Heliotropic List - #5
A euphoric new music video, a rebel gardener and Sam Youklis’s new iPhone photobook
Morning! This week, you’ll learn of the inspiring London gardener who grows hundreds of kilos of food in his tiny backyard each year, an uplifting new photobook that celebrate the small things and some life advice from the ever wise Dolly Parton.
Play while listening - Afternoon in Bärenquell by Loket, the alias of Berlin saxophonist Tahl Klainman. I haven’t watched a music video in forever, but this new one filmed by LA photographer Xinger Xanger is super feel good and worth a watch.
Rebel Gardener Alessandro Vitale or better known as the “Spicy Moustache” - my most recent obsession is his teeny tiny London garden, which he transformed into an incredible food-paradise providing for him and his girlfriend — enough that they very infrequently shop for food. I just bought his book Rebel Gardener and am now determined to make more things in my small garden edible. You can find Alessandro’s garden tour and YouTube account with all his gardening tips here.
Sam Youklis Photobook launched a few weeks ago - and I want it, because there’s just something about it. Maybe it’s the intimacy of images taken with an iPhone, or that they’re categorised into chapters labelled “Exercising in Public,” “Fourteen Kisses,” or “People Walking While Balancing Things On Their Heads.” Or perhaps it’s because, in this wild time on earth, it’s refreshing to be reminded of another truth that exists alongside all the catastrophe. Which is the fact that the world still has cute dogs, old couples still in love embracing under an umbrella and friends playing checkers in the pool.
Interview with Louis Theroux - awkwardly but humorously recounting his life story on Annie Mac’s Podcast ‘Changes.’
The 2006 Beatrix Potter movie (on Netflix) - a remarkable story played beautifully by Renee Zelwegger. It’s amazing to think how she and other rare examples of that time, found it in them to rebel against cultural and gender norms, even when it risked their reputation or relationships. As you know, she became a famous children’s book author despite disapproval from her family and multiple rejections from male dominated publishers. After amassing her fortune, she purchased acres of land, otherwise destined for developments and to this day, they remain natural heritage sites.
Free yoga - Bless her, but if you’re like me a Yoga with Adrienne is too slow for you (I once heard someone say she’s the Bob Ross of Yoga and it’s so true), you might enjoy Tana Yoga instead.
Dolly Parton - Also been obsessing over Dolly Parton this week. She is so so wise. Take for instance this interview that I stumbled on and the way the interviewer insults her with each question, yet she deflects it all with such grace and humour. Personally, I would’ve snapped, so I’m taking notes from Dolly this week.
"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world." – Dolly Parton
