Early winter
A little this a little that, military simulation, state mandated music video hour
Good morning.
I am savoring a rare work from home day today. It’s rainy and dreary and I have this running on the TV:
It’s so calming and beautiful. I love setting a vibe through my TV. The possibilities are endless. This one is fun because it starts in a cute little Welsh town and then it gets into the great expanse of the countryside. There’s no music, just a quiet rumbling with subtle whistling when the horn blows from time to time. It’s so soothing.
Busy busy
I’ve been visiting the art storage facility with more regularity, something atypical for me. It’s amazing you go to a museum and realize so much of its collection isn’t even on view. There’s only so many walls you can place artwork on.
Of all the art in the world, I wonder what fraction is actually currently on view, whether privately or for the public. I imagine much of it is currently just in a storage facility somewhere, sitting in a crate or on a rack.
It does make me sad, and I suppose this is the whole thing with collecting, but so much art spends its life in a crate… Really quite a shame. But at least there are collecting institutions out there that try to bring art to the public. That at least makes me feel better.
The days and the holiday parties have melted together and the commutes home have been so dark and so slippery. The city froze over, but it finally melted and you don’t have to concentrate so hard on every step. Nothing better than coming into a friends quiet home after a chaotic train ride to a nice meal. My friend made udon and hand rolls, just look at that spread.
Earlier this week I was trying to be so cool and pull the “I’m only going to stay for an hour” card for my work holiday party, but that didn’t stick. I had a ton of sparkling wine, cycled in and out of the photo booth, and danced until they kicked us out. All on a Monday. I wish I had slept better that night, but I have no regrets. It was a great party.
By the time I got to Thursday and we had one more team holiday gathering, I was tapped out. Only crudite and a half glass of wine for me. I need liquid diet.
My #1 fav, ultimate girl crush HBG (Hailey Benton Gates) came out with a movie called Atropia that I saw last week. It’s her first feature film and it was great.
I have been following HBG for years, there’s just something about her. She’s mesmerizing to me. I think I discovered her because she modeled for Maryam Nassir Zadeh and I’ve just been watching what she’s up to since.
She had a show on Vice in 2016 called States of Undress that ran for two seasons that was very fun. She would visit countries far and wide and try to uncover the state of fashion in each location. I would describe it as an Anthony Bourdain show, but about fashion rather than food.
I really loved Atropia. It was a very original concept… IMDb describes the movie: “Follows an aspiring actress working on a U.S. military base that simulates an Iraqi war zone."
It was produced by Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Call Me By Your Name) and is just so beautifully shot. Not a wasted frame for quite a silly, strange movie. I don’t laugh at movies, but this had me laughing. It was light in the moment, but when I left I realized it was actually so depressing and none of the jokes were funny anymore. I’m still thinking about the depiction of PTSD. Very heavy.
Anyway, after the screening there was a Q&A with HBG and Chloe Sevigny, moderated by Celine Song (Director of the Materialists). The screening and Q&A was at the IFC Center for $19 a ticket - unbeatable once in a lifetime deal. It was a dream to see those ladies gab in a room. All of this to say that I love the IFC Center. They have amazing merch and really fun programming at approachable costs.
And one more piece of HBG lore, it was also rumored that the character Bella Baxter in the movie Poor Things was inspired by her. It’s quite obvious if you ask me.
I love an early weekend night and an early weekend morning.
I saw this TikTok and saved it like it was my literal to do list. This is literally my vibe right now I need this every weekend or I’ll be so unwell. I need to wind down.
It has been the coldest December, but thank God NYC is a fun city to run around in and also just has the best interiors to tuck into. The winter side of things can be a harsh adjustment, but it’s not all bad.
I am very much looking forward to calm family time in Indiana. I hope we’ve now reached the restful portion of the month.
Gay Guy Music Video Night
I leave you with some ammunition for your next gay guy music video night. It’s when you watch music videos with your friends. You don’t have to be gay, but if you’re already doing this, well…
I assume people are still watching music videos, but I can’t really tell. I hope so. This is my big push to really get in there and stay abreast of music videos.
I’ll start with Mariah. She has obviously always looked amazing, but this was just over the top. Bombshell. Snoop is so smooth and perfect on this song. Underappreciated according to moi.
New fav Turkish pop girl. I love when she’s thrashing in the parking lot with her dancers. The music is cute and I’m loving the vibe/world she’s building. She’s one to watch for me!!
Perfect Beyonce song. Perfect pink outfits. Perfect everything. Zero edits, could watch 100 times. I was obsessed with learning these lyrics when I was little.
I love JazzGa and it’s the holidays so required: Lady Gaga Thanksgiving special.
I am obsessed with this song, but I am not so sold on the video. But I’m gonna suggest you watch it anyway. This is a Timbaland all timer and this was when Justin had crazy swag. I heard this song come on in a club in Berlin in like 2017? and I levitated. It has stuck with me in such a profound way. The touch of Timbaland.
It is funny to watch 50 Cent talk so much shit about Diddy in the press, but I couldn’t help but think this video was giving freak off vibes. Just one woman’s opinion.
Gwen was always making THE best videos, but God was she in here bag here… Early Winter is the anthem right now, no question. It’s an early winter as hell in New York. But seriously this music video, wow. Just unbelievable. And a smoky eye that could kill…
Ok byeeee stay warm or safe travels or peace and love whatever your vibe is over the next few weeks of the holidays xx.
Thank you for this proverbial pot of udon 🤲🏼
that iphone 17 front cam selfie goes crazy