Welcome to Little Things, a small list of nice ideas to keep you in good company. It includes what has given me joy, offered solace, or persuaded new perspectives. Considered reading, curated by me, for you.
February.
I gave myself seasonal whiplash this January by escaping winter to sink back into summer. There’s something to be said about sticking out the rhythm of seasons, though- the space the cold offers as a counter to the fever of the warmer months. One probably shouldn’t be greedy and chase the highs all the time; evade the stillness, but that’s exactly what I have done. For the first time ever, leaving London and its perpetual state of cold felt difficult. Is the comfort nourishing, or dulling? I can’t tell the difference sometimes.
As such, February’s little list is coloured by these two worlds: hot and cold, high and low. Whichever state this finds you in, may it offer something for you.
See - Past Lives (2023) dir. Celine Song
I saw this film with my friend, Nikki, last year. We both thought it was… okay. I said the dialogue would have been better read in a novel. Nikki took a nap for half of it. Her partner didn’t cry, which I was told is usually a sure thing.
And yet, I have thought of this film constantly since that night at the cinema. What is good art if not to change the way you think.
Listen - my 2024 playlist.
Visit - a handful of beautiful things to see:
Pamela Bentley, ‘Home Affairs’, at AKA Gallery, Cape Town.
Flaming June has come to London, and she is free.
Chez Babo in Paris, but more on this in this month’s upcoming long read.
Read - Hua Hsu, ‘Stay True’
Winner of the Pulitzer prize for memoir, and for clear reason: direct, nostalgic, tender. A beautiful story about young friendships, coming of age, navigating trauma. I loved it, and hope to have something of my own nestled alongside his work on a book store shelf one day.
Poetry - ‘Everything is on Fire’ by Nikita Gill
A poem I find pertinent right now. I am surrounded by very talented friends (CC Caroline Broukaert), who offer such promise in a time of intensely sustained horror. Nikita’s Substack here - good for fellow writers, too.
Eat - two recipes, for -4 or 34 degrees:
Baked Rice
Over Christmas, I spent a few quiet days in Sussex and made this from Diana Henry’s cookbook, Oven To Table - a staple in my kitchen. The recipe had been earmarked for years and always avoided (something about baking rice seeming a step too far). I am sad that was the case. It is so easy and intensely rewarding.
Baby gem salad
My mother bought me the Falastin cookbook for my birthday one year. I made this recipe on one of London’s unbearable hot August days (you’ll need to scroll down the linked page to read it). I swapped out a lot of the ingredients which don’t feature in my cupboard for similar things that do, and it was still delicious. I am certain that if you did it properly, it would be sensational.
Whilst we are bearing witness to Palestine, another wonderful cause to support here. Their cookbook is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. When they can operate once more, they will have any help I can offer.
Inspire - Studio MFG and No Borders
This one will elicit an eye roll from those who accuse me of being a shopping addict (!) - but really, they are included because I value craft, and often it is most inspiringly presented via clothing. These are two brands who are creating textiles in completely unique, likely financially unviable manners, and I deeply admire this commitment to a set of values, whatever the cost. It matters where we put our money. It’s nice to support people who are answering the call for better business.
Small plug: I was asked to write an essay for the upcoming issue of Table Magazine. I chose to write it about the messy, freeing dinner parties that can only happen in your twenties. I have written for Table since it first started, and now am lucky to be in the good company of inspiring authors such as Rachel Roddy, Anna Jones and Instagram’s new favourite, Slutty Chef.
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