TAYLOR SWIFT Archives - Bea Escolar

MY WINTER 2020/2021 FAVORITES

Bea — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 09:13:07 +0000

What time is it? Winter time! Any “High School Musical” fans around? Yeah? High five! Anywho, it’s finally time for my winter 2020/2021 favorite post. As always, I share what I’ve been listening to, watching, reading and working on these past months. I hope you enjoy these recommendations. If you do, let me know!

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Hey, I know what you’re going to say. “Not Taylor Swift AGAIN!”. Well, first off: How dare you?! Taylor Swift will ALWAYS be an important part of my life and this blog. Secondly, it’s not my fault that Taylor Swift put out 3 albums in the span of 15 months, coinciding with my -insert season here- favorites post. So yeah, of course I have been listening to “evermore” ever since it came out on December. “No body, no crime”, “champagne problems”, “long story short”, “marjorie” and “evermore” are my top 5 songs in the album. I also love the two bonus tracks in the album. “it’s time to go” in particular really speaks to me. Additionally, Miss Swift released “Love Story” (Taylor’s Version). Make sure you listen to her version if you want to revisit this BEAUTY OF A SONG.

But I have been listening to other music, I promise. I love Lana del Rey’s “Chemtrails Over The Country Club”. It’s so comforting to me. I’m also obsessed with the crazy music video that goes with it:

Additionally, I loved listening to “Lo vas a olvidar”, Rosalía and Billie Eilish’s collaboration. It’s so beautifully haunting, I immediately fell in love. Finally, I’ve also been revisiting Halsey’s album “Manic” and been loving the hell of it. It has been keeping me company during the long work hours for sure.

WHAT I’M WATCHING

The “Euphoria” (Sam Levinson, 2019-?) special episodes. Oh my God, the writing, ladies and gentlemen. I really think these have to be the best episodes of the show. Is it just me? I mean, I do have a soft spot for scripts that have two people alone in a room just talking, so I might be slightly biased.

I also decided to watch “Freaks and Geeks” (1999), an oldie but a goodie. I’m still half-way through but I’m really loving it so far.

Photo source: Variety. // Photo by: Dreamworks/Apatow Prod/Kobal/Shutterstock

“Servant” (Tony Basgallop, 2019-?) is back and I love this really creepy show. Quite simply, it’s like a horror story about maternity, as it plays to all the fears and anxieties new mothers might have about welcoming a child.

Finally, I was also looking forward to the premiere of “WandaVision” (Jac Shaeffer, 2021) and let me tell you it didn’t disappoint. Love the aesthetic, love the concept, and really looking forward to seeing where it takes us. Episode 5?! Oh. My. God. Episode 5.

WHAT I’M READING

In December I started reading “A Discovery of Witches” (Deborah Harkness), because honestly, I hadn’t read a fiction book in a long time. Actually, I think the last piece of fiction I read was “Little Women” (Louisa May Alcott), back in August. So I picked this book because I wanted a fun, easy read. Also, it includes vampires, witches and demons and I love anything that includes those creatures.

So flash-forward to early February when I’m almost done with the second book in the saga “Shadow of Night”. These books are so much fun! They’re greatly entertaining and I love the attention to detail. Highly recommend this saga if you are looking for a romantic yet gripping, witchy/vampiry read. There’s also a TV Series adaptation if you are interested. I’ll get to it when I’m done with the books.

Anyway, I’m alternating this with Jen Sincero’s “You Are a Badass” and honestly, I’m loving it. I know this book has been out for a while. I’ve had it home for years. I actually remember purchasing it at the Newark airport a few years back. I was supposed to start reading it on the plane, but I fell asleep and never did. So I arrived home, put it on a shelf and forgot about it. Anyway, I’d heard so many great things about it, I wanted to read it. So here I am. Let me tell you, I’m not disappointed. I’m loving Jen Sincero’s almost “tough-love” approach to self-love.

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

Honestly, still working on my journaling, finding what best works for me. Using Lavendaire’s “Artist of Life” workbook, I have decided that my word for the year will be “Discovery”. My goal this year will be to sit down, listen to my gut and find my intuition. This year for me is all about self-discovery, so the Lavendaire “Artist of Life” workbook will be helping me with just that. If you want to know more about this workbook, here’s a flip-through video!

The post MY WINTER 2020/2021 FAVORITES appeared first on Bea Escolar.

MY FALL 2020 FAVOURITES

Bea — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 08:48:38 +0000

Fall is almost over and you know what that means… time to share my fall 2020 favourites. So here’s a list of books, music and shows that I have been enjoying this past months. I also share what I’m currently working on personally in case it can help motivate you to do the same.

Anywho, grab anything pumpkin spice and join me, will you?

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

A few years ago, Sufjan Stevens’ “Carrie and Lowell” was all I listened to while writing. I love that album. I kind of hadn’t been listening to him for a long time, so a couple of weeks ago I decided to catch up on his work. Let me just say I am on the Sufjan Stevens train again. “The Ascension” is just what I need to get my creative juices flowing. Then I jump to “The Decalogue”, his collaboration with Timo Andres. Finally, I top it off with “Aporia”, his collaboration with Lowell Brams. Chef’s kiss!

Ok, yes. I also have Taylor Swift’s fall album (aka “Red”) playing every single weekend. Ok, ok, and I also still have “folklore” on repeat every other day. Can you blame me? I’m still waiting for my cardigan and “folklore” vinyls I ordered in July to arrive. Apparently I won’t receive them until December. I have no idea why it’s taking so long, but honestly, I feel like it won’t be cardigan-weather where I live by the time I actually receive it.

WHAT I’M READING

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while and I finally did. James Clear doesn’t disappoint. The book is full of great information on how to start and maintain good habits as well as stuff you can do to stop bad ones. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read on the subject. If you’re struggling with your habits, I highly recommend it.

“Marketing to Moviegoers a Handbook of Strategies and Tactics” by Robert Marich

Ok, this one isn’t for fun as you can probably imagine. But I’ve been wanting to freshen up and expand on my knowledge on film marketing for a while, so this book has helped me to do just that. Again, this is quite a dense book, but if you’re looking to read up on the subject, it’s a great one.

WHAT I’M WATCHING

“The Haunting of Bly Manor” (Spoilers ahead of course!)

This image belongs to Netflix.

Although I didn’t find “The Haunting of Bly Manor” (Mike Flanagan, 2020) as perfectly splendid as I found “The Haunting of Hill House” (Mike Flanagan, 2018), I did quite enjoy it. Mind you, I consider “Hill House” to be a horror masterpiece, so it would be hard for “Bly” to reach that status. Nonetheless, I loved the characters, specially Owen’s “dad jokes”, Hannah’s amazing looks (give me all her earrings, please!) and all the romance.

“The Haunting of Bly Manor” is being sold as an adaptation of Henry James’ “The Turn of the screw”. I think the reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as “Hill House” is that I found the storytelling of this second series not as clean-cut as the first. Some aspects of it felt like filler at first. Specifically, I’m talking about the whole ghosts jumping through memories bit. I loved this amazing concept (that kind of reminded me of David Lowery’s “A Ghost Story” ending). However, it felt a bit repetitive after a bit. This idea is introduced to us with Hannah’s episode, then we see Peter going through his version of this in the next episode and, finally, we also see it from Flora’s point of view when she gets “tucked in”.

Anyway, when I finished the show, I had mixed feelings. Some things I really loved, and others I was a bit more “meh” about. My opinion changed, however, when I read some articles that explained that the show was not only an adaptation of Henry James’ “Turn of the Screw”, it also included homages to other Henry James’ stories which I am not familiar with. Ah! Now everything made more sense. I really think the show becomes a lot more enjoyable if you read it as an homage to Henry James’s “world”. For example, the whole Viola episode is based on Henry James’ “The Romance of Certain Old Clothes”. On the other hand, the idea of Henry’s doppelgänger could be inspired by “The Jolly Corner”; while Dani’s ending draws from “The Beast in the Jungle”. This article talks about all the references if you’re interested. Mind you, it’s in Spanish, but you know, Google Translate is your friend.

Knowing all of this makes certain aspects of the show feel less like filler. I definitely appreciate it more seeing how hard it has to be to interlace all these stories and themes. I’ll have to catch up on my reading and revisit the show at some time for sure.

Down to Earth With Zac Efron

After finishing “The Home Edit” and “rainbowfying” (is that how you spell it?) my house, I needed another feel good show to watch. Don’t ask me why I decided to go with “Down to Earth with Zac Efron”, but I’ll tell you I’m glad I did. I enjoyed this show a lot more than I expected to. It’s informative and fun but mostly, it’s important.

Zac’s a great presenter. He’s up for adventure, open to learn and most importantly, open to change. Darin offers a great counterpart with the same eagerness for adventure and his great amount of knowledge (I even bought his book!). This show has reminded me how small changes can make the world better place. Definitely, a must watch!

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

We all know that journaling is good for you. It’s a journey to self-discovery, it’s a way to put your thoughts in order… it’s a life style. The thing is, I’m not very consistent with it, which doesn’t help. For a while now, I’ve been meaning to upgrade my journaling game.

This image belongs to Michelle Barnes aka muchelleb.

So recently I’ve been following muchelleb on YouTube. If you’re looking on tips on how to improve your life by being a better version of you, please check her out. Her idea of having “admin days” has literally changed my life.

So what does muchelleb (her real name is Michelle Barnes) have to do with journaling? Well, I was feeling pretty down and unmotivated when I found out she had her own planner called The Life Map Daily*, so I decided to buy it and get my life in order. During 13 weeks, this journal helps you focus on your goals and dream life. I’m currently loving it. It helps me keep track of my goals and what I’m doing to achieve them. It’s a planner more than a journal, but it does have gratitude prompts and asks you every day what you can do to improve. This really helps me jot down a few things that prompt me to journal on them and thus, improve my journaling habit. If you’re interested, you can find it here.

*I’m using the 13 week planner at this time but there’s a full year planner if you prefer.

The post MY FALL 2020 FAVOURITES appeared first on Bea Escolar.

MY SUMMER 2020 FAVOURITES

Bea — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 17:15:00 +0000

It’s been almost a year since I did my first and only “favourites” posts. The truth is, I wanted to do one of these monthly. But as time went by I realised that, with a full time job, this blog and writing my own scripts, there was no way I would be consuming enough content to post monthly about it. It can sometimes take me over a month to read a book, watch a show or move on to a new album (I love listening to the same album over and over again until I’m ready to move on, what can I say?). I still love this type of blog post, though. So I decided to share my favourites seasonally, and if need be, I’ll add a part 2 to that season.

So here I am, sharing my summer 2020 favourites.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Beth Garrabrant

“FOLKLORE”, “FOLKLORE”, “FOLKLORE”. You guys knew this, right? I mean… Duh.

Taylor Swift’s new album feels summery and autumny at the same time. (Autocorrect here, telling me “autumny” is not a word. If summery is a word, then autumny is too. OK?)

It’s an album you can listen to while on a road trip through the most amazing green fields, but it’s also an album I can sit down and listen to while wrapped up in a blanket and drinking a glass of red wine.

It’s lyrically one of the most complex Taylor Swift albums. Sonically, it partly feels closer to her first albums… yet… it doesn’t. There’s a twist. I guess the twist is The National’s Aaron Dessner. Jack Antonoff, Taylor’s long time creative partner, has also worked on a few songs and he is, of course, always welcome. The album is magical, enchanting and powerful. “reputation” was my favourite Taylor Swift album but maybe “folklore” has moved it to number 2. Not sure. Still deciding.

This woman’s mind never ceases to amaze me. The fact that she wrote and put together this whole album during isolation is incredible. I was sad because I was supposed to see her in July at Madcool Festival, which was of course cancelled. Taylor surprising us by releasing “folklore” cured my coronavirus sadness for sure.

OK, OK. I know some of you might be interested in other stuff I’ve been listening to. So HAIM’S “Women in Music Pt. III” which feels old-timey and new at the same time. All the songs are so different and I’m loving it.

I also just watched Beyoncé’s “Black is King” which maybe I should mention in the “What I’m Watching” category but I use that more for shows. In any case, “Black is King” is incredible. The Visuals, the Power… the Glory. This visual album has brought me to discover “The Lion King: The Gift”, which I will be listening to again and again, for sure. My favourites so far are “BROWN SKIN GIRL” and “MY POWER”.

WHAT I AM READING

“The Bullet Journal Method” by Ryder Carroll. As I shared on my Instagram, bullet journaling really helped me years ago to get a clearer head and focus on my goal to work in the film industry. However, since getting there, I kind of let it go.

I’ve got to be honest, this pandemic has been hard on my mental health and anxiety. So I’ve decided to take up bullet journalling again, to see if I can center myself once more. I decided to read Carroll’s book to get new ideas for my journal. The book is amazing, and I love its emphasis on the importance of intention for the journal. This is why, as I’m easing back into my practice, I’m trying to focus on what’s important to me, like my personal projects that keep my creative juices flowing and keep me sane.

“Little Women” by L.M. Alcott. I needed a little fiction in the mix and what’s better than catching up on my classics during my summer break? I’ve never read “Little Women” (Insert “BOOS” here). I know, I know. Better late than never, I guess. Anyway, after loving Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation, I decided to read the book before rewatching.

I’m half-way through “The Bullet Journal Method” and I’d like to use my annual summer break to also read: “Marketing to Moviegoers A Handbook of Strategies and Tactics” by Robert Marich, because you’ve got to keep learning, ya know.

WHAT I’M WATCHING

I’ve been wanting to watch “Avatar: The Last Airbender” (Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, 2005-2008) for the longest time, but never got to it. Seeing how it popped on Netflix, I had no further excuses. So I’ve started watching. Six episodes in, it’s ok, so far. I know it gets better and better with time so, definitely, I will keep watching. I know “The Legend of Korra” (Michael Dante DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, 2012-2014) is supposed to reach Netflix soon too. I’ll probably have to get to that too.

“Dear White People”(Justin Simien, 2017 – ?). I’m starting my second season of this show. I like it. I don’t love it, but I like it. The trouble I have with this show is that I feel like sometimes the episodes themes overpower the dramatic arc of the characters. Which means the characters don’t feel as well constructed as they could be. Except for Reggie and Coco (my personal faves), the rest of characters don’t feel as rich. During the series, each characters gets their own episode where they are the protagonist. Those episodes help bring more depth to the characters. However, once they move on to the next one, those characters go back to feeling more like plain background characters. Like they’re there only to serve the episodes theme. Am I the only one who feels like this? Don’t get me wrong though, I find the show thought-provoking and incredibly entertaining which is a difficult balance to maintain, so my biggest kudos on that. Personally, this show, together with some reading I’ve been doing, has helped me understand my white privilege and what it means. So I’m going to keep watching and, if anything else, I’m going to keep learning.

I’m also rewatching “The Sopranos”. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. Me and my boyfriend are revisiting the show and taking our time. We’re using this rewatch to read “The Sopranos Sessions” (by Matt Zoller Seitz and Alan Sepinwall). Every night we watch an episode, we’ll read the episode analysis that is in the book. So far, a great experience. Highly recommend. PS: I forgot how much life this show’s theme song brings me.

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

This Blog. I’m writing on a few stock articles in order to be able to publish more often.

Rewrites on my script. It’s time to meet my feature film script again and work on my rewrites. I’ve been putting it off but… no more. I’m starting next week. Wish me luck.

Self-care for mental health. Bullet journalling is part of it.

The post MY SUMMER 2020 FAVOURITES appeared first on Bea Escolar.