6 - 10 in no particular order.
6. Dreaming Murakami -- DM is a documentary about Mette Holm the Danish translator of Haruki Murakami's novels. The film makers use the suitably surreal device of a Super Frog trying to connect with Holm as she prepares to publicly interview Murakami at a book festival. Super Frog is a character from Murakami’s “Super Frog Saves Tokyo”. It opens with:
“Katagiri found a giant frog waiting for him in his apartment. It was powerfully built, standing over six feet tall on its hind legs. A skinny little man no more than five foot three, Katagiri was overwhelmed by the frog's imposing bulk.
"Call me 'Frog,'" said the frog in a clear, strong voice.
Katagiri stood rooted in the doorway, unable to speak.
"Don't be afraid. I'm not here to hurt you. Just come and close the door. Please."
Briefcase in his right hand, grocery bag with fresh vegetables and canned salmon cradled in his left arm, Katagiri didn't dare move.”
My favorite scene was where Holm meets other translators of Murakami and they talk about how they exist as subjects in this magical realism world that Murakami has created. Dreaming Murakami Trailer
7. Endeavour and other gruesome cozies are excellent for winter binges. Right now, I’m on the last season of Endeavour available on Amazon Prime. Each episode plays like a 90 minute movie and the production value borders on excessive. But what bloody fun! Also, I have to say, Shaun Evans turns in a ridiculously nuanced performance for a show that doesn’t call for it. He is operating in a slightly sunnier range than Peter O’Toole did at his age but not by much. He’s fascinating to watch.
In addition, in February, Vulture came out with this entertaining article on the fictional body counts of small English communities where murder most foul is a weekly occurence.
8. I went down the internet rabbit hole with tea houses of the February moon and wrote this blog. There are rumors of a tea house being created on my property. I will keep you updated.
9. On his podcast WTF, Marc Maron often talks about his girlfriend, Sarah Cain, and her art work. In early February, The New York Times ran an article on her marvelous stain glassed windows. As most of you know, I live in a church. Wouldn’t these be dream windows?
10. Austin Kleon author of Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work! is now coming out with Keep Going. In it he talks about 10 ways to stay creative in good and bad times.
1. Every day is Groundhog Day.
2. Build a bliss station.
3. Forget the noun, do the verb.
4. Make gifts.
5. The ordinary + extra attention = the extraordinary
6. Slay the art monsters.
7. You’re allowed to change your mind.
8. When in doubt, tidy up.
9. Demons hate fresh air.
10. Plant your garden.
Here’s a video of him going over all 10. It’s a good talk. Check it out.
Thanks for reading!