Current Favourites: Online Finds

If you've been following my blog since at least last year, you would probably remember that I used to have this—shall we say—segment every month, where I compile my favourite reads, watch and listen of said month. But, since I've decided to stop being too structured, serious and planned about this whole blogging thing, I have stopped posting this segment anymore. As much as I love having the free time to do whatever else I prefer, I'm also sometimes close to bursting out with all the stuff I'm dying to share with people. It always feels kind of sloppy and/or out of place to post about them on my social media. Hence this post. These are just a few bits and bobs that I've been really digging on the interweb and I feel like everyone would benefit from having a taste of them.

The Off Camera Show

I love listening to people talk about things they are passionate about, especially public figures. Unfortunately, when it comes to celebrities, interviews with them often become one of those opportunities used by the media to really dig up dirt on their personal life. Sam Jones's conversations with various actors and actresses—be them big award-winning names or ones with subtle fame—offer a different approach and always end up making me feel closer to each and every one of these figures. You can really learn about their back story, their mindset and how they work their craft, without a stint of judgment. It's brilliantly shot in black and white and have seemingly no audience, really completing that sense of intimacy.

Yatzer

It was through an assignment, I think, that I stumbled upon this art blog. Yatzer offers news in the artistic world and introducing numerous creative and unique projects from across the globe. It often dives into the large-scale artwork, including architecture, installations and exhibitions. There are so many incredible, mind-blowing ideas that almost never make it to mainstream media, and here is a place where you can find them. These are some of the best ideas I've ever seen and it's quite unbelievable to know that someone out there has done it. Some of my favourite articles include The Spring Whispers Book Club, Gestural Sculptures of Paint and Algorithmic Portraits.

The Discoverer

Around a year ago, I got a little treat on my inbox when Nicholas, an editor of The Discoverer, emailed to tell me about this idea they were developing. That was how I started subscribing to their amazing newsletter—which I love! A little back story, The Discoverer is a community-based guide for travellers of the world. Every week they send out emails, containing all the information you'd ever need, want or ask for when visiting the week's destination—starting from the best time to go, recommended places to visit, to an experience from one of the community members. They cover a great variety of places around the world, from the most-hyped places to the less well-known ones. Honestly, I've never seen better travel guides.

The Sustainability Project

As someone who has been trying—very lazily—to transition to the zero-waste lifestyle, I've been looking for items I can switch to. So far, I've ever seemed to only find such items in the west—the US or Europe—until I stumbled upon The Sustainability Project. It is a Singapore-based zero-waste shop, filled with amazing, gorgeous products that are plastic-free and aesthetically pleasing. They have items, like bamboo toothbrush, beeswax wrapper and stainless steel bento box. My favourite, to be honest, is the rose gold boba-sized stainless steel straw. Unfortunately, they don't really ship overseas. They tried to give me an exception once, but the shipping turns out to be way too expensive for me. In the end, I managed to find a similar store in Indonesia, but that boba-sized straw can't seem to be found anywhere else. Wish I could go to Singapore just to collect it!

Conception

A web series by New York Times, looking at motherhood through the eyes of 7 women with various backgrounds, various experiences and various feelings about it. I think motherhood is something that is still taboo to talk about, unless you have nothing but joy and elation about the experience. However, in truth, there is definitely so much more to it than that. I mean, sure, we could be happy with the arrival of a little baby, but it can't be the only thing we're feeling—especially if we have to be on its beck and call 24/7. Also, how we see motherhood in general is greatly influenced by our childhood and the people around us. These stories are truly fascinating, unpredictable and greatly touching.

What have you been loving from the internet lately? I'd love to know!

December in Overview

The face of a grandma focused on creating paper cut-outs (would've been cooler if I was sewing, right?)

December was a terrible month for me, mentally. For the past three years, every time December rolls around, I am quickly reminded of the giddy feeling in my stomach, looking forward to spending winter break with Firu. Unfortunately, now it's really just a dream. I felt deeply unappreciated, unloved and absolutely alone—especially on campus. Needless to say, I used other means to cope with it—joining workshops, reading tons of books, listening to various podcasts, etc. To top it all off, I am broke as all hell. Then Christmas and New Year's break rolled around and I can't be more grateful for it. It allows me the time to really sort out my shit, prepare for changes I'm planning to make in the new year and, basically, taking breaks from the daily stresses of life. However, I am transported back to the days when I hated any kind of time designated for festivities—like the weekends or holidays—so I'm sorry if I don't sound too excited now.

Currently Reading

Still continuing with the Harry Potter series, after what felt like the longest 2 weeks of my life, I finally finished The Goblet of Fire. I had to go back and re-watch the film to this one, as I haven't watched in maybe over ten years. This is where the film and the book start to really branch into two very different entities. Afterwards, I decided to take a little break from the Harry Potter universe and opt for Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, a small, modern story that really contrasts the wizarding world—felt like I was jolted back to reality, although still quite magical in a high-tech kind of way. A little surprise awaited me, when I discovered that the brief prequel, Ajax Penumbra 1969, was also included inside. Lastly, I braced myself as I started on The Order of the Phoenix. I asked a lot of people how to actually read this book and everyone came up with the funniest answers. But, since it's very heavy and I have an aversion towards e-book, I'm also reading When the Killing's Done by T. C. Boyle simultaneously. This one is for the commute and those lulls outside the house.

Currently Watching

This month I really didn't seek out films to watch, aside from The Goblet of Fire, actually. But I did watch a few new and enlightening motion pictures. First of all, I am proud to say that I've finally watch the legendary Shawshank Redemption. Honestly, I totally understand how it could have been such a classic. It is so heartbreaking and inspiring in a lot of ways. Absolutely worth watching! Then my sister dragged me to see Coco, which, at first, wasn't appealing to me, but in the end I got really invested in it. Many say it's a tearjerker, but neither my sister nor I cried over it—I guess we just can't relate. It is very immaculately done, of course, as it's Disney. I thought it was going to resonate with Book of Life, but it's completely different. I also watched 2 documentaries. First one is called Titanic 20 Years Later with James Cameron—on NatGeo—that shows James Cameron's research post-film, where he finds out so many facts about the ship and the victims, which render the film invalid. The second one is called Science to the Rescue! The Science of Adolescence—on NHK World—that digs deep into the inner workings of adolescents' brains. It really explains the emo phase a lot!

Currently Listening

For whatever reason, for the majority of the month, I really prefer listening to people talk rather than sing, so I haven't been listening to songs much. Instead, I've been watching a lot of Youtube videos—and discovering a few Youtubers I turned out to like—and listening to podcasts. Aside from the ones that I've mentioned before—which I still listen to even now—I've also discovered a couple new ones. The first one is called All the Wonders, which is a podcast for children's books. One of my favourite illustrators posted about being in this podcast months ago—honestly can't remember who it was—and it turns out that a lot of my favourite illustrators have made an appearance. I love how passionately Matthew Winner, the host, talks about each book! The second one is called Out of Line, which describes itself as "Online personalities share offline realities." I first found out about it from Elsie Larson, since she shared her adoption story from China. Absolutely inspiring! So far, she seems to be the only guest that I'm familiar with, but I'm willing to know more.

Highlight of the Month

Workshop #1: Surprise box // workshop #2: basic handlettering // the Hogwarts persona of Firu and myself // Marine Heritage Gallery opening // first outfit flatlay in such a long time // a book borrowed from Uli // currently reading + fast food // reunited with the Germany gang again! // first time visiting the new-and-improved National Library, it's huge!

November in Overview

Nervous laughing because I don't know how to encourage kids to draw :')

November this year—not sure if it's every year—was so stressful for me. It wasn't at first but, then somewhere in the middle and towards the end, it became really, really frustrating. Exam period was smack dab in the middle of the month and I am almost completely drained—mostly thanks to shitty group partners and vague information regarding said exams. Great! That being said, I did quite enjoy the start of the month, with a few events happening. Looking through my instagram—because that's how I try to recall the past 30 days, usually—it seems like my life has been quite busy and topsy turvy and such, that I barely ever posted anything throughout November. There were a lot of firsts, though, even when I can't quite document them on social media: the first Japan Film Festival I attended, the first workshop I taught and the first time going to Little Tokyo. Can't wait for December already, especially Christmas-and-New-Year's break, because God knows I need it!

Currently Reading

Due to circumstances mentioned before, I didn't get a lot of chance to read this month, but I read quite a fair few. Continuing from last month's wrap-up, I actually spent the first week of the month still trying to get through A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. It is absolutely mind-blowing, throwing reminiscent feelings for Sophie's World by Jostein Gardner, with a whole lot of Japanese zen vibe in it as well. Absolutely adore the ending! Afterwards, I continue on with the rest of the Harry Potter series, finding more and more things that aren't available in film form. So far, I've only gotten to the fourth book—which I've only started a couple days ago. However, my feelings and thoughts on the book have been quite controversial—some parts I prefer in the films, for instance. You can read them all in my Goodreads. After this, I'll probably read something else first, mentally preparing myself for the really thick 5th book.

Currently Watching

There has been quite a number of Japanese films this year, most especially because of JFF I mentioned earlier. The movies I watched there were the live-action version of ReLIFE (whose anime-version you might have seen in January) and Daytime Shooting Star (昼中の流星). They're both really funny and really sweet! I especially love the main character of DSS, who isn't at all like most shoujo manga heroines. She's really strong, honest to her feelings and absolutely kind towards others. Meanwhile, I've also been watching a lot of anime at home too. Probably influenced by these two titles, I suddenly had a hankering for some shoujo stories. That's when I decided to finally watch KareKano (彼氏彼女の尋常), which is the best shoujo title I've ever experienced. The heroine is really strong-willed, smart and different from the usual, while the hero is complicated, insecure and honest. It's so true to life and relatable! Lastly, out of topic, I managed to catch a documentary series on DWTV called Founders' Valley, which really opens my eyes about eco-startups in Indonesia.

Currently Listening

For some reason I didn't listen to a lot of music lately, let alone discover someone new. If I have to choose a title or artist that I've been listening to a lot lately, I suppose it's got to be Asian Kung-Fu Generation. But I actually only listen to their track, Re: Re: over and over again. In case you didn't know, it is the opening soundtrack for Erased (僕だけがいない町), which is a tremendous story that everyone should check out. Also, I've been obsessed with the artist who designed the album cover, Yuusuke Nakamura—you might recognise him from his work for Tatami Galaxy (四畳半神話大系) and, more recently, The Night is Short, Walk on Girl (夜は短し歩けよ乙女). These titles also have Asian Kung-Fu Generation singing their soundtracks. See how it comes full circle?

Highlight of the Month

Breakfast-making + current read // attending JFF for the first time // joining Fanart Friday every 2 weeks this month // cozying up to lemon tea and Harry Potter // playing teacher for kids in my first ever workshop // killed my hands while taking notes for exam // visiting a church for group project // first Little Tokyo experience at Kira Kira Ginza // treating myself to a new book

October in Overview

Trying to understand an artwork be like

To me, October is usually my birthday month, but also the month of Halloween. And, unexpectedly, everything I've been reading, watching and listening to this month has seemed to be appropriate for this holiday. How 'bout that? Maybe it has something to do with my inktober theme this year—you can see for yourself down below. I spend a lot of time with my best friends this month, which is always a wonderful time spent. My birthday also didn't suck as much as I feel it usually does—I think I should start accepting that my birthday is basically any other day and it's best I treat it that way, or maybe I should really just cry in the bathroom for a while and move on. Aside from inktober, I also visited two artsy events this month—one sketching club, which was a lot of fun, and one typography exhibition, filled mostly with people I know online. Lastly, I've been very active on the illustrations front this month—especially on my art instagram—and the feedback/responses I got from some of you make me feel very loved. So thank you!

Currently Reading

This month's books are quite appropriate with the Halloween theme, if I say so myself. Starting with finishing two more German books: Der Erdbeerpflücker and Der Scherbensammler, both by Monika Feth. They were quite light thriller—if such a thing exists at all—and I was quite intrigued all the way. I'm not sure if it were the length of each book itself or the fact that they're in German—which I'm not entirely used to reading in—that took me twice as long to finish than most other books. Hence, my not being able to read more books this month. Afterwards, I kicked off straight away with my 25 Before 26 list and went straight for the first Harry Potter book, which I'd never read before. The impression is still thick with the film's own, though, as there wasn't that much difference, I believe. I was going to continue on with the second book too, but my sister left it at the school she works in—and I'm the kind of person who can't be content without a book in my hands for more than 12 hours—so I grabbed A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki, which has been on my to-read list for years. Add me on Goodreads, if you want to find out how I feel about it later.

Currently Watching

To get myself in the mood for Halloween (and inktober), I decided to continue watching Kyoukai no Rinne (境界のRINNE). However, the plan backfired as, instead of getting in the intended mood, I ended up being in the mood for Rumiko Takahashi in general. After Rinne, I restrained myself well enough to go for Urusei Yatsure (うる星やつら) before I finally gave in and watched an entire series of Ranma 1/2—my all-time favourite and one true love. Within around 2-3 weeks, I managed to watch all 161 episodes plus the first movie. That's how much I love Ranma, like seriously. Can't say I didn't get the warm and fuzzies throughout the entire series. Afterwards, to kind of relax a bit, after a quite intense emotional Ranma—because, to me, it's quite nostalgic and energetic—I watched New Game!!, which is quite chill and cute in comparison. Aside from anime, I've also watched A Monster Calls a couple times and really didn't expect the emotions that come with it. Absolutely brilliant and perfect for Halloween!

Currently Listening

As usual, when I need some new artists to discover, I go straight to Noisetrade and this time was no exception. Like magic, I discovered Haunted like Humans, who just released their debut album "Ghost Stories" recently and it is good! I love that it's the month of Halloween and I discovered an awesome indie artist—who actually created their album through Kickstarter—with a haunting name and an even more haunting album. I literally just downloaded the album one minute and instantly hooked, unbelievable! The first track "First Light" is incredibly peaceful, reminding me of the mountains and cabins, while "The Mammoth Song" is quite upbeat—although still with the woodsy feel—and contagious. My absolute favourite, though, I must say is "Benjamin," which feels so much like an afterthought in the wake of a failed relationship—in case you hadn't noticed, I love this kind of notions. It just contains so many quotable lines that I've even posted on twitter—which they retweeted! Give it a listen and support them, won't you?

Highlight of the Month

Kicking off the month with inktober, of course // celebrating National Batik Day with this look // tea party with les best friends // tea workshop at the campus // turning quarter life! // joined Saturday Sketch Club and did this doodle // took damage on this campus book sale // favourite inktober from this year's batch // Halloween bash with Uli