07.2021 Heat Bowl
Seems I’ve burnt myself out on “challenging” experiences. I dropped movies almost completely and abandoned Sekiro. Instead, I’ve been watching a lot of cartoons and reading short stories in my hammock. Seasons for everything.
This month’s playlist:
Amphibia
A quintessential Saturday morning cartoon with a few tricks up its sleeve. The characters are charming and there is a slow burn arc that weaves its way through the mostly standalone sitcom episodes. It’s an easy watch. With a little drama. As a treat.
Also, the main character is Thai American (which I’m sure is some sort of first) and it’s refreshing to hear Thai pronounced correctly in western media.
Exhalation
Ted Chiang has solidified himself as one of my favorite writers, up there with C.S. Lewis. I’m awed how he interrogates narrow conceits so deeply, building to such thoughtful conclusions it demands the reader lay down their book and brood for a period of time.
I’ll be here, waiting patiently, when he releases his next short story collection.
SHINSEKAI: Into the Depths
The crazy bastards did it. They made an entire game the underwater level. Thankfully it’s actually fun to play.
SHINSEKAI is a chill Metroidvania that emphasizes exploration and relegates combat to brief, yet lethal, encounters. Despite a harrowing duel with a nasty bobbit worm, I spent a nice afternoon in a hammock plumbing the depths.
But this game brought back to mind probably the most beautiful game I’ve ever played: Aquaria. That indie game back in 2007 inspired such a sense of wonder in me; I haven’t been able to shake it to this day.
A Monster Calls
An adequate adaptation of the original book. That said, read the book. This gem is best experienced on the page with the exquisite illustrations of Jim Kay alongside the words of Patrick Ness and letting your imagination do the rest.
Baths
Been listening to this artist for years. One of my go-tos when I need some music to help me focus on writing. Check out this track that samples Kiki’s Delivery Service.
This month I also recorded some timelapses, and wrote about the end of time and a bonfire.