The Collection: July 2024
my Madrid trial has expired, Chappell Roan has been added to the summer playlist, I'm tired of Daemon in Harrenhal and Cillian Murphy shouldn't be cast as a villain.
Welcome to 'The Collection' – your curated end-of-month digest of all things I found noteworthy, related to literature, entertainment, advertising, and more.
I’ve begun my summer by attending festivals and seeing bands I adore and artists that defined my childhood. I think festivals are great. You spend almost the same amount of money you would on a single concert (with decent seats) of a single artist on a three-day event with plenty. Not only that, but if it’s an artist you like but don’t know their entire discography, it’s perfect because you get to listen to the hits or discover new ones. I saw Khruangbin live in Miami back in 2021, had no clue who they were, and now they are one of my favorite bands.
Anyway, my heart is feeling almost full. I say almost because even though I’ve been catching up with friends, I’ve also been saying my farewells to Madrid. You all know I am feeling ecstatic to see Juni again. Then my heart will be full. More thoughts on leaving Madrid below.
What I Read
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Related to Cleo from the get-go by living in New York and needing a visa, however, I did not marry a 45-year-old man named Frank and I’m glad.
The characters of this story, their actions, their words I think were so well-thought. It all made sense and I loved that things happened as you could tell they would based on who the characters were. No surprises, random changes of behavior, nothing romanticized. As raw and real as they could be.
I could relate to bits and pieces of everyone, and they had such unique personalities it was enjoyable to read every one of their side plots. Especially Eleanor who was brought into the story in such a different and interesting way. A fresh twist of perception.
I highlighted a lot of things in this book. My favorite:
He rested his forehead on the slope beneath her belly button. She took his skull in her hands, his lovely curly hair sprouting between her fingers. Devotional. That was the word for two bodies like that.
I just loved that so much. Devotion has been my word of the year. Early in the year, I had written as a resolution that I wanted to be more disciplined. But I feel that the word has a kind of negative connotation to it like I’m forcing myself to do something. Then, I found myself doing Brooke’s Up-Level Challenge for fun and she mentioned that she had heard someone else say “devotion over discipline” and then it all clicked.
Rather than becoming more disciplined, I wanted to instead do any sort of activity, all the things I wanted to accomplish from a place of pure devotion.
Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang
It had been a long time since a book hooked me so quickly. A little cliffhanger at the end of chapter one—a Primrose Everdeen being called at the reaping type of moment, but over a clump of pancake.
I enjoyed this book a lot and could not put it down. I had completely forgotten the thrill of drama, and it just kept coming and coming and coming. A true beach read, the fastest book I’ve read this year.
What I Watched
Red Eye (2005) by Wes Craven
I enjoyed this movie way more than I thought and even more so after reading the Letterboxd reviews. I think it deserves more than 3.1 stars, (at least 3.5). It was great and I would watch it again. I feel like now people are always expecting a movie to be the next big thing. But these are those light types of movies that you can watch on the plane, play in the background, and just play whenever cause it's chill.
Maybe that’s why Crazy Rich Asians became THE plane movie, because they don’t make movies like these anymore.
House of The Dragon by Ryan J. Condal and George R.R. Martin
The watch continues, and so do the memes. Things are definitely escalating—episode 04 was no joke but the memes were hilarious. I am DONE with Daemon being in Harrenhal. Let’s move on, PLEASE. Anyways… the memes:
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American Psycho (2000) by Mary Harron
I had never seen it and I had to—it was LONG overdue. I knew Jared Leto was in it, yet I never recognized him until afterward. It’s funny, weird, and Bale absolutely devoured that role. I understand the hype now.
Also Watched:
All of Us Strangers (2023) by Andrew Haigh
I watched it because of the plot (iykyk). Both Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal were lovely and amazing in it. However, I did not connect with it as emotionally as I thought I would.
The Bear Season 3 by Christopher Storer
Definitely a slower pace compared to the other two seasons. A breath of fresh air, but I was actually looking forward to the screaming, stress, and constant anxiety of the series. The episode called “Napkins,” which depicts the story of Tina, was directed by Ayo and it was lovely—my favorite episode.
Arts/Design/Ads
A Brief History of Art Movements - Behind The Masterpieces
The information my brain couldn't hold during my college years. I found myself very consumed by this video, taking down notes and everything so I wouldn’t forget yet again. Super interesting.
Sabrina Carpenter - Good Luck, Babe! (Chappell Roan cover)
From Billie to Charli XCX to now, Chappell Roan. I love what my summer playlist has become. I found myself really liking this little cover by Sabrina Carpenter, whom I also love. Some of my Chappell faves apart from "Good Luck, Babe!" include:
- Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl
- Femininomenon
- Pink Pony Club
- Red Wine Supernova
- HOT TO GO
What I’m Working On
Same Old, Same Old
Still working on the ongoing projects I mentioned in my Collection newsletter—nothing new on that front. I’ll share more about these projects when the time is right, but for now, I’m focusing on giving myself a chance to rest before diving into something new. Enjoying the summer and taking it slow. That said, I have a lot lined up that I’m excited to get my hands on.
Random Stuff
My Madrid trial has expired
I can’t believe three months have flown by so quickly, yet somehow, it feels like forever. My time here has been incredible, filled with experiences and opportunities that I’ll always cherish. Meeting new people and exploring new places has been such a joy.
A lot has changed around me and within me during this time. I feel like I’ve closed some chapters I didn’t even realize I was holding onto. I’m leaving Madrid feeling lighter, more confident, and open to whatever comes next, even without a concrete plan. I have a clearer idea of what I want, and it feels like the opportunities I’m seeking are now aligned with my current timeline.
Will I move here? It’s a possibility. I could definitely picture myself in a cute apartment here with Juni—he’d be thrilled! But for now, I’m really excited to head back to Panama. I’ve been missing Juni like an insane person, and I can’t wait to reconnect with my friends and family.
I’m looking forward to diving back into my stable routines in Panama and saving up for more adventures, or who knows—maybe my biggest move yet. 👀
Con muchísimo amor,
Isabella
JAJAJA “however I did not marry a 45 year old named Frank and im glad”