Just some interesting things

Hello. Hi there. Here are some interesting things.

Why Emotional Excess is Essential to Writing and Creativity / Brainpickings

I found this both helpful and confronting – I’ve spent a lifetime trying not to feel things because they are uncomfortable (I prefer to practice the buddhist detachment), but have tried recently to be more present when things feel ick, and to figure out what kind of ick it is, and why I am feeling it. It’s awful and I hate it but it’s very human to feel and I miss out on a lot of living when I avoid situations where I might make a mistake or say something awkward or feel loss. So it’s fair to say I’ve been interacting with humans more and I’m out of practice. At least it’s good for my writing?

Ann Nelson, Expert on Particle Physics, Is Dead at 61 / The New York Times

I do not have a habit of reading the NY Times obituaries and I think I might have just clicked on this one because I don’t know many female Particle Physicists. Oh, but didn’t it make me sad. My heart ached for those she left behind because she sounded like an absolutely amazing human with an incredible legacy. I learned so much from the words written about her and was inspired by the way she lived her life. Vale, Ann.

The Australian James Joyce: the novels of Gerald Murnane reviewed / The Spectator

I honestly had never heard of this fella before reading this review and it was fair to say I was bordering on obsession by the end. I want to read everything he’s ever written and be his BFF forever.

The brain benefits of looking up from your phone / ABC Life

” But if gazing off into the middle distance is your thing, that has benefits too.” – I know I bang on about this a fair bit, but giving your brain space to breathe instead of filling it with your bells and whistles whizzbang phone all the time is so necessary.

When John Grisham Movies Were King / The New York Times

This made me feel Nostalgia Central for the early 90s when legal thrillers were a real thing. I read most of the popular ones and this took me right back. Also: FU Scientology for taking Tom Cruise from us. Unfortunately, he’s a really good actor.

Welsh Shearing Cake / Lavender and Lovage

I really want to make this cake and it’s been on my list for at least a year. I love farm country recipes, and anything that would be served at a shearer’s smoko is the best kind of memory of my childhood. It’s also the only reason to this day I can still down a slice of fruit cake with the best of them.

What have you read lately that was interesting?