Three Things

High Fidelity – The book is always among my favorites. The movie, same. And now the show. It’s more brilliant than I ever could have hoped. It’s somehow faithful to the originals, with a fresher take on the story. Utter perfection.

Morning Commute – I think it’s safe to say all my current favorite songs on this playlist, and I can’t remember what came first – the song or the playlist – because this is so frequently listened to…whether I’m actually commuting or not.

Lifeline – I played this game for the first time 5 years ago, and to this day, I have never found another thing quite like it. Once again, I find myself emotionally invested with my stranded Taylor…hoping my choices don’t kill ’em (again, ahem). *fingers crossed*

XOXO

This year, I find myself truly in the holiday spirit…and I don’t just mean that I’m hungry. And because it’s Thanksgiving, I’m serving up Three Things the proper way, with an extra helping.

I am thankful for my job that provides for all my needs and wants. I am grateful it has made me an even badder bitch than I ever thought possible and is lighting the way for the kind of human I want to be. Keep pushing me, I know there is more to be done.

I am thankful for my little apartment and the neighbors whose names I still don’t know, but nonetheless greet me with a warm smile no matter how crazy my hair looks very early in the morning or the fact my dog is likely pooping on the flowers. I am especially grateful for one neighbor who understands Friday afternoons are for dance parties and instead of hating me for terrible music, once knocked on the wall and asked me to turn it up so she could dance, too. Now, I just turn it up by default.

I am thankful for my family who are friends, and my friends who are family. Life simply wouldn’t be as joyous without you in it. I’m grateful for our laughs and our cries, our high fives and our hugs. Know that it is my sincerest pleasure to share gifs inappropriately early (or late), to mark emails as critically important if they include cute baby animals or good sales on that thing I know you’ve been wanting for yourself, to smile as I drop a surprise package off for no good reason other than I love you. If we’re apart this hallowed day of turkeys, I miss you.

Lastly, I’m thankful for books. It is, after all, the reason I’m here writing. I’m grateful that you filled my head with impractical dreams of worlds with dragons and happy endings despite all the odds. Thank you for letting me be alone while also making me feel not alone at times when I needed that. Thank you for this new path at an old dream where I get to read lots of brilliant things and write less brilliantly about them, even though it isn’t what wound up being what keeps the lights on. Thank you for being my go-to conversation starter: Hey, whatcha reading?

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving – and a great many things from today until the next to be grateful for.

XOXO

April was a good month. It was a hard month, too, but when I look back on this at some point, I want to remember how good it was. (Hi, future Dani. You’re looking hot!)

Superposition by Young the Giant – I simply cannot get enough of this song. And!!! the band is coming to town in late summer (with Fitz and the Tantrums and Alice Murton, I might add), so I might just figure out how to swing a way to see my current favorite song in person.

The Empire Strips Back – Now, you might be thinking, silly Dani, you spelled that wrong. Noooope. I went to my very first burlesque show – which is currently touring the US and you should absolutely go if it’s coming near you – and I had one of the best nights of my adult life. Sure there were intergalactic tiddies, but it was also a hilarious parody of Star Wars and I laughed all night. At one point, my bestie took a picture of me in the middle of the show. I look deliriously happy to the point I almost didn’t recognize that was me in the photo. I even woo’ed in public.

Liminal Roots Botanica – Last month I posted about two horoscope-y things, and I’ve since discovered another one that has really been resonating with me. Once a month, Kael posts wonderful spirit-animal-based horoscopes, and they are really lovely. I knew that I was in the right spot the first month I took notice, because my spirit animal was a badger. #hufflepuff4eva

XOXO

The Friendship Files – I came to this newish series at The Atlantic because Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (aka Christina Lauren) recently gave an interview. I read through the backlog of interviews that have been published so far, and they are a fascinating look at mostly-modern friends. Definitely scope out the CLo interview if you’re a fan. I also highly recommend the Great British Bake Off and Bumble articles.

Heartland Magic – Kim posts a lot of beautiful tarot/mental health reminders on Instagram. My absolute favorite thing is her weekly series Week Ahead Warrior Wisdom. Every Sunday, she gives a meditation and three tarot cards to pick from. On Monday, she reveals the cards and offers poignant guidance for the week without all the “woo woo”. I look forward to this weekly ritual and always spam my bestie to pick a card along with me. Now, I’m inviting you, too.

Cosmic Playlist – In January, Spotify launched these playlists based on your zodiac sign, and after three months, I can now safely vouch that they’re cool. They change monthly, just like a horoscope, and have been a great way for me to hear new music I never otherwise would have listened to. They even come with their own little horoscope if you’re into that sort of thing.

XOXO

Well this month just flew by, holy smokes! Here are a few things I’ve been indulging in.

All Out 70s – I was not meant for this era, I’m sure of it. Nothing I love better than dancing around to disco. And now I’m wondering if I could get away with installing a mirrored ball in my apartment…

Chill with Bob Ross – An all winter edition of the best show on the planet. I could (and do) fall asleep to this show every night. I think I’ve watched all the episodes at least three times now, and that’s only because Bob Ross: Beauty is Everywhere is also in my heavy rotation.

Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour – Because I’m not a baller, I’m probably never going to get to see Taytay in concert. I’m pretty ok with this. Then out of the blue, Netflix was like HOLD MY BEER. Taylor Swift for all! Yes, I’m a Swiftie, but this was a surprisingly emotional experience that only increased my love. Woman is crazy talented, powerful and vulnerable. Just all the heart eyes. (There is also a new Springsteen in concert. Amazing.)

XOXO

Because we had our first snow this week and I’m really cutting it close with the calendar…fall music wrap-up edition of Three Things! 

An Evening I Will Not Forget / Furthest Thing by Dermot Kennedy – I caught this guy on Acoustic Cafe while driving to and fro, and it definitely made me go the long way just to finish listening to his set.

Hey Mama by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats – I’m beyond a huge fan of this group. Tearing at the Seams is probs my favorite album of the whole year. 

Treading Water by Alex Clare – This album has been blasting on my headphones as I haul boxes up stairs forever and ever. The beat never gets old.

Bonus: Please Forgive Me by David Gray – An oldie, but an absolute must.

What was your must listen for fall?

XOXO

Wow, wow, wow. This is the first post I’m writing from my new apartment. I’ve been noticeably absent the past few weeks, and I really missed blog life. I tried to plan ahead, but alas, curveballs EVERYWHERE and I think I’m far from them ending. As such, this week’s things are inspired by comfort. Prepare for some cheesefest. 

The Princess Switch – Netflix’s latest Christmassy romance flick is so silly and predictable, and I still loved every second of it. I have several others lined up to watch while I assemble furniture.

That Girl is You by Dave Matthews Band – I’m a major softie for all things DMB, but this song in particular just makes me want to twirl around endlessly.

Fixer Upper – Both a sore point (given that I’m walking away from the fixer upper I bought with such high hopes), and a source of inspiration for things I want to do in my new home. Definitely a figurative and literal touch of Jo in my new space. 

XOXO