january media
January was a period of resetting my space, and setting the tone for media that I am planning on consuming this year. My goals this new year were more time spent moving my body with intention, less time on my phone, more long-form media, and as always, an increase in time spent reading. I am proud to say that I am feeling quite successful in my attempts at establishing these goals into my daily routine, and now I get to tell you all about it!
Reading Roundup!
East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952) ★★★★★
This classic novel has held the attention of readers everywhere for such delicious reasons that are beyond my capability of truly explaining. I imagine that the experience of reading this work is incredibly personal for most who are discovering the wonder of Steinbeck through his incredibly built Salinas Valley. Reading this piece at the time I did greatly changed my perspective on how immersive language can truly be, if one knows how to fold personal experience and humility into a story for another to hold. I know with intense certainty that this will be a book I pick up again and again in my lifetime, as I can learn more from each reread. I Highly recommend dipping your toes into the world of Steinbeck, and willing yourself to experience reading with a new sense of wonder as you do.
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (2006) ★★★★☆
I picked up Eat, Pray, Love after Dawson’s mom recommended it to me while she was visiting. She had been listening to the audiobook on her long journey to our house, while also reading Gilbert’s most recent publication All The Way to the River. In a similar spirit to East of Eden, reading this work where I am now felt very impactful. Experiencing Gilbert’s self exploration through new places, conversations, and practices inspired me to push myself to experience more within my reach (hence the dedication to writing, reading, and yoga that I am building). I will say that I am excited to watch the movie sometime soon to see the popular visual that Julia Roberts brings to the screen. I would recommend this book to any woman (or person, for that matter), who needs a reminder that it is not the end of the world to pick up the pieces and start again, no matter where your starting line may be.
January Feature Films
One of my biggest wishes for the new year was to watch more movies! Most of my TV habits are rewatching comfort shows (hello New Girl and How I Met Your Mother), or indulging in Criminal Minds, yet I know that both of these choices are not the best for me. Thankfully I have a partner who is also invested in this journey, and I am incredibly proud of myself for being able to sit through EIGHT!!! movies this month (I only fell asleep during a few of them). My ratings for each of them are below, however I would say that Marty Supreme and the Dune movies were the most interesting for me. A24 films are consistently highly rated in my book, and I am excited for the future of film from this studio.
Ratings:
Marty Supreme (2025) ★★★★☆
Dune (2021) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dune: Part Two (2024) ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Batman (2022) ★★★★☆
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) ★★★★☆
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) ★★★★☆
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) ★★★★☆
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) ★★★★☆
Honorable Mentions!!!
Of course movies and books are not the only media that I consumed this month, so here are some honorable mentions that deserve the light of Substack!
Music Corner:
Above is one of my favorite daylists that Spotify has ever gifted me. Although my music listening is honestly quite minimal these days, whenever I am in the car this is my typical playlist to shuffle. Dawson said that this would be the best playlist to describe my music taste - almost all my favorites are on it!
Podcast Corner:
Ologies with Alie Ward
Critical Ponerology (What is “Evil”) with Kenneth Mackendrick hosted by Alie Ward. I can not recommend listening to Ologies enough. When I am not listening to true crime or NPR, you can find me learning from beloved “ologists” and Alie Ward. This was one of my favorite episodes, and I do think that in these trying times learning the weight of words that tend to have a negative connotation can be both informative and relevant to our daily conversations.
Substack Articles:
out-of-season fruit by Madi
A delightful (and light) read from Madi on food lessons through life. Something for everyone, so we all leave a bit fuller.
Raindrops on Roses by Madalin
Such an interesting bit of info to read on and further savor. The thought of women building religion and the introduction of god(dess) is delightful. One of my favorite pieces I have ever read on Substack.
Youtube Corner:
Yoga With Adriene
In order to move my body I often turn to at home yoga. Thankfully Adriene has hundreds of videos that fit my needs, and I have been following along with the 30 day yoga flow series. I hope to consistently practice in a daily fashion by the end of the year.
Morgan Evelyn Cook
Morgan is witty and hilarious and very fun to watch. I tend to pop a YouTube video while painting my nails or folding the laundry, and I have watched a handful of her videos while doing so. I am excited to get back into longer videos as I break away from my phone.
Thankfully I have another eleven months to continue taking stuff in before having to pick my favorites for the year. I am tickled with how much time I have to take in the beautiful work of others, and I am eternally grateful that I am a being that can be inspired by the greatness of other beings. Thank you so much for reading what I have been into :-)
Talk soon!
thank you for the feature 💌 I so appreciate!
x,
another soul completing a Harry Potter marathon as we speak