Staying in : September 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.
I’m happy to be writing again after taking August off to rest and settle into a few changes. Lately, I’ve been reading more, cooking simpler meals, and soaking in the last few warm days. This month’s journal reflects a new pace. This time has been a reminder to notice the small joys and loosen my grip on what’s temporary. To be more intentional with space. Making time for rest, play, and the people I care about. I hope it meets you where you are and offers something grounding as we move into fall.
Recipes
Cacio e Pepe
Reflecting the traditional Roman pasta. Made with just Pecorino Romano, black pepper, pasta, and water. This recipe is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the difference that high quality ingredients make. Download recipe
Poached Pear
Fresh pears poached in a light vanilla and cinnamon syrup. Not too sweet or heavy. I prefer to serve them warm, with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The aroma from simmering the pears is worth giving this recipe a try. Download recipe
Books
Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter by Simone de Beauvoir (1958)
Each time I read Simone de Beauvoir, my admiration for her grows. Compared to The Woman Destroyed, this memoir felt more accessible while still being filled with raw expression. It follows her early years and her friendship with Zaza, giving a clear view of how her intellectual and emotional world was formed. When I finished it, I immediately added her book on Zaza to my reading list.
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson (2015)
This is the second book I’ve read by Maggie Nelson. Her writing blends theory and personal experience. Her writing can feel poetic but still reads direct.. She writes about motherhood, identity, sexuality, and language without overcomplicating it. Her reflections of life and emotion are something I wish I could portray in my own experiences.
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre (1938)
I had heard a lot about this book before starting it. It’s considered one of the defining works of the existentialist movement. The story follows a man who becomes increasingly detached from the world around him, questioning meaning and existence itself. It’s not always an easy read, but it left me thinking about how we experience reality, the script we follow and the roles we’re expected to play in it.
Against Interpretation by Susan Sontag (1966)
A collection of essays I’d recommend to anyone interested in the arts. She writes clearly about how we look and talk about art. Arguing the distinct different in experiencing art for art, rather than reducing art based on our own projections and interpretation. Her perspective is sharp and refreshing (per usual), it gave me a lot to think about in my own approach to art and criticism.
Films
Elevator to the Gallows by Louis Malle (1958)
I’ve always felt a certain magic in black & white films. This one follows a failed murder plot that creates a tangled web of lies and internal pressure. It was last summer, I believe, that I watched about 20 black & white films and this was one of my favorites. Growing up, I watched Felix the Cat, which is a silent black & white cartoon. There’s a level of stylishness and restrain that can’t be mimicked in color films. If you have recommendations for a black & white film, don’t hesitate to share. Original film written in French.
Natsu no niwa: The Friends by Shinji Sômai (1994)
A film about three boys who form a friendship with an older man nearing the end of his life. It treats youth and aging with honesty. The film is sentimental but not in an overpowering way. The plot can be slow at times, letting you get comfortable in the script. There’s a theme of the fragility of life is with respect to time, but the mix of generations gives a sense of joy in the connection between human emotions that can’t be bound by time. Original film written in Japanese.
Van Gogh film by Maurice Pialat (1991)
A recommended film by my French teacher. This film focuses on Van Gogh’s final months in a small French town. Rather than romanticizing him or his work, it portrays him as a person. His day to day life, relationships with himself and other people, and also shows his flaws. I found it interesting to see the details of daily life at the time. In multiple scenes they show how they bathed, transportation, sharing meal. It gave the film an added layer of authenticity and quality. Original film written in French.
Artists
Gisele Freund : Photographer (1908–2000)
Known for her portraits of writers and artists. She captured her subjects with an intimacy that feels more like reflection of her subjects personal space than a formal image.
Maria Papa Rostkowska : Sculpture (1923–2008)
She created stone sculptures making forms that simple but have movement. There’s an elegance in her work from the simplify figures, it feels like she let her work speak for itself.
Daniel Varsano : Sculpture (1933–1983)
I hadn’t known of Varsano before this month. His pieces are quiet and intimate, a good listen for a slow morning or when you’re winding down for the day.
Takahi Yoshio : Printmaker and author (1930–2002)
Both a printmaker and author. I’ve yet to read his books, but his prints are detailed and soft on the eyes, often featuring natural elements and cultural significance .
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