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love-little-lotte · 1 year

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Films and Books That Made 2022 Worth Living

Happy New Year's Eve! Last year, I did a Twitter thread about films, books, and TV shows that I loved in 2021. While I'm still very much active on Twitter these days, the new features are annoying me (especially that cursed "views"), so I'm not tweeting as much as I used to.

As such, I decided to post my favorite films and books on Tumblr instead. I realized I hadn't watched a lot of TV shows this year (or I hadn't watched enough shows that I like to be considered a "favorite"), so this year, I'm only posting films and books.

These films and books were not necessarily released in 2022, but 2022 is the first time I've ever watched or read them. Also, it's worth noting that there are so many 2022 films I haven't watched yet, including Women Talking, The Eternal Daughter, and more. It's either I cannot find a copy online or it didn't show in my local theatres. Maybe I can watch them next year and include them in the list then!

Now that's out of the way, let's get started! Here are 10 films and books that I loved in 2022:

FILMS

Hello, Dolly! (1969) — I've loved the stage musical for so long, especially the revival with Bette Midler, but I haven't watched the movie version of it. This film is one of the best musical adaptations I've ever seen, and it's so brilliant from start to finish. Barbra Streisand is a star, and I fell in love with all the characters, dances, and songs. It's been months since I've seen this, but I still memorize the entire "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" and "It Only Takes A Moment" sequences.

West Side Story (2021) — Another musical film made it to my top 10 list. I loved the first movie adaptation, but it had glaring issues that Steven Spielberg corrected for the most part. Everything about this movie is simply wonderful, and I rewatched this movie more than I care to admit. I love Rachel Zegler, Mike Faist, and Ariana DeBose, but it's a shame the leading man is a disgusting pig, though.

Mary and Max (2009) — I was expecting a fun, carefree animated film prior to watching this, but it broke my heart in the process. The film spoke so much about loneliness, mental health, and friendship through such tender and careful lenses. Philip Seymour Hoffman also gave a terrific performance voicing Max.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) — I'm not a big fan of science fiction fantasy movies, but this one got me. Maybe because it's Michelle Yeoh's stunning performance, or the generational trauma theme. I love how this film captured a mother-and-daughter relationship uniquely and creatively. I still couldn't get through the ending without getting tears in my eyes.

Tár (2022) — I thought Women Talking would be my favorite film of the year, but I haven't watched that yet, so for now, it's this one. I love films that feature an anti-hero because it makes it easier to feel grounded in reality. It is captivating from end to finish, and I can't help but be immersed in Lydia's obsession with greatness. Cate Blanchett is a goddess.

Pride (2014) — One of the best feel-good movies I've ever seen. There are movies based on real events that get you questioning whether they're just bullshitting you, and while I did question this movie as well, it still succeeded in telling its message: the importance of unity. What more can I ask for? Also, this is going to be adapted into a musical soon, and I cannot wait!

Dancer in the Dark (2000) — This is another musical movie on this list, but it couldn't be different than the previous two. As expected from Lars von Trier, this movie is dark and twisted. The final scene took me so much by surprise that I sat there in my seat with my mouth hanging open as the credits rolled. This may seem like a "manipulative" film, but the character of Selma, superbly portrayed by Björk, saved the film for me.

Drive My Car (2021) — The first movie I've seen of the year. I wanted to start 2022 with a good one, and this one didn't fail. It's intimate and profound in a very subdued way. Although this was almost three hours long, it honestly never felt draggy. I hung on to every scene as if my life depended on it. Regret is one way to express grief, and this movie depicted it perfectly.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) — Another surprise of the year. I didn't expect to like this movie that much, but here we are. I should've known not to doubt Martin McDonagh, especially as a huge In Bruges fan. This film is so well-written with wonderful characters - even the animals are great! Colin Farell's Pádraic and Jenny is my favorite duo of the year.

C'mon C'mon (2021) — As for my second favorite duo of the year, it's Joaquin Phoenix and Woody Norman as uncle and nephew in this touching movie. This film made me laugh and cry and genuinely captured the complexity of family relationships. This is a very heartwarming, compelling, and human film, and I love everything about it.

BOOKS

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee — I read this early this year, but I knew then that nothing could ever top it. It's a beautifully-written novel featuring a large set of characters with different personalities, stories, and backgrounds. This novel is also a great learning experience on Korean-Japanese culture, politics, and history. It's a completely immersive story, and it felt like I was transported back to that time. I also highly recommend the Apple TV+ adaptation of this!

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman — I've only read two novels from Backman, and yet, I can confidently say that he's my current favorite author. While some people may find his writing too quirky and over-the-top, I find the sweetness and wit just the right amount. It's the perfect read when you feel dejected and overwhelmed by the negativity of this world. The simple human interactions in this novel absolutely make you feel hopeful and loved.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara — Okay, now this one... I was so scared to read this because I heard countless reviews that say this is a harrowing read. And they were right. This is a terrifying book that almost gave me a panic attack. Many people have depicted this book as "misery porn," and while the thought did cross my mind, I don't think it glamorizes misery. Instead, it sheds light on the long-term effects of trauma, showing how people handle trauma and how, sometimes, there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney — This feels timely. In this book, the main protagonist walks the streets of New York on the last day of 1984 while also reminiscing about days gone by. Lillian Boxfish is an astounding protagonist; she's witty and relatable, and I want to be like her someday (hopefully, minus the bad parts). It's mostly told in flashbacks, so we also got a glimpse of New York in the 20s and 50s, which is pretty interesting to me!

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett — The story had a very Cinderella-like spin, complete with a dead father, an evil stepmother, and two (though they are neither mean nor ugly) stepsisters. This novel especially enraptured me through its supporting character Maeve. I didn't care much about the protagonist, but his sister was the one that made me love this book so much. I see myself in her, but also the person I want to be.

The Sandman by Neil Gaiman — If I made a top 10 favorite TV show list, the Netflix adaptation of Gaiman's popular comic book series would be number one. The show is incredible, and now I'm making my way into the Sandman universe one graphic novel at a time. I just finished A Game of You a few weeks ago, so I'm pretty excited to read more. I love how Gaiman builds the Dreaming universe and shows the power of dreams and imagination.

The Woman at 1,000 Degrees by Hallgrímur Helgason — It took me so long to finish this one because it's super complex, especially since I am unfamiliar with Iceland's history, but it's still terrific. The quirkiness in the story and characters reminds me of Backman novels, but this one is much darker and heavier and written in a very ironic tone. I can't wait to read this again!

Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss — If I'm given the choice to write a book, I just hope it's going to be something like this one. Some may call this novel slow and pretentious, but the writing is so good that I forget I'm actually reading it. The novel is able to bring me to New York and meet all these characters. It's very far from perfect, but it's one that I couldn't stop reading.

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova — I'm used to reading sad stuff, but I didn't expect this one to completely break my heart. The main character of this book follows a concert pianist who suffers from ALS. Based on that, I think you know how heavy this is going to be. One thing that struck a chord with me in this novel is how it's okay not to tie loose ends with other people, and some things are better left unsaid.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry — It's ironic that the title had "book" on it, but it's the only one in Kindle format in the collage. Hmm, maybe I should buy a physical copy of this book. After all, Henry is my new Sophie Kinsella. I'm a huge fan of Kinsella when I was in high school, and I never thought I could feel giddy with romance novels again, but Henry was able to bring back that feeling. That's how good she is as well as this novel.

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And so there you have it: the top 10 films and books that made 2022 worth living. As someone who always uses media to distract myself from reality, I'm looking forward to more media consumption next year!

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starlitangels · 8 months

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Happy Birthday Zo! (2023 Edition)

It's my friend's birthday! It's her birthday it'sherbirthday it'sherbirthdayit'sherbirthdayit'sherbirthday! 2.0k words

@zozo-01 Happy Freakin' Birthday my friend! Enjoy a little bit of spice ;-)

To everyone else: You can read this if you want but it's not generalized. It's very much for Zo.

—

You set your phone down after what felt like the twentieth call of the day. This one from Marie and Colm. "You know," you say to Sam, "I love my pack. But..." You try to think of the most accurate way to describe how much the pack can be.

Sam purses his lips thoughtfully and nods. "They love you and want to express it, darlin'," he remarks. "But I know what you mean." He wraps an arm around your shoulder. "And, hey. Your birthday is the best time to receive calls from the whole pack." A mischievous smirk touches the corners of his mouth. "Though, I think Marie and Milo are the only ones outta all-a 'em who can actually sing."

You laugh. "Milo gets it from Marie. And you are right. David probably could if he was forced to. But you know him. He's... better than he was, but still grumpy and serious a lot of the time. I think Asher can sing, but he's so focused on being goofy that he doesn't think about trying." You smile fondly. Your pack brothers are all idiots in their own way, but they're family. And, since coming back to Dahlia, they've been making a greater effort to show you how much they care about you.

Sam twists and looks over his shoulder, out the windows of the living room to the quiet woods beyond. "So," he says. "What do you want to do for the rest of the night? We can make a dinner reservation for somewhere nice, we could go for a run through the trees... up to you, darlin'."

Your wolf scratches gently at your mind from your Core. Its claws quiet but excited at the suggestion of a run through the woods. Not to mention it's been a while since you shifted...

"Run?" you suggest. "Maybe just a short one, but a good run sounds nice."

Sam nods. "'Course," he says. "Let me go put on some shoes."

He disappears from the living room with a zip!

You get up and get comfortable to run in wolf form. Nothing Sam hasn't seen before. But you know him. You know he'll freeze and stare like a deer in headlights when he sees you. And you know you'll laugh and he'll get grumpy before loosening up.

Unless of course...

When Sam returns to the living room only seconds after leaving, he's greeted by your massive wolf form curled up on the hearth rug. He smiles and chuckles. "Not surprised," he says. "Ready to go, darlin'?"

You pick yourself back to your feet and nod. He reaches out a hand toward you. An offer. You nuzzle your head into his palm and let him scratch at your fur. Trusting him to be careful and not scratch too hard with vampiric strength. He smiles softly and opens the door to the cabin.

You leap through the door with an excited Yip and Sam smiles as he follows you out. He shuts and locks the door behind you both. "Lead the way," he says.

You huff out your nose in a wolfish smile and start running. The trees whip by in a blur. The earth beneath your feet is cool and firm as your claws scratch into the dirt. The wind rushes through your thick fur. You whip your tail in joy.

Sam runs beside you, his boots louder through the underbrush than the pads of your paws.

The two of you run for a long time. Sam doesn't get tired, though he does get winded. You take a large circle as a path through the wild undergrowth. Neither of you need a trail. You need the real woods. Not the tamed bits hikers see. Neither of you would ever get lost in these trees anyway. They're your home.

That, and you can follow your scent trail back home anyway.

When you're finally winded enough to take a break, you stop to pant. Sam stops beside you. "Time to break?"

You nod.

He nods and plops down on a bed of fallen pine needles, reaching out silently for you.

You shift back and settle down in his lap. The moment you're human again, he smirks. And hands you his flannel, leaving him in the T-shirt he wore under it. You slide your arms in the too-long sleeves and tuck the buttons around your front. He's so much taller than you that the flannel falls to nearly halfway down your thighs. He wraps his arms around you and holds you close to his chest. "Guess what, darlin'?" He starts gently rubbing your arm.

"Hmm?"

"You haven't even asked what I got you for your birthday yet."

"I told you, you didn't have to get me anything."

He rolls his eyes. "What kind of mate do you think I am? I don't have to, but I want to."

"Yeah but you got me that knife last year. That was enough."

Sam gives you a look. "That was last year. This is this year." He tugs on one of your curls playfully. "I did get you somethin'."

You watch him lean back so he can dig his hand into the pocket of his jeans and pull something out. It's a small black velvet bag. He holds it out for you. You take it from his hand. You give him playfully-suspicious narrowed eyes. He offers a placid smile in return. "What is it?" The bag is light, silken cords keep the top pulled closed.

"Open it 'n' see."

"More Collins family traditions?"

"Nope. A new one. For you 'n' me."

A smile lifts your mouth at the thought of that. Traditions for the two of you. Just the two of you. Not pack traditions. Not clan traditions. Something special to be shared in private.

You tug open the top of the bag and dip your fingers in.

Something leathery brushes your fingertips. You pinch it and pull it out.

Dangling off a cord of black leather...

"Is this a wolf's tooth?" you ask.

He nods. "Mmhmm. I think it's a baby tooth from the Gray Wolf pack that lives deeper in the woods. They had pups recently. I cleaned it, sterilized it. Put it on the cord. Thought you'd prefer something handmade, instead-a bought."

He takes it from you and ties it behind your neck.

You bend toward him and throw your arms around him when he's done. "I love it," you say softly. He kisses your hair on the side of your head. You lean back enough to meet his lips in a kiss.

He slides his hand into your hair on the back of your head, his fingers curling into your hair softly, trying desperately to hold you impossibly closer.

His flannel slips a little off your shoulders. His other hand cups your bare shoulder.

In a flash of movement that makes your head spin, you're both standing, and you're pinned firm against the trunk of a thick, old tree.

Most of the time, Sam's kisses are gentle. Tender. Loving. Until he gets heated. Then he becomes rougher.

The scale escalates quickly as you run your hands over him. His torso pins you to the tree and his little noises warm the blood in your veins. His hands search your skin, digging in, as his mouth moves over yours.

You recognize the feeling of him thinking he can't get enough of you. You recognize it because you're the same way.

Your hands ball into fists in the back of his T-shirt and yank him against you. He moans quietly, pressing closer to you and digging his fingertips into your shoulder. His sigh flutters your loose hairs.

With all the movement and the fact that you hadn't actually buttoned his flannel around you, it falls just a little bit open, letting the wolf tooth on your chest be framed by the neckline. "This alright?" Sam asks quietly.

"More than alright," you reply.

"Mind if I explore?"

"Only if I can."

"Always, darlin'," Sam breathes.

You smile and let your hands wander under his T-shirt. His hand not in your hair slides down your arm and dodges between the folds of his flannel around you.

—

There are two people standing on your front porch when you and Sam get home from your... run. Just a run. Yup. Nothing else.

You recognize the overwhelmingly powerful aura of a demon, and the chaotic but somewhat subdued one of a Freelancer.

Your neighbors.

Well. "Neighbor" is a generous word. There's a solid mile of uninterrupted, untamed, wild forest between Sam's cabin and their little cottage. They had moved in less than a year ago, but were quiet. Both of them seemed to be bookish and unendingly curious, but they usually kept to themselves.

The Freelancer, a woman a few years older than you with long white hair, is holding something in her hands. A plate. Covered in cling film. Something brown on the plates.

"Avior. Estelle. What a surprise. We were just out for a run," Sam says. "Would you care to come in?" He's trying to be polite, but you can tell he doesn't actually want visitors at the moment. The demon and Freelancer step away from the front door so he can unlock it.

"We won't stay," Avior says, shoving a bit of his wavy chocolate brown hair out of his face.

"We just remembered you mentioning October first is Zo's birthday, and we wanted to bring a little birthday treat," Estelle adds, holding up the plate in her hands.

You, still in wolf form, slide between all of them and into the house. Once out of sight, you shift back and pull on some clothing before returning to the door.

"And what are these?" you ask, taking the plate from Estelle.

She smiles. "They're cookies, but I make them with a cake mix recipe, and then some other ingredients. They're cookie texture, but they taste like cake. Sometimes cake is a little too rich so this helps with portioning. Because sometimes a slice of cake is just too much, y'know?"

You remember the cake Marie made for Milo's birthday this past year and how it was so rich that your mouth didn't want to handle a whole slice. "Mmhmm," you agree.

"Although, I did switch the recipe from chocolate chips to caramel ones. I thought it might make the taste a little sweeter. Sometimes chocolate cake mixes are too semi-sweet."

You laugh. "Thank you, Estelle."

She beams. "Happy birthday, Zo. I hope you have a good day."

"That's very sweet."

Avior holds out a hand toward Estelle. "C'mon, starlight. We should leave them to it," he says. Metallic gold eyes meet yours. "Happy birthday, Zohniyya." He smiles.

"Thank you, Avior."

Hand-in-hand, the two trot down the porch steps and stroll off into the darkening night. Even Estelle's hair, stark and bright as it is, disappears into the shadows.

Sam tugs you back into the house and shuts the door behind the two of you.

"I'm trying one of these cookies," you say, already pulling the cling film off.

Sam chuckles and zips around you, returning with your phone. "Looks like you missed some calls, darlin'."

You sigh and look over all the missed notifications. "Uh-oh. I missed a call from Vincent and Rehna." The missed call's contact, Rennie, lets you know it was definitely both of them. Probably calling to sing Happy Birthday, or at least wish you well on your birthday.

There's that touch of mischief in Sam's face. Making its return. "Better call them back before they show up here too. I plan on keepin' you all to myself for the rest of the night."

Your heart flutters a little in your chest at the small growl low in his throat as he says that. You're definitely down for a round two. Though... it's definitely more like round... five? You lost count.

You smile and tap the missed call notification to call back.

"Good birthday, darlin'?" False innocence returns to Sam's face.

You grin at him while your phone rings. "The best."

#Happy Birthday Zo!#also that GIF is making me hungry #that frosting looks so good #(Marie can sing because Marie is Frenchie lol)#and c'mon. I have to be there to wish you happy birthday too #love you Zo

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fried-manto · 2 years

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How is everyone doing? Interview taking place during the construction of the treehouse:

I don't know man! i've been carryin' around these things since all morning! it's exhausting honestly! i wish Hero could give me a break! or at least call someone else! KEL! Ugh, see what i mean? COMING!

It's...a little tiring... Hey! You wanted it! And don't forget who does the most here- Oh shut it! Besides, it's Hero who does all the work! ...I just thought building a treehouse would be more than fun... So it isn't? Well, it is! But-.. only Hero really gets to do anything... I wanna try the hammer- Yeah! I wanna smash things up! Kel..the hammer is not for smashing things up... Besides, you're too young for that anyways. But aren't you and Hero only three years older than us? Yes, and that makes it better if we're the ones doing dangerous works! What! i can do dangerous works! Kel, do you know how to do additional math? No... but i would learn soon! i think... Well we do, and that means we are old enough. Wait- what does math have anything to do with this?! Well, to make a treehouse you'll have to calculate the exact amount of wood it takes and then you'll have to calculate the cost which- i hope we haven't blow our budget yet but i feel like with the mistakes Hero is constantly making we might go flat broke soo-...Actually, Kel... why don't you help me with some lemonade? Huh- uh..yeah, sure. ....What was that... Are we- are we going broke?! Uhm....you want some lemonade, Aubrey? Oh, yeah thanks!

Hah...things are a little hectic here.... well, i'll do my best to help everyone out..! Hm. Oh Sunny, would you like some lemonade? Mhm. Say, Sunny... what are you doing? Were you just sitting there..? Yeah. Uhm... why don't you help Kel and Aubrey out? They look a little tired.. I'm resting. Oh.. uhm... okay..? Uh, well... rest up, Sunny! Hm.

Well, im certainly holding up-! If only this could hold up too without getting loose every five seconds- Keep it up Hero! Heh- UH- Actually i could really use some help right now-! KEL! WHAAT- I'M BUSY! Call someone else! Sunny's free! SUNNY?! Hmph.

Well, the hustle is definitely something! It'll all be worth it soon, let's get going everyone! Sunny, that's the wrong slab! It's the oak one! The oak one! KEL! Stop putting wood dust on MY HAIR! Hah! Catch me if you can! Uhm...guys..? ...i'll keep it under control..

Hot. Hm? It's so hot. You don't say! It's literally the hottest day of Summer. Wait- really? Yeah. Aw mann!

#CHAOS ENSUES #THIS #is my headcanon of the time #during the construction of the treehouse #c'mon they are literally 12yro kids #what CAN'T go wrong?#im just gonna hc Sunny as this lazy ass baby #who just sits there and waits for his food to come to him #cuz he's the baby of the group #a rather SPOILED baby of the group #excuse me while i make all this #to justified Sunny's eventual suffering even more #bro i love and hate and is obsessed with seeing Sunny suffer #it's a drug #that i am ashamed of but DO NOT REGRET #also i wanna make this to show a not so picture perfect side of the friend group before they fell apart #they literally a fucking group of kids #and Mari and Hero probably tries their best to keep order #but GUESS WHAT #they are TEENS #plot twist is that they are probably a bit shitty at their jobs sometimes #everyone shows their true self during times of frustration #Hero's showing that he's capable of shouting at you 0-0 #Mari rambles on when she's stress #yknow all that #omori headcanons #omori interview #omori fanart #omori fandom #omori

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