A list of beautiful things #20
a story about everything
Have you ever heard of hoar frost? It’s a grayish-white crystalline deposit of frozen water vapor formed in clear still weather. Here’s what it looks like.
I would love to accidentally fall into this.
It is amazing to me how four delicate pieces of cotton thread so perfectly capture the nature of streaming water.
A very simple illustration of the reality of daily life.
My friend Claire gave me this candle for my birthday, and the description is as scrumptious as it smells: “Old preserved castles and manor houses with epic tables of polished silverware. Plates full of oatcakes, eggs, smoked things, fishes, potato scones, toast.”
Recordings from the Åland Islands is my new favorite experimental album of late. According to a Pitchfork review, it “recalls Terrence Malick shots — endless golden-hour sunsets, slow-motion leaves rippling in the breeze, the whole bit.” (via Chris Scott)
David Erlich’s video essay roundups of the best films of the year always move me — I love the pop music juxtaposed with movie scenes of people dancing, laughing, crying, kissing. To me they capture the joy and heartbreak of being alive. I loved his No. 1 pick for 2022.
How to flex your soft power: “Destroy the belief that intimacy must be reserved for monogamous relationships” and other wise words from the poet Lora Mathis.
Can’t recommend this show enough: “This is a story about everything. It’s about life and marriage and how young love can become old resentment. And money. And dissatisfaction. And jealousy, ambition, career. Parenting, nostalgia and lifelong friendship.”
I don’t like sports, but I absolutely adore documentaries about athletes. This one about Tony Hawk was delightful — and the interviews with the other skaters reveal so much about his grit, determination and his propensity for kindness.
And some little things from me:
My book is being read by British students for their A Level English Language and Literature Exam.
I drew a kid’s guide to climate change — and it comes with a comic you can print out at home.
My Life Kit episode on how to make a meaningful connection to a work of art.
I turned 37 this month. My birthday wish is for you to please buy my new book, “It Won’t Always Be Like This.” If you’re a fan of this newsletter, you’re likely to be a fan of the book — it’s a meditation on family, relationships and belonging, set in the Middle East.
I’m giving birth sometime in the next couple of weeks. Here’s some art I made for my son Gustavo’s nursery.
Thank you for a wonderful issue of your newsletter!