State of Gray

View Original

Reading & Watching

Books…

I am trying SO HARD to read…but between the new blog and my coloring book addiction and just daily stuff, I find myself not reading as much as I would like these days.

Y’all - I have 428 books on my GoodReads “Want To Read” list!

Recently though…

I’m finishing Rain Of Gold. It takes place in the mountains of Mexico during the revolution and then California during Prohibition. It is a true life saga of how the author’s parents meet and finally marry. This is an older book that’s been on my list forever. It started out really great, but the book is very long, and started lagging for me. I still recommend it but it has been a slow read for me.

Flower Flash. I gave this to my mom for Christmas because we both love flowers. It sounds corny, but it is truly A FEAST FOR THE EYES! It’s is all the Flower Flashes documented in NYC before and during Covid. Famous floral designer, Lewis Miller, does these flower bombs all over NYC - blooms cascading out of trash cans, over bus canopies and in traffic medians - to give New Yorkers a smile and raise spirits when times are tough. He heads out before sunrise and people discover his work (and immediately devour it) on their way to work. I loved it.

ON MY RADAR - The Little Book of Hygge, Still Alice (I know, I know), and Mingo (my friend’s husband’s first book) and more!


Screen…

The Great. I loved the first season. So much. The language is pretty raunchy, but it is a hilarious dark comedy, loosely based on the life of Catherine the Great. The costumes are phenomenal and the scenery and architecture are gorgeous. Elle Fanning stars as Catherine. I just finished watching the second season, and I still liked it, but this one is reaaaaalllllyyyy raunchy. Don’t watch it if you don’t like bad language and dark comedy. It’s on Hulu.

OLD. I love M. Night Shyamalan’s movies usually - he’s so weird. If you like his movies, this one is not his best but it’s pretty good. It’s about a secluded beach on some tropical island where people start to begin aging rapidly. The beach itself seems ordinary, but they discover the resort that sent them there, has some strange connections. I think you still have to rent it.

Get Back. Of course I watched the fabulous documentary of the Beatles’ making the Let It Be album and their 1969 rooftop concert in London. You are actually watching the greatest band of all time, write songs and record them. It is mind blowing and life changing, and no discussion is needed. It’s on Disney +. Watch it. Get Back JoJo. 🎶

Succession. Season Three is very very good. This is a dysfunctional, very rich family who owns a media empire. The dad loves his kids but has a twisted way of showing it. Excellent acting. But very dark. But hilarious. I only have 1/2 of the last episode to go, and it supposedly going to be an amazing ending. We shall see. It’s on HBO.

Emily In Paris. This is great to binge watch for a lark. Lily Collins’ wardrobe is ridiculously fun and a Paris backdrop is always nice. Some of the acting is great and some is not so great. But again, it’s slightly more culture than I’m going to get on Bravo. 😬 It’s on Netflix.

ON MY RADAR - The Tender Bar, The Gilded Age, The Servant, The Morning Show, Killing Eve, Mrs. Maisel and more!


games…

I know you play them.

We all do. Here’s something better than Solitaire. Find them where your Apps are on your phone.

Mind Pal…Brain Training. Daily fun games to better your problem solving, math, language, attention, memory and speed.

I Love Hue & I Love Hue Too…A journey into color and perception. You arrange puzzle pieces into spectrums. Gorgeous puzzle games that are lovely to look at and listen to. Very soothing and beautiful.

Monument Valley & Monument Valley 2…Another stunning puzzle game with tranquil music. You manipulate optical illusions with architecture and you guide little Princess Ida through mazes on her journey. Also very soothing and beautiful.

Enjoy!