Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. It’s also a monthly update/recap of what’s going on in my world.
February Freeze
Ah yes, ice/cold events three years in a row becomes a trend and this year was not without woes. Arborgeddon resulted in bringing down many trees because of the weight of ice on the limbs and that resulted in destruction to power lines. We fared better than many other Austin residents; we had a few broken branches and our power was out for about 12 hours. After the freeze, I began more than a week of being sick with a mild cold. I don’t get sick very often, so I was equally miserable and so thankful for consistent health. Now at the end of the month, it’s over 80 degrees and ice days feel like forever ago. Can you believe it?
Chasing Interests
From learning how to sing through YouTube to touring in stadiums worldwide and earning a Grammy nomination, that’s what can happen in eight years! Omar Apollo’s story is one you want to cheer for, especially when it comes to following the pull to make music. It’s a reminder to chase your interests to see where they lead.
Top Austin Food Blog
That’s right, you’re reading one of Austin’s top food blogs! Toast recently named the top 15 food blogs in Austin and Fearless Captivations made the list. It’s great to be featured along with so many friends!
How to Be More Mindful
You can be more mindful without having to meditate. From being present in your movements to soaking up time in nature, there are a handful of things you can do to be more mindful in your daily life. Read the list here.
Just Show Up
Showing up is one of the biggest hurdles and the first of many steps when you want to achieve something. When you want to get healthier, you show up to the gym and/or show up with healthier options in your kitchen. When you want to write a book, you show up at your desk. When you want to deepen a relationship, you show up at an arranged time. The act of showing up is the first step to change and accomplishments. What do you want to accomplish and where can you show up today?
Watching
In my Captivations post last July, I gave a very lengthy recap of some of the things I watched, so I thought I would update you on things I’ve watched since then.
- Firefly Lane (Netflix) – Currently one and a half seasons out, this is a cute series about two best friends and their lives in three different time periods. The last eight episodes come out in April.
- His Dark Materials (HBO) – This three-season series based on the award-winning fantasy book series, which I have not read, is kind of strange and a bit hard to get into, but I was finally intrigued by the third and final season. It’s an epic tale about parallel universes and theology.
- Black Panther Wakanda Forever (Disney) – This is another Marvel movie I was glad I didn’t see in theaters. The emotional factor could have been stronger and it lacked the wow. A sweet tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
- From Scratch (Netflix) – Speaking of emotional, I cried my way through this limited series based on a book. Girl meets boy in Italy, they fall in love, and they endure all the life challenges.
- Atlanta (Hulu) – This show had its fourth and final season, and it’s a good one. It’s a satire/dark comedy.
- House of the Dragon (HBO) – This prequel, set 200 years before the Game of Thrones series, released its first season and follows the theme of family and political battles. I had a hard time getting into it but the final episodes made it worth it.
- Dead to Me (Netflix) – This show aired its third and final season with the same sarcastic, laugh-out-loud banter between its two female leads. Think two unlikely friends tied by murder and the continuous sticky situations they keep finding themselves in.
- How I Met Your Father (Hulu) – As a How I Met Your Mother fan, I was excited to watch this show. With the second season coming out now, I don’t think it’s quite as good as the original but it has funny moments.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon) – If you’re a LOTR fan, you’re more likely to enjoy this series. It’s a bit slow and very epic. Season 2 is already filming.
- The White Lotus (HBO) – Season 2 is out and it’s as cringey as the first season. This show is about the fictional White Lotus hotel chain and the pretentious, priviledged guests that stay there. It’s a social satire and will have you playing the game of which guest would you least want to hand out with.
- Wednesday (Netflix) – Season 1 of this show based on Wednesday Adams of the Adams Family is entertaining. Wednesday is a dark and sarcastic teen at boarding school who finds herself in the middle of a mystery.
- His Dark Materials (HBO) – This show recently concluded with its third season. I’ve never read the books or seen the movie adaptations, so it was interesting to learn about this epic coming-of-age story. Strange but good.
- Emily in Paris (Netflix) – Season 2 came out in December and while the outfits were a step down from season 1, the show is just as entertaining. This hit show follows an American girl working and living in Paris.
How to Offer Help
People around me have dealt with difficult situations in the last few months and in reality, difficult situations are part of impermanence. Even when we don’t know what to say, being present and offering support – a conversation or whatever they request – can be a relief. Here’s an article to give you details on how to help.
Negative Thoughts
Self-doubt can be a big detriment to your mental health. Here are 14 ways to stop negative thoughts.
Congratulations
Speaking of reframing your thoughts, this post has a similar sentiment. What if you interpreted life changes like losing your job or ending a relationship as an opportunity for a new life? Maybe we should also be saying congratulations!
5 Things I Love Lately:
- Taking a pottery class
- Playing shuffleboard
- Getting a much needed haircut
- Fresh sheets on the bed
- Cupcake research
What have you been captivated by lately?
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