May Roundup

Music, books and films that will make you happy.

In Canada, May is all about getting the garden/balcony/verandah summer ready.

So here I am, walking down the street with a tree in hand.

I’ve chosen pink Geraniums for my hanging baskets, and I’m trying my luck with tomatoes, habaneros, cucumber and the loveliest scented strawberry-mint plant. Fingers crossed the harvest will be good. I’ll let you know at the end of summer.

On an even more exciting note, in the world of piano,

I’ve moved on to a new piece. In case you’ve never been a piano student, this is a big deal. Because I’ve been working on the same three pieces for months (embarrassed to say how many). But— it is with great joy and a little pride too, that I declare— my teacher thinks I’m ready to move on. The new piece is Frédèric Chopin’s Waltz in A minor.

Frédèric Chopin’s Waltz in A Minor

Speaking of music,

there are a couple of pieces I’ve been listening to on repeat this month that I’d love to share.

This one:

and this one that I’m low key obsessed with:

Lest you think music has made me completely abandon my reading time, put the thought to rest — it hasn’t. I’ve been quite busy in that sphere.

This month I read:

Beach Read, by Emily Henry.

Real Americans, by Rachel Khong

and Long Island by Colm Tóibín.

All of which I heartily recommend.

In the world of film:

I watched Fall Guy; it’s a different take on a romcom. I’m always a little weary when there’s a romance played between two actors who each have their own big public relationship; I’ve seen/heard about them and their significant other everywhere online; will I now be able to suspend disbelief and buy their on-screen chemistry? In this instance, there was nothing to worry about. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt did an amazing job. Their chemistry was my favourite part of the film.

The second theatre release I saw was Hit Man, which you should watch if you’re looking for some great laugh-out-loud moments and a shocking ending.

Then— drumroll please— out came the first half of Bridgerton’s third season.

I’ve heard that some gentle viewers have the restraint to wait until the second half comes out on June 13th and watch the whole season together. I did not. After having waited for two years and seven weeks, I could not have waited a minute longer. And anyway, restraint isn’t my strong suit.

CynthiaCM

wrote an interesting article about one of the better side plots of this season’s Bridgerton. I’m curious to see where the creators are going to take it in the second half.

And lastly, if you haven’t read my latest piece of fiction,

may I steer you in that direction. I recorded my first voiceover for that piece too, so you can have a listen and see how I sound like in real life.

How My Father Died

Wishing you a very happy June.

Until next time,

XO Ingrid