12 Gems for the Week v4
life behind the scenes . . .
let’s rewind to a month ago . . .
on the precipice of an eclipse, i was tender as ever. yet holding faith in the flow of the universe, just letting all the grief and uncertainty move through me in those sensitive times.
there was nothing to do, except honestly protecting my peace, being soft, and staying in tune with my essence. i took a step back from social media for a bit, and it felt weird to live a life unseen from the public eye. i hadn’t been in that state since 2018, which was cathartic for my spirit but so strange for my social life. there was a new pace to my life too; i was just taking things day by day, no fast-forwarding or looking to the past. the best part was i used this newfound time to do things i love, like reading, drawing, making beats + more.
i wanted to live in this bubble for however long, so i’ll sharing the tidbits of my creativity in action. now enjoy!
— ten xoxo
places i went
Metrograph cinema | it’s any film person’s dream! you know i’m a film buff, so i love going here to watch the latest, classics, and randoms . . . cause they have it all here. the interior is just as great too.
Scarr’s Pizza | i’ll happily get into a fight with anyone about this — i think they have one of the best pizzas in NYC. it’s almost always packed, but so worth the wait because all the ingredients are the best of the best and the staff are so chill.
Rhythm Zero | visited it a couple weeks ago with my bestie and the coffee + interior design was spectacular. however they don’t let you eat outside food and that is kinda dumb in my mind (lol).
music i’m listening to
eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande | i’ve been crying nonstop for the past 2 weeks and this album is just fuel for the tears. musically it’s more pop versus Grande’s previously rnb-heavy albums and it matches her current musical state.
Two Star & the Dream Police by Mk.Gee | he’s one of my fave artists of all time. so when i saw he dropped this album last month, i’ve been devouring it especially “dream police” and “you got it”.
american dream by 21 Savage | HUGE huge 21 fan since he first came on the scene . . . pre-Drake collaboration album. his lyrics and flow are true to his artistry, but it was his production + samples that captivated me the most.
what i’m reading
The Will to Change by bell hooks | boy, oh boy. bell always comes ready to share foundational truth and this work puts into perspective the hold that the patriarchy + masculinity on men in our lives. especially women too.
The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolaño | notoriously a slow reader, i’m excited to be submerged into this detective-meets-adventure novel about this gang of poets. it’ll take me 100 years to finish the book, but i might do the impossible!
Leaves of Grass by Walk Whitman | as shared in the intro, i was a sensitive girly from late Feb to early March. these poems were hugging my heart during this time.
movies & tv shows i’m watching
Dune: Part Two | i’m a nerd for this sci-fi collection and i don’t care! honestly it was much better than the first movie and what a great job at bringing this complex literary world to life on screen.
S3 of Abbott Elementary | if you haven’t seen this series, what are you doing??!! Quinta is one of the best writers / show creators of all time — this series is hilarious, relatable, and absolutely heartwarming. i hope this show never ends . . .
Poor Things | not going to lie, i was a little suspicious of this film when i read it’s description . . . i was worried the female lead wouldn’t be given justice. oh how i was wrong! she was well balanced between being cunning, funny, and naive at the same time.
one of my fave songs