- Listening to your gut
- What’s happening in the studio?
- Bibliophile
- Whatcha watching
- March ahead & don’t try too hard
- In the end, what really matters is..
Listening to your gut
Have you ever found yourself in circumstances where an inner voice warns you that something is amiss, yet you proceed regardless? Often referred to as a gut feeling or instinct, my experiences have shown that this inner guidance frequently points toward the correct course of action. Being a woman carries significant strengths, yet it also comes with a pervasive anxiety about potential harm, vulnerability, or an overall sense of insecurity.
During my tenure at a prestigious technology consultancy, I resided in a women’s hostel, the most suitable option I could afford. One particular evening, following a demanding 14-hour work shift, I was dropped off by the office bus in proximity to my hostel, a familiar ritual of my daily routine.
I understood that I needed to wake my roommates, who would likely be displeased at having to let me in. A man on a scooter, came up behind me and seized my hand, attempting to force me onto his vehicle and possibly onto his lap. The sharp edge of fear clawed at my throat as I retaliated with every ounce of strength I had, sprinting towards the nearest house, where I knocked, shouted, and kicked until someone finally opened the door.
Fortunately, they allowed me entry, took my distress seriously, and listened with a sense of conviction. It was another women’s hostel, and in the dimly lit living room, I could sense a profound familiarity in their expressions; we had formed a sisterhood not from affection, but from our shared experiences in life.
The rationale behind sharing this narrative, rooted in a past I have never forgotten, is to convey to girls, women, and sisters that this scary situation transcends geographical boundaries; it is not confined to cultural contexts and can occur anywhere to anyone. Therefore, if you ever find yourself questioning someone’s intentions, trust your instincts.
Despite my desire for independence, I frequently succumbed to peer pressure during my youth, making choices that, in retrospect, were regrettable. In essence, do not conform simply because others do. Do not engage in relationships merely because your peers have partners and you do not. When I say, “You be you,” I do so with sincerity—this is the only pathway to your happiness and safety.
What’s happening in the studio?
Bees Knees
As the weather warms and the garden bursts forth in a riot of colors, my heart races in anticipation of the glorious season when bees will dance joyfully in my backyard. The delightful buzz of these tiny creatures mingles with the intoxicating scent of freshly cut grass, creating a symphony of summer that is impossible to ignore. Here, let me paint a vivid picture for you: bees, vibrant and alive, flitting exuberantly from one exquisite poppy flower to another, embodying the sheer joy of that enchanting time of year.
Chanticleer
I vividly recalled a family trip to the Lake District, undeniably one of the most breathtaking spots and national parks in the UK, where we resided in a charming old house perched atop a hill. Each morning, instead of being jolted awake by an alarm, we were greeted by the enchanting sound of a cockadoodledoo singing outside our bedroom window. The house’s owner proudly kept chickens, among them a magnificent rooster that was the heart of our mornings. Hence, a picture from that trip—a proud rooster with cascading hops in the background. Hops (in case you don’t know), those stunning cone-shaped flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant, serve a vital purpose in the art of brewing, infusing beers with their delightful bitterness, aroma, and flavour.
Bibliophile
I have some questions .. by Rebecca Makkai ****
To say this is merely a thriller would be a grave understatement. If you’ve ever reflected on the myriad experiences you’ve endured while growing up, convinced they were ‘normal’, this book fearlessly flings open those long-shut doors, demanding the piercing question: ‘Why is it okay?’. This is the essence of the #MeToo movement, confronting uncomfortable truths, shattering societal norms, and challenging cancel culture in a compelling narrative. Bodie, a captivating podcaster, remains haunted by her years in a boarding school where her roommate Thalia was tragically murdered. Those haunting memories linger, and when she returns to the school, now as a teacher for just two weeks, she’s inexorably drawn back into the chilling mystery of who truly killed Thalia. I might be underselling it by likening it to a mere whodunnit, but believe me, it transcends that—it’s a tapestry woven with complexity, richness, and depth. If you’re yearning to transform your perspective, this book is nothing short of your Holy Grail.
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (Sci – fi) ****
Some Desperate Glory is a gripping tale set in the haunting aftermath of a war that left humanity in ruins, costing them their very Earth and paving the way for a ruthless fascist terrorist cell bent on vengeance. Yet, at its heart, this story delves deeply into the harrowing power of indoctrination and the staggering lengths to which individuals will go to cling to the false security it offers: a sense of safety, a compelling purpose, a profound meaning in life, the desperate need to feel valued, to be wanted, to belong, and to embrace a mission that transcends the self. Uniquely, the transformative journey of the young hero(ine), Valkyr, shatters her once-unshakeable beliefs, propelling her toward the core of her moral compass in a desperate struggle for survival. This is science fiction, yes, but its resonance with our contemporary world is striking and undeniable.
Whatcha watching
The Critic (Amazon Prime) ***
Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is a harsh theatre critic in 1930s London, known for his brutality. When the new owner of the Daily Chronicle threatens his job, he reacts with the ferocity of a trapped honey badger. His plans affect a vulnerable starlet (Gemma Arterton), a lovesick journalist (Mark Strong), and even his live-in “secretary,” Tom (Alfred Enoch), who all become victims of his ruthless tactics.
Bridget Jones – Mad about the boy (Vue) ****
A Friday evening out with girlfriends, after a gruelling workweek, is the perfect backdrop for this heartfelt rom-com! It’s Bridget’s fourth adventure and she’s now a single mother of two, having tragically lost her Mr. Darcy in a bomb explosion in Sudan. She’s navigating the tumultuous waters of life, motherhood, and grief, visibly weary yet undeniably authentic—tired, sleepless, sad, and at times, exuberantly happy. That rawness is what makes this film so powerful! Someone quipped, “oh she’s too old,” but I say if we don’t criticize men for their age on screen, we must extend that courtesy to women too! Bridget Jones’ movies evoke laughter and tears in equal measure, reminding us all that you don’t have to look like a million dollars to be a princess in your own right.
The Seagull (Barbican) ****
The play starts with Zachary Hart (The Constituent, Old Vic) who plays the besotted Simon Medvedenko, arriving onstage on a quad bike with a guitar and performs Billy Bragg‘s The Milkman Of Human Kindness. Staging Chekhov is always a challenge for any director however, this adaptation is truly steered by Cate Blanchett’s Arkadina, who is over the top, self obsessed to the point that she ridicules her own son and his efforts at playwrighting. She’s supported by a sturdy crew of Tom Burke as Trigorin, Emma Corrin as Nina and Jason Watkins as Sorin and the rest. And no it’s not a cheerful play, Chekhov never is.
The Importance of Being Earnest (NT Live at Curzon) ****
Max Webster’s sumptuous period dress production ignites this vibrant tale of Algernon (Ncuti Gatwa, flamboyance personified), Jack (Hugh Skinner, comically vulnerable), and their thrilling secret identities, steeped in queer doubleness. This exhilarating production brims with delightful mischief, drawing inspiration from Bridgerton’s visual grandeur while peppering in playful pop references—from the infectious musical strains of Snoop Dogg to nods to the beloved queer London club, Dalston Superstore. Yet, amidst its cheeky awareness, it masterfully balances fidelity to Wilde’s text with a spirited 21st-century playfulness. The upper-class characters exude the charm of naughty children run amok, from the endearing, awkward romance between Reverend Canon Chasuble (Richard Cant) and the exquisitely brilliant Miss Prism (Amanda Lawrence) to Algernon and Jack, who skip hand in hand or bicker over muffins like posh, overgrown schoolboys.
Challengers (Prime Video) ***
If this movie could be summed up with a few powerful keywords, they would unmistakably be tennis and rivalry. Art and Patrick, who rise together in the tennis hall from their Junior days, are captivated by the dazzling Tashi Duncan, portrayed by Zendaya, a champion whose star power is undeniable. Tashi enters into relationships with both men but ultimately chooses to marry Art. However, the plot thickens in a gripping tournament called Challengers, where her ex-lover and her husband face off as fierce competitors across the net.
March ahead & don’t try too hard
Changing schools and starting afresh is an immense challenge for young hearts. I felt this deeply in my own childhood as my father moved cities for work, but I truly witnessed its weight through my daughter last year. The struggle to ‘hold on’ to old friendships is a battle of its own. We’ve endured countless nights filled with self-doubt, questioning our worth, wrestling with anger and frustration, only to seek solace in relaxation and tubs of vanilla ice cream.
Yet, there’s one truth that drives me: if something isn’t worth your time, let it go. I don’t mean the significant milestones like a college education or a job; rather, I’m talking about the effort we pour into people who simply don’t reciprocate. Investing your energy in those who will never give you their time or attention is a precious opportunity lost, one that could have been spent nurturing relationships that truly matter.
In the end, what really matters is..
A close friend’s aunt, devoid of children of her own, now faces the harrowing reality of terminal cancer, yet she is embraced by the warmth of her nephews and nieces who have gathered around her, ensuring she feels utterly loved and cared for. When I heard that, I thought – how beautifully poignant is that?! Throughout our adult lives, we toil endlessly, scrimping and saving, crafting bucket lists, competing with one another, enduring long hours and sleepless nights. But when we reach the twilight of this journey called life, nothing cuts deeper than the sorrow of solitude. To grow old and feel neglected is an anguish no one should bear. While the future remains uncertain and beyond our grasp, investing in moments with those we love always pays dividends that transcend any material pursuit.
Cogitatio 