Distractions & Inspirations - June
So, as always, here are a few things that have caught our eye recently, some local, some further afield, all recommended from us to you!
People keep recommending this podcast to us, so we got to listening! Gyles Brandreth on Rosebud asks guests about the memories and moments that shaped them, which leads to surprisingly thoughtful conversations. A good one if you enjoyed the appeal of Desert Island Discs but fancy something a little different.
For Sunny-Day Optimists
We’re entering that optimistic stage of the year where every sunny day has us planning to eat outside. Fired Up Cookbook looks like a brilliant companion for barbecue season, full of recipes that feel achievable! We’re particularly drawn to the inventive sides and puddings, and anything that promises to improve our outdoor cooking without taking itself too seriously gets our vote.
Meet the Makers
This feels very much like our sort of thing. For ten days in June, Sussex Craft Week celebrates makers, artists and craftspeople across the county with exhibitions, workshops, studio tours and markets. We particularly like the sound of the Studio Safaris, offering a peek inside studios that aren’t usually open to the public. One to bookmark if you enjoy discovering talented people making beautiful things.
We recently discovered Alex T Smith's Joy Parade visual journal/newsletter and it is pure joy. It is essentially a celebration of all the funny, charming and unexpectedly joyful things that happen to Alex or that he’s discovered on the internet and beyond. Each edition starts with one of his wonderful illustrations and somehow manages to feel like receiving a letter from a friend.
A Wander Around Nigel Slater’s Garden
RHS Roots, is a lovely new-ish video series hosted by Jo Whiley, where she visits the gardens of well-known personalities and explores the stories, memories and plants that have shaped them. The episode with Nigel Slater is a particular treat. It’s gentle and thoughtful, oh and there’s an episode with Judi Dench to enjoy as well!
This TV show sounds delightfully awkward! Nicola Walker and Jemaine Clement play lifelong friends whose lives are turned upside down when Steve falls for Alice’s 26-year-old daughter, a decision that goes about as well as you’d imagine. We’ve heard great things about it, particularly Nicola Walker, and it seems to strike that difficult balance of being both very funny and surprisingly heartfelt.
Enjoy!