Bonus: March 2024 Favorites
Two illustrated books, a perfect concert, and my bachelorette weekend
Hello and happy April! There are sixteen days until my book comes out and I am certifiably the most unchill I’ve ever been.
As a reminder, April also marks the first official month of Haley Wrote This 2.0! Each month, paid subscribers will receive free digital phone wallpapers, voting power on future comic topics, behind-the-scenes exclusives, discount codes, weekly sketchbook sneak peeks, and my monthly favorites newsletter (see below!).
As a fun showcase of what a favorites email typically looks like, I’m sending my March favorites to everyone. Let’s get into it:
BOOKS:
Bad Thoughts by Nada Alic, a short story collection that made me laugh and cringe (often in recognition of myself).
Full of Myself by Siobhan Gallagher, an illustrated memoir that perfectly captures the ups and downs of womanhood, body image, and wavering self esteem. I truly think everyone should read this book — and it’s officially out April 2nd (yes, that’s tomorrow!).
What’s Wrong? by Erin Williams, an illustrated book that details four firsthand accounts of the failures of America’s modern health-care system (as well as Williams’ own experience). Touching, heartbreaking, and so important.
MOVIES + TV
Perfect Days. OMG this movie. This movie!! It tells the story of a man who leads a life of simplicity. We follow him through his daily routine: waking up and opening the door to feel fresh air on his face, listening to Lou Reed on his morning commute, and even finding joy while working as public toilet cleaner in Tokyo. So much focus on the beauty in the mundane — I wanted to chuck my phone in a river and look at the trees for hours after leaving the theater.
Anatomy of a Fall, which left me wondering not whether the protagonist killed her husband, but how a broken family recovers after going through the absolute shitstorm that is a public trial. A gripping film through and through. Also, delighted that Messi the dog won an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
The current season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. I’m loving the cast and dreading the finale only because I don’t want it to end! Rooting for my girl Plane till the end (a controversial take, I know!) <3
FABRIC + FLAVORS + FLOWERS:
This Samsøe Samsøe sweater I found at a consignment store. My new favorite cozy piece for everyday wear.
Topo Chico seltzer water — the lime with mint extract flavor in particular. Tastes like summer came early.
An upcycled tee I got from my friend and fellow Seattle-based artist Naomi at the Fremont Sunday Market. If you don’t follow her work, I highly recommend checking it out.
A loaf of scallion and sesame focaccia from Cottage. So buttery and flavorful.
The tulips Gideon got at the farmer’s market, which lasted a full week (and then stayed in the vase longer because I couldn’t bear to throw them out).
LISTENS
Madi Diaz in concert, which was just… mind blowing? Not to sound dramatic, but!!! One of those shows where I fell more in love with the album because of how good the songs sounded live.
Daniel Nunnelee, who opened for Madi and surprised me in the most delightful way. He writes sweet songs about love and heartbreak — gave me a Ben-Kweller-meets-Noah-Kahan vibe. I bought one of his shirts and requested he sign it, which he kindly obliged.
Cowboy Carter, obviously. I mean. This cover of Blackbird? It’s on repeat. Thank you (always), Beyoncé.
MISC: BACHELORETTE, BABY
Here’s the truth: I didn’t think I wanted to have a bachelorette party. It felt like a lot to ask my friends to travel for a trip that was… all about me? But my friends convinced me that it was worth doing, and my god am I glad they did.
A few favorites from our weekend in New Orleans:
This doughnut tour (yes, it’s an official doughnut tour led by a tour guide), which spanned Magazine street and featured a sampling of beignets beyond my wildest dreams. Oh, and I got to wear a bride sash — another bachelorette cliché checked off the list!
The tattoo of my face everyone sported throughout the weekend, which faded into a sickly grayish color after just 24 hours of wear. 10/10.
Unsurprising, but being around a bunch of my favorite people for 36+ hours. What a treat.
Thanks for reading and happy, happy April!
I'm so glad I came across this post! I was looking for writers who had also written about Perfect Days - I saw it the other day and loved it. Your book looks super appealing to me, so I'm going to preorder it.