Well. For the first time since the series began…I skipped a month of Muses. I didn’t write a December post.
Gasp.
I’m blaming a combination of Christmas and the need to wind down after months of non-stop writing. I’m also pretty sure nobody wants to read a blog post with just a list of Christmas films and music.
Anyway, the longest month is over and we are full steam ahead into spring now. I love the transition seasons – autumn and spring are beautiful, not too hot/cold, and just have the air of anticipation about them. I can’t wait for daffodils and slightly warmer days.
For now, let’s have a look at what kept me going during the long dark nights of January. By the way, I’ve decided to change the format of these posts slightly and get rid of the ‘sections’ for these posts; from now on, it’s just a list of good things – the best of the stuff I read, wrote, listened to and experienced in January 2019.
Enjoy!
Sex Education
This latest Netflix hit is something special. The acting is fantastic and the storyline manages to bridge both hilarious and poignant perfectly. You might think that the name would suggest plenty of rumpy-pumpy throughout the show, and you would be right – if you’re a prude, maybe this isn’t the show for you. It normalises discussions around sex, and I have to say as well, I adored Gillian Anderson and hope that I look like her (complete with her wardrobe) when I am a little older!
They’ve just announced Season 2 – to my delight! – and I already cannot wait for more!
You
I wasn’t going to put this on here, but I almost feel like I have to prove I watched it! I loved You on Netflix and binged in one weekend. It wasn’t perfect; the characters were often frustrating (buy some damn curtains, Beck!), the narration was irritating at times and it was slightly far fetched. However, it was gripping and entertaining, and that’s the main thing.
I’m not so sure about another season, though. We’ll have to see what that’s like.
American Idiot
I saw American Idiot at the Mayflower Theatre in January and it was my first theatre review of the year. It’s not my favourite musical, but it was very entertaining, the music, set and cast were brilliant, and it rekindled my love for Green Day (I have been listening to them ever since).
Read my review of American Idiot
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
This book reminded me a little of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine; a hard-to-warm-to protagonist and their growth as a result of some unexpected events. It was a joy to read, and I highly recommend if you’re looking for your next book.
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
This book took me a few chapters to get into but it blew me away by the end. It was beautifully written and tackled some important and thought-provoking topics; a great start to my 2019 reading list.
Bohemian Rhapsody
As a big fan of Queen I knew I’d have to see this film, and I caught it just before it left the cinema. It was good fun and moving, too, and Rami Malek was fantastic as Freddie. The story of Mercury’s rise to stardom, and Queen, left me feeling inspired and motivated to make something of life. I’m not ashamed to say the Live Aid scenes brought tears to my eyes.
Love Stories with Dolly Alderton: Stanley Tucci
I adore Dolly’s podcast, Love Stories. I have a nasty feeling she said this would be the last one, which breaks my heart; but I am so happy to have it back for another series.
Her interview with the marvelous Stanley Tucci was all I hoped it would be and I listened to it on a Sunday afternoon walk around the local Common. Stanley is charming and fascinating and it was one of my favourite episodes yet. Make time to listen to this, for sure.
Artemis
My driven and brilliant friend Bronwen has been cooking up something exciting behind the scenes for a good few months…and she finally launched it in January!
Artemis is a platform designed to amplify the voices of amazing women around the world. The idea is simple: essays written on topics from A-Z by women, and those who identify as female, with something to say. Each writer will then nominate another for their chance to speak up, share stories or question convention.
Naturally, we start with A – A for Ambition.
I had the absolute privilege of being asked to contribute to the very first theme with my thoughts on the above, and I came up with an essay called ‘The Drive, But No Destination’; about being ambitious, but having no ambition.
I can’t wait to see what Artemis brings over the coming months, and highly recommend you check them out on Instagram to find out more.
Jo Fisher Writes 