So far I think it’s fair to say that 2020 has not been as anyone expected. Not to seem obtuse in stating the obvious, but these times are strange and navigating them as such is strange. We’re in a limbo between normal life and the new normal. As things open in varying degrees, little freedoms arise which is as exciting as it is unnerving.
It has been a tumultuous time that has caused many to look inwardly, reevaluate and reconsider behaviours and beliefs, educating oneself on things taken for granted and things assumed. It’s a time for development, to slow down and appreciate the little things. Whether that be acknowledging the good weather, making your favourite meal, or taking a little time for yourself to read my round up of silly, random, informative but above all else, interesting things.
To Cheer You Up
I’ve already explained that my time in lockdown has not quite been spent honing newfound skills, or reading anything more substantial than a magazine. However, I have been spending an exorbitant amount of time vegetating in front of Netflix, specifically binge watching ‘Cheer’. Before this, my knowledge of cheerleading surmounted to that of ‘Bring it On’. Which though a classic (IMO), focuses on hijacking dances, dodgey boyfriends and drama. However, ‘Cheer’ shows the athletic ability and commitment necessitated in competitive cheerleading and the inspirational characters of the team. A particular favourite being Jerry Harris, who’s infectious spirit and mood boosting ‘mat talk’ makes him the best friend we all need.
Tween Pop for you Thirties
Jerry may be a new favourite, but I took great delight in rediscovering an old favourite - JoJo. Yes, just at the mention of her name, I bet you’re humming her most memorable hit, ‘get out, right now...’. As contagious as that song was, I can’t believe that I forgot about JoJo, I guess it’s testament to the fickleness of the tween mind... However, 16 years later, here she is, new album and new blonde hair in tow, giving her story of perseverance, resilience and what releasing an album in quarantine is like. Though her new music isn’t my preference now, it was a nostalgia filled read, rediscovering an old favourite and conjuring up memories of life in the noughties.
Organised Khaos
Something about being at home for more time than usual has left me with an insatiable need to organise. Perhaps my attempts for control in amongst the chaos are endemic of the times of now? Whatever the causation, it has led me to what is one of the most satisfying articles I have ever read, divulging the glories of turntables, stackable canisters and drawer inserts. This may be considered to be facilitating my neurotic compulsions, but I prefer to think of it as educating my newfound propensity for orderliness and allowing me to do so in style, it does come Kardashian endorsed after all.
The Price of Fashion
It wouldn’t be a true round up of interesting things if it didn’t include at least one article by Vogue - I’m consistent like that. The pandemic has thrown everything into flux, has left many reevaluating the truly important things of life and brought about a reconsideration of material impulses. The latter being a point elucidated upon, by asking ‘what is the right price of fashion?’ As a frequent purchaser of clothing who is actively renegotiating my fast fashion impulses, reading up on the business of fashion is truly interesting and raises pertinent questions over the financial implications of fast fashion (& the workers that this disproportionately affects) and the reasoning behind the pricing of designer items. Who’d have thought the mathematics of fashion could be so interesting!
Super Heroes during a not so Super Time
What better way to make use of this downtime than filling it with all the things you wish you’d done, for me that includes watching the entirety of the Marvel cinematic universe in chronological order. Yes, I have a lot of time on my hands (pandemic life). But reserve your judgement. Spending time doing all of the pointless yet deeply gratifying things you always secretly wanted to do, but didn’t think A) you could warrant spending that much time dedicated to doing so and B) not wanting to be met with the judgement of peers when asked “what did you do this weekend?”. Alas, a pandemic affords one the freedom to spend a lot of time preoccupying yourself indoors and this is where I found myself. Currently I’m a third of the way through this endeavour. Read here if you’d also like to join the Marvel marathon.
Supporting with Pride
Not to get all my interesting things from one source, but Vogue is a trove of interest and I have found their short films documenting various LGBTQ+ groups in celebration of Pride month, to be truly inspiring and enlightening. Celebrating togetherness at this time of great separation is of the utmost importance (& should be of priority always). Having outlets exploring and elucidating upon the uniqueness of humankind regardless of differences and surpassing the geographical limitations temporarily imposed, gives a sense of camaraderie and kinship when isolation could all too easily swallow us up. What better thing than to see people being unapologetically and unabashedly their true selves.
And for bonus interesting things (because if you can’t go off script now then when can you?) Paris Hilton is still Paris Hilton pandemic be damned, teenagers are making the best (?) of mask life and 2021 is already looking like it’s going to outdo 2020 (not that it would take much) as a Spice Girls documentary is set for release. Time to start practising your zig-a-zig-ahs.
(Photos via: Vogue.co.uk, Billboard.com, Coveteur.com & Elle.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment