It's all a rich tapestry

Greetings! I'm gradually emerging from the fog of the last couple months and quite ready to start anew in 2026. This past week, Pantone named its 'official' color for next year and that color is... white. I haven't yet landed on the precise joke I want for that fact but I am confident it will come.

My writing's been derailed by all the death in the air, but that may not be a bad thing. I'm due for a shake-up. So until that settles out in my brain, these intros will be short and sweet. Let's get to some recs.

🎥 Hamnet (in theaters)
Just a few months ago, I was raving to you about this book and am happy to report that director Chloe Zhao adapted it beautifully. It's a beautiful immersion into 16th century England - the scene at the Globe Theatre is fantastic - that carries you away in sight and sound. Bring several tissues with you because you will ugly-cry, guaranteed. Jessie Buckley is a lock for Best Actress, based on one aching howl alone.

🎥 What's Up, Doc? (Tubi, Criterion Channel)
And now for something completely different. After sobbing in a crowded theater, you're going to need to laugh. This 1972 treat stars Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal, and the debut of Madeleine Kahn, who was an absolute gem from day one. Barbra grates a little but that's a nit about an otherwise banger of a screwball comedy. A hotel room fire scene had me on the floor and an epic car chase through the streets of San Francisco is a work of technical magic. I'm definitely watching this again.

📖 A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy
There are well-timed reads and then there are reads that confirm that the universe you believe in is indeed looking out for you. After sitting through an extremely evangelical funeral service for my mother, I felt like I was walking alongside the author as she fled her home in the middle of the night. Her tale will make you want to burn it all down. And maybe it's about time we did.

Okay! Happy Holidays, huh? I'm taking the kids to London in 2 weeks, so I have put up no tree and am buying no presents. It's downright thrilling. I'll take pictures for you!

xoxo,
Carla