big fan of the legendary Celine Dion! I remember hearing her voice for the very first time singing her song “Power of Love” on my lunch break while working at Target in the mid 90s. Back when the music departments had new releases on a wall with headphones attached so you can get a sneak peak before purchasing. You know before COVID or even before we knew any better that wearing public headphones is disgusting!
Anyway, when I learned of her new documentary I tuned in to watch the day it dropped on Prime. It did not disappoint! It was beautiful! I loved everything about it. The old clips, the current clips, her passionate heart, her genuine spirit, her kindness, her moments with her boys, her memorabilia warehouse!! ...and her vulnerability. It made me cry. Her sadness was heavy and heartbreaking and her health scares while filming were frightening, but she is a fighter and I’m routing for her all the way. What she has to share with the world next in this chapter of her life will not only be amazing, but will be a blessing I’m sure of it. I don’t know her, but I love her.
Travel with Eugene Levy (Travel, Documentary)
Travel, food, and light-hearted sarcastic comedy all mixed together in one little series about stepping out of comfort zones, seeing the world, and embracing life to its fullest. So fun and inspiring! We are about to wrap season 2 in Europe!
The Boys in the Boat (Historical Non-Fiction)
Another inspiring film based on the true story behind the American boys rowing team that took the gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. A great movie that gives you all the feels.
Speaking of feels...June had some lovely ones. I didn’t branch away from my home too much, but since home and family is where my heart is anyway what more could I even dream of asking for.
Father’s Day - we celebrated our dad’s over patio picnics, barbecue dinner out, and a karaoke session in.
Lots of Lounging in the Yard - we brought out the lawn blankets, books, snacks, and something to sip on. And sometimes we just sat amongst nature. Pure bliss.
Our Anniversary - James and I celebrated our 26th Wedding Anniversary on June 26th (together 32 yrs). We managed to sneak away a few days earlier for a lovely Italian dinner at Antonios (the place we held our wedding rehearsal dinner). It was delicious as always. Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos of our yummy meal so you will just have to take my word for it. On our actual anniversary day we spent it at home with the kids over some more Italian food. I chose to try this super easy recipe I discovered on IG and it turned out to be a hit for everyone. Will definitely be adding it into our meal rotation.
Family Vacation - To wrap up our June, our family of five spent the weekend in the country to relax and unwind. It was great! More on that soon, but for now here is a sneak peak from our little getaway with a rare photo of James and I in a photo together!
Thank you so much for reading. Have a blessed month ahead.
Love,
I love it! I understand the Agatha Christie books, your grandmother was a fan! Murder She Wrote was a favorite series of her's also. Enjoy your trip, can't wait to read about it! Signing out, Mom!
Wow Annette! So much into this one. I will be reading this over and over again!