Rosy Mishmash, Vol. 2

Here’s another edition of Rosy Mishmash. I’m tweaking the format because I think this is probably a better way of formatting the periodic column. Everything is always a work in progress for me.

Can I Consider Myself a Fall Girlie?

I have always called autumn my favorite season. I grew up on the East Coast, the changing leaves, and cooler weather always speaks to me. Plus, I’m a November baby, autumn is in my blood. But recently, I’m becoming annoyed by how it’s “trendy” to be a fall girlie and the very specific checklist of things these girls must do every fall (and all the products they need to celebrate properly!).

Listen, I watched Gilmore Girls as it aired. I rewatch it sometimes (seasons 1-5; season 6 is only good for the two Jess episodes). I cannot tell if these girls actually like the show or if they’re just doing it for views. Every single piece of content was the same. And they rarely actually TALK about Gilmore Girls and what happened on the show. It’s all for the vibes when maybe a third of each season actually takes place in the fall?

Since I’m living in LA now, our autumn doesn’t really hit until December (although I have noticed some changing leaves already!). I’m mostly wondering if I should stop saying I like autumn because it really seems like I’m not experiencing the ~right~ way.

Also, like all of these girls have now hard pivoted to Christmas content, their “~favorite season~” and just ugh all around.

Analog Living

Work with me on the sub-heading here.

Last week, I attended a listening party for Florence and the Machine’s new album “Everybody Scream”. It was at a local record store, and they hold these parties pretty regularly. Demi Lovato showed up to hers, there was one for Hayley Williams’ new album.

While I will admit I had expected a little bit more during our listening party (not that Florence Welch would show up, but more of a set-up for people to enjoy and chat), it really struck me that how much we all are looking for analog communal experiences. Like truly, the way I experience first listens of new albums is in my car, been that way since I got my license. But I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to doing another one for an anticipated upcoming release (unsure who this applies to).

So much of our lives are on our phones or computers. I’m very pro-theatrical experience. I love Silent Book Clubs and need to prioritize them again. Even if I’m not necessarily socializing, just being around people experiencing the same thing at the same time is great. And the fact that other people are also attending means it’s resonating with them too. A more analog type of life sounds nice.

(Real talk: I was inspired for this sub-heading from Blake Lewis’ “Heartbreak on Vinyl”: “Heartbreak on Vinyl was for people, I guess, / Who fall in love in analog and never let go”)

(Favorite songs off “Everybody Scream”: “Kraken”, “One of the Greats”, “And Love”)

Sexiest Man Alive

People has already patted themselves on the back, but I do have to admit they got it right this year! Yes, I know that Sexiest Man Alive is a publicity stunt, and it’s technically bought by studios to promote upcoming films/TV shows, but I don’t care! Jonathan Bailey is extremely sexy! He’s also the first openly gay man to get the honor! It’s sad it’s taken this long, but it’s also very radical to happen at THIS particular moment.

Think about it, we’re constantly being told by conservative figures (some of whom unfortunately lead the government) that the only way to be masculine is to be tough, mean, and muscular. And then People says, “Hm, or sexy means a gay man who is kind and can sing and dance”. Scarlett Johansson couldn’t get enough of his kisses this summer! We truly needed this.

Is This What Hope Feels Like?

Things are still very bad in this country (if you want to help your community during the shutdown of SNAP benefits, check this website for food banks in your area!), but Election Day was really great (aside from my home county, ugh). As the results started rolling in from Virginia and New Jersey, I was feeling so much joy and lightness. And the results from NYC, ahhhh! I’m extremely excited to see what Mamdani does over there and how it can cause a ripple effect for other big cities.

One day can’t change everything, but it can bring about hope which leads to more people joining the fight. That’s what we need. There are more of us than there are of them. THERE ARE MORE OF US.

(lolsob and then the Senate Democrats decide to shiv us all for a bad deal that won’t even be voted on in the House. Goddammit.)

Shopping Small for the Holidays

I’ve been spending a lot of money lately. Between the move and the awfulness of the world, I’ve definitely been indulging in purchasing sweet treats for myself. But what I noticed in my spending is that a decent chunk of it has been with small businesses, not the big corporations.

Things have been really tough for small businesses with the tariffs and economy at large, so if you can, I encourage you to shop small for the holidays. Yes, sometimes their prices are higher than big box stores, and shipping can deter you, but remember that behind every small business is a team of creative people who actually need the money unlike the CEO of a company. Literally, you can cover someone’s groceries by shopping small.

And that wraps up this edition of the Rosy Mishmash. Let me know how you’re feeling about everything going on. Do you also agree that Jonathan Bailey is the Sexiest Man Alive?