#33 A list of things you might like to share over coffee

Agreements, Pamela Anderson and older women’s wisdom

1. A letter from me

Hello friend,

First, I must apologise because I didn't get a chance to compile my list of interesting things to share over coffee last week.

At first, I felt a little guilty, but then I realised sometimes it's ok to take a break if I still haven't found enough new recommendations and share them with you.

I have many things to balance simultaneously, so I don't always get time to consume everything I desire.

These lists are a special bonus, where I can share my interests beyond any niche.

I feel a little frustrated by labelling myself as an 'Italy expert', so I want to explore my other interests with you.

I'm thinking of making these kinds of posts like a wild card where I can share something else I might be working on.

We'll see how we go, as the next month is tricky; I have plenty to do.

But I like keeping everything a little free and flexible. So I get some freedom to write whatever comes to mind, and you get a random post occasionally.

Sound good?

After all, this newsletter is called a load off my mind.

2. What I've been reading

This week in search of inspiration and with the desire to find some new focus, I've been re-reading The four agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This fascinating book about spirituality and philosophy is based on the knowledge handed down by the Toltecs, an ancient southern Mexican nation dedicated to conserving their ancestral wisdom. 

The Toltec is not a religion; instead, it honours specific universal truths that certain spiritual masters have taught and passed on to future generations.

The four agreements describe a rule that encapsulates a way of life that encourages happiness and love.

This simple and down-to-earth book, written by Don Miguel Ruiz, is an oral history that encourages a life of authenticity with a frank acknowledgement of human spirituality while not clouded by the distractions of complex modern life. 

3. What I've been listening to

This week I've been flicking through a few different genres and sounds. I've lacked focus and a desire for creativity, so I've listened to some random things.

I went and hunted down some soul-soothing Ben Harper. His voice always tends to soothe my anxiety and stress; he seems reassuring, like he knows everything will turn out fine. 

Then I've been listening to some Indigo Girls. I have never been a huge fan, but their country sound and harmonies are also about finding some resolution in the chaos of life.

And finally, to remind me of the randomness and quirkiness of creativity and life, I listened to some Talking Heads. David Byrne's songwriting and voice are like listening to a slightly askew, wise man shaman who has tapped into some universal truth and knowledge. Byrne's point of view is always refreshing, and he always has a fresh perspective.

All in all, it's been a bizarre kind of week.

Our playlist looks quite insane; by the end of the year, we could have something unique to remind us of how strange these times have been.

Be sure to go over and listen on Spotify.

3. What I've been watching

This week I've sadly begun watching the fifth and final season of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. I knew the series wouldn't last forever, but the characters developed have an evergreen element to them, and I do kind of wish they'd be around forever.

But I'm trying to appreciate the mastery of the screenwriter's very tight and fun script. The dialogues and larger-than-life recreation of the 50s, 60s and now gradually into the 70s has been nothing but astounding.

The ensemble cast is filled with superb character actors who have given their talent and limitless energy to the series.

I wonder how everything will be wrapped up at the end of the season. Things are being slowly rationed out, the first three episodes were released, and now there is one more.

It's going to be a long goodbye.

4. Documentary of the week

This week on Netflix, I took a look at the documentary Pamela, a love story dedicated to Pamela Anderson's story. It was an exciting look at Anderson's personal history; it was a bit strange to take a trip back to the 90s.

I never realised her, and Tommy Lee Jones's sex tape controversy was the first of its kind and how much she sacrificed for herself and her children.

Anderson has led an extreme life and made some terrible and crazy decisions. Yet, now in her 50s, she seems much wiser, more forgiving and stronger for all of her wild experiences.

Photo by cottonbro studio

5. Podcast crush

This week I stumbled across the most exciting new podcast, hosted by Julia Louis Dreyfus, titled Wiser than Me, in which she talks to older, wiser women. In the first episode, Julia interviews Jane Fonda, who shares some fascinating experiences from her over a six-decade career.

The idea of talking to older women as fonts of valuable experience and knowledge is a refreshing one. In a modern society that often ignores women after a certain age, it seems like a fitting tribute to dedicate some time to some valuable matriarchs of our time.

The following two episodes are devoted to conversations with Isabel Allende and the ineffable Fran Lebowitz.

I hope the episodes keep coming, as I know this new podcast will become a favourite.

6. Words to remember

I found this excellent quote in Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic newsletter. It reminded me not to take the actions or comments of others too much to heart which is always tricky to remember, especially if you are the sensitive type like I am. But we need to remember:

People who are selfish. People who are obnoxious. People who are ignorant, egotistical, people who recline their seats on airplanes, and frustrate you to no end. When you come across these people, Marcus Aurelius writes, "You can hold your breath until you're blue in the face, and they'll just go on doing it."

Or you can remind yourself, they're like the squirrels. They're doing what's natural to them. It's just their nature. And it's pointless to get mad at nature

7. Quote of the week

This beautiful quote from Kurt Vonnegut reminds us of the importance of creativity for everyone.

Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow.

8. Instagram finds

This week I found this great video from Giorgia Rosenbluth, an English teacher in Rome, about why Italians find it challenging to learn English.

I think it is a genuine and honest perspective; after all, she has so much experience teaching English to Italians, and as someone who has taught in schools here, I think it hit the nail on the head.

Click on the link to see the reel on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CrWJ3eoMPu5/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

I hate to be long-winded, so I will stop here.

I'll try to share something worthwhile, well thought out and new here every week, perhaps more often if I get frisky or in some karmic writing zone.

Thanks for subscribing, and be sure to send this to a friend or someone you think might enjoy this.

Speak again soon.

With love and light from RDB

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