Three Things: Time and Space
This holiday came out of nowhere. When our boss said at all-hands last week, “Thanksgiving is next week,” there were audible gasps. How in the fresh hell did this happen? The pandemic sealed us all in a bubble that bounced along the time-space continuum of its own accord (stick with me here) and for some reason we’re still in it. Some days feel like they last for years and others flash by in seconds. January was just a couple of months ago. Isn’t it still 2021?
I thought my theme today was going to be food but apparently I’m headed in another direction. How about some metaphysics for your Sunday morning?
🎥 David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived (Max)
There’s no better time to remind yourself of how much you have. I’m not sure why the story of Daniel Radcliffe’s stuntman isn’t better known, so am glad they’re telling it now. In rehearsals for the final Harry Potter movie, Holmes broke his neck and was paralyzed. The ensuing years are quite a story of pain, struggle, and growth among everyone involved. The guilt and grief everyone in his circle, including Radcliffe, still wrestles with just pours off the screen. It’s a fascinating story.
📖 Jitterbug Perfume
I loaned this to a millennial coworker recently and was surprised to discover that he’d never heard of Tom Robbins. If the same is true for you - or even if it isn’t - settle in and prepare for one of the most original writers you’ll ever read. Back when I was obsessed with him, I read somewhere that he would regularly take an entire day to write one sentence. You’ll understand why very quickly. Trying to accurately summarize this novel is pointless so I’ll just say it involves time travel, beets, and the Greek god Pan.
🎥 The Spirit of the Beehive (Criterion Channel)
Holiday weeks are the perfect time to watch obscure, meditative foreign films. No come on, really! Eat a bunch of carbs and snuggle into your couch under a blanket while watching an adorable seven-year-old ponder questions of existence after the Spanish Civil War. It’s more enjoyable than it sounds. It really is a beautiful film and one I’m betting was a big influence on Terrence Malick.
I hope this week finds you among loved ones and a full table. I’m thankful that you read this every week. xoxo