Staying in : October Journal
Each month, I share a few things that have been meaningful lately - from recipes, books, films and artists. This journal is a quiet celebration of shared meals and meaningful dialogue. A sacred, delicate practice of connection through food and art.
This month’s journal leans intentionally into the mood of the season. The books, films, and artists explore darker themes such as isolation, absurdity, and control. There are a few classic horror selections as well. In contrast, the recipes this month focus on warmth, simplicity and seasonal produce. It’s not a Halloween edition in the literal sense, but the tone is deliberate. I hope it offers something to spend time with as the days get colder.
Recipes
Whipped Ricotta & Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is sautéed in butter and sage, then served over whipped ricotta. I like to finish it with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped pistachios. It works well as a main when served with bread or can be made in smaller portions on toast for hosting. Download recipe here
Pear, Mixed Nut & Cranberry Salad
This salad combines sliced pears, toasted walnuts and almonds, and dried cranberries. It’s tossed in a vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Simple but balanced, giving you sweet, sharp, and crunchy. Download recipe here
Dark Chocolate Truffles
Delightfully rich. The base recipe for these are simple and easy to adapt. You can add nuts, espresso, or a splash of liqueur. They keep well in the fridge and are easy to bring out after dinner with coffee or wine. Download recipe here
Books
The Complete Stories by Truman Capote
The name Truman Capote is most famously tied to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This collection of short stories gives a very different picture. As a child, he was abandoned by his mother and spent much of his childhood isolated. These early experiences led him to writing stories by the age of 11. These stories feel familiar but each have a strange twist, focusing on independent characters. The writing is vivid and sometimes unsettling.
A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
This book takes you through a single day in a Soviet labor camp. The writing is simple and detailed, giving a clear vision of how each day goes, from his thoughts to actions. There is an underlying theme of resilience, survival and solidarity. What I found most surprising, was how ordinary he made it feel. It was a reminder of the human ability to adjust to circumstances and make the most of your lot, no matter how unfair they might be.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
I had a lot of pre-formed ideas going into this one. It’s a short book, but dense in meaning. The story blends absurdism with something very relatable. It explores how people react when someone no longer fits within their expectations. It’s less about the transformation itself, and more about how others respond to it and how reality shifts. It captures isolation and estrangement from both an internal and external perspective.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
This book follows Raskolnikov, a student in St. Petersburg who convinces himself he can justify a crime for the greater good. The story isn’t really about the crime. It’s about what happens to his mind afterwards. The writing is dense, and slow at times. The way it explores guilt, morality, and isolation makes it worth sticking with. It’s quite intense, but human.
Films
Audition by Takashi Miike (1999)
This film starts slowly, it follows a man who holds a fake audition in an attempt to meet potential wives. From there, the story takes a dark turn. The pacing is calm at first, which makes the shift in tone even more unsettling. Some scenes were honestly hard to watch. It’s not a film I’m likely to rewatch, but if you enjoy horror, I’d add it to your list.
Les Diaboliques by Henri-Georges Clouzot (1955)
I first saw this in the cinema when my French wasn’t strong enough to fully follow the dialogue… hence, I didn’t find it as scary as everyone else. I watched it again recently, and can now confirm: it’s scary. The story is slow, and builds up tension and suspense. Beyond the plot, the styling and cinematography are really well done.
Les Yeux sans Visage by Georges Franju (1960)
This film is unsettling. It follows a doctor trying to restore his daughter’s face after a terrible accident. The story slowly becomes darker as you see how far he’s willing to go. The scenes feel still and slightly off, which gives the film its tension. The horror is more emotional than physical, which I think makes it more effective.
Artists
Fan Ho : Photographer
I’ve been revisiting Fan Ho’s black & white photography lately. He captured daily life in Hong Kong during the 1950s and 60s. His style often play with strong shadows and angles.
Tadao Ando : Architect
There’s a peacefulness and simplicity in his creations. He uses concrete and natural light in a way that feels heavy but minimal.
Thanks for being here. If you make any of the recipes or pick up one of the books, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Until next time,
- Jessie