Be Curious # 13 - 11 June 2025
When things feel hectic
Welcome to Be Curious, a newsletter where I share updates on life, what I am reading/watching/listening to, as well as thoughts on the world we live in.
The world feels very hectic lately and I am happier than ever not to be engaged with social media in any meaningful way. I see that the United States continues to decay under the current leadership and I fear for where things will end up there. It’s a country I have spent a lot of time in over the years and for the forseeable future, not a place I would consider even trying to visit.
I worry about my friends there.
I also despair for the Middle East. Minds far brighter than mine have spent centuries trying to find a way for Jews and Muslims to cohabitate in peace, without success. I don’t have the answers. However, I don’t believe the genocide of innocent people is the way through. I also don’t believe all Jews are responsible for the actions of the Israeli government (any more than all Americans are responsible for the current administration). What I am sure about though, is that there must be acceptance of each other from both sides and a genuine commitment to cohabitate in peace. Beyond that, I just hate seeing innocent men, women and children murdered simply for existing. It’s wrong and the rest of the world has to start standing up against the tyranny we are seeing globally. Where are the lessons of the past?
Closer to home, we are now only a few weeks from moving and we are surrounded by boxes, working out what we will take to our new home and what we can donate or take to the dump. Moving house is incredibly stressful, on top of other stressors in life right now. I really cannot wait to just get this part of things settled and sorted.
I’ve been daydreaming about travelling later this year. The idea of a few weeks in a cottage in France or the UK is very appealing. To write, read, walk and just exist quietly. I don’t know if it will happen but it’s a nice distraction to look at airfares and rentals!
(Any suggestions or recommendations welcome - it doesn’t have to be France or the UK!)
Book Reviews
I finally got around to reading Nora Ephron’s Heartburn and it was well worth it! Here’s my review.
HEARTBURN by Nora Ephron
I’ve loved Nora Ephron’s films for years, and for a while now I’ve seen many readers nominate Heartburn as a favourite, so when I came across a copy recently, I bought it.
I also listened to this absolute cracker of an audiobook:
Articles I loved reading lately
This tapestry, entitled Welcome to Country, is destined for the Footscray Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The biggest 3D tapestry in Australian history, it is the work of Maree Clarke, in collaboration with the Australian Tapestry Workshop.
“Welcome to Country is honouring and continuing a longstanding tradition of cultural hospitality and care; deep values of connection, protection and community can all be read into this tapestry.”
Emma Gannon's reflection on one of my most favourite books, The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan. I came across Marina’s essays right as this book was being released, while I was staying on an extended trip to New York. I loved it so much, I gave away copies and I keep my copy on hand. If you haven’t read Keegan’s beautiful essay of the same title, you can do so HERE. It’ll inspire you to find the book and read the rest of her work.
How creative writing can aid healing process to create happy ending is a fantastic article from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) Far North on using creative writing to support healing from trauma. Well worth a read and something I am utilising myself.
What I am watching
I’ve started watching Virgin River on Netflix. It’s sweet and I cannot lie, eyes on Martin Henderson never hurts. I am up to season three.
I am also watching And Just Like That on Max, because I adore Sex and the City, even if this reboot has it’s issues (good lordy I miss Samantha and could live happily without Aidan). Sorry friends, we all need some mindless TV from time to time!
Thankyou for reading. I hope you found something interesting in these links.
Until next time,
I enjoyed watching Virgin River, it's a nice easy watch. Some seasons feel a little drawn out but still, I'm looking forward to season 7.