Hello from the Auteur Edit, a roundup of what’s keeping me sane, inspired and awestruck in the madness that is the media arts business.
If I were to give it a theme, consider today’s list the mental health or self-care edition. And the bonus video for this edition gives you an exclusive look at and takes you behind the scenes of my latest film project, which touches on the topic.
The list below is available to free subscribers. The separate bonus video above — is available to paid subscribers.
Mental health messaging. This first item on the list is a snap taken during filming for my most recent directing project, the PSA No Fun In Fentanyl. I think we all know there’s a direct correlation between teen drug use and diminished mental health so — while this is a heavy topic — it’s a necessary one. One that also created some challenges during filming. In addition to giving you an exclusive look at the finished PSA in my bonus video, I talk about those challenges and take you behind-the-scenes with how it all came together. So, please check it out!
An eye-opening documentary. I came across the trailer for this new documentary set to be released that addresses the death of the well-known and beloved soap opera actor Kristoff St. John, who committed suicide a few years back. It was just a few years after his only son tragically died the same way. It’s been widely reported that Kristoff was suffering from profound sadness around his son's death and by his own admission had a hard time coping. What may not be so widely known is his struggles with severe depression that fed into his chronic drug abuse, and an insistence, perhaps obsession that his son was murdered. Simply called Kristoff, the film on the surface is a sorrowful tale, but it comes with a message centered on mental health awareness. And for that alone, I think we all owe it to ourselves to watch. People magazine has the movie trailer.
Self-care through skincare. It may sound trivial in the scope of what I’ve listed so far, but let’s lighten it up a bit. This serum and moisturizing cream combo is hands down the best thing I’ve put on my face in some time. It’s the kind of self-care we all need. One thing that makes it so good — the ingredients are packed with antioxidants. All kinds of organic goodness including shea butter, seed oil and Vitamin C. Even better — it’s sustainably-friendly with its low-waste, plastic-free packaging and refill options — which is what I actually look for when choosing new or replacing old products. I like that the moisturizer is a thick hydrating cream, not a watered down mess, that instantly cured my dry patches. My previous moisturizer did not — go figure. It’s also fragrance free for us sensitive skin girlies. You should not only make this kind of self-care a necessary priority for mental wellness but you can also feel good about doing it. Now, if someone can just help me find an equitable, reliable sunscreen that doesn't dry my skin out. Any recs?
Mind over matter. Simply changing our environment can make all difference in how our bodies react to stress. That’s why I believe in creating a harmonious and energetically balanced living environment — when and where I can. It’s about finding mindfulness in the midst of what can sometimes be a chaotic life. Bringing positive energy into my household is a no-brainer and smudging is one way I achieve that. It focuses my attention on my own energy — and helps me to be mindful about the tone I set in the home. Smudging is not just about the physical act of burning herbs, it's about setting intentions, creating sacred space, and inviting that positive energy into the home while dispelling negativity. And it can be a part of whatever ritualistic practices you do or don’t observe. When it comes to selecting smudging products, there are many types and options. Common herbs used in smudging include white sage, cedar, lavender, and Palo santo — but quality matters overall. I opt for organic herbs that are sustainably sourced and free from pesticides or additives — like Luna Sundara’s Palo santo sticks. And, I try to select reputable suppliers who prioritize ethical harvesting practices.
Endings that become beginnings. I’ve never been much of a fiction fan, beyond my teens years, when it comes to books. I usually prefer non-fiction, current event-type reads. You can blame the documentarian in me for that but, I mean that’s where you can find some of the best material. Despite my lack of interest in the imaginary (movies are different), lately I’m finding that “serious” is the last thing I want when it comes to winding down. The idea is to lower not raise my blood pressure when I’m in chill mode — which I am when reading. While nonfiction is still my go-to, I’ve been flipping through some intriguing options that are bringing me back to fiction. Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is an introduction to “a work-a-holic with a too-good-to be-true romance who can’t stop thinking about her first love.” Hoover is apparently a pretty popular — several times over — New Times Bestselling author. Call me a late bloomer here. This latest book of hers, which is part of a series, has just been optioned to be a motion picture with Blake Lively. That tells you — and me — all we need to know. That, and, it’s “a brave and heartbreaking novel that digs its claws into you and doesn’t let go, long after you’ve finished it.” I have to say, I’m feeling that already, just two chapters in. So, if some stress-reliving escapism is what you need, this one’s worth checking out.
For birthdays, snacking or birthday snacking. Finally, it’s my birthday week, so — cake! — is on the list. The snacking kind. Better yet snacking cake. Okay, full disclosure, cake is really not my favorite thing. Pie? It ranks up there. But cupcakes — number one. And if cupcakes were the one thing I get each year to celebrate my day, I’d consider the day a success. But my curiosity has piqued since I’ve been seeing all of these recipes for “snacking cake.” Like what’s that? When did cake for snacking become a thing? And there are a LOT of recipes of the lemon variety. Lemons, I also love. And as it turns out this “new” kind of cake is apparently nothing more than a sweet loaf of bread that marries the two, which you can also — wait for it — make as cupcakes. And that’s the way I like them.
These are my take on the everyday cake. Some folks add icing. I don't think they need it. This “everyday cake” is one of two recipes I’ve made that are now my favorites. I may not eat them everyday — I don’t. I usually freeze half when I get the urge to bake a batch — but why wait for a birthday when now there’s cake for — everyday. Not to mention, baking — with it’s calming effect — is yet another way to relieve stress for a lot of folks, including me.
That’s another Auteur Edit. I hope you found something useful. Paid subscribers can access my bonus video above — where I take you behind the scenes of my most recent film project. Thanks again for your support.
