Keeping the creative juices flowing means surrounding yourself - body, mind, & soul - with all the tiny sparks of magic that make your heart sing.
Here’s a list of the things we’re loving right now. Our chef’s kiss! We dig sharing the love as well, so let us know if there are things creating a melody in your soul and we’ll share out into the Sunshine & Pineapples world.
1. Boy Swallows Universe - Netflix Series
It was the local haunts for us, being a Queensland crew. Media often centres around a metro - Sydney or Melbourne - vibe which is cool but the familiarity of seeing your own experiences on the screen and in print is a bit spec.
Books are always my favourite experience but in this case, I found the Netflix series to have it's own charm with incredible, lyrical performances. Felix Cameron as a young Eli is sheer perfection and I quite literally wept with the nuanced exploration of Australian masculinity with heart from Travis Fimmel, Simon Baker and Bryan Brown in equal measure.
Trying to figure out which parts of the dramatisation comes from Trent Dalton's own experiences growing up in Brissy and which parts were imagination added another quirky element.
And for a bit of a cheeky ogle, google old Travis Fimmel circa 1990's. Truely the definition of the male 'Hot Banger'. Just saying.
Photo courtesy of Travis Fimmel - mecs canons photo (2058987) - fanpop
2. Lola in the Mirror - Novel by Trent Dalton
Of course, watching a good limited series sent me down the literary rabbit hole. I had already read Boy Swallows Universe so instead reached for Trent's new novel, Lola in the Mirror.
I'm not going to lie. Parts of this book ravaged my soul with quite exquisite pain. It is so beautifully written though. Almost magical, with such a unique narrative style that I just could not stop.
Inspiration was taken from Trent's time as an Investigative Journalist and his encounters with people living rough in metro Brisbane. Given the subject matter and muse, the beauty he invokes is astounding.
Available at https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9781460759837/lola-in-the-mirror/ or anywhere you grab your books really.
3. Dachshunds
Hersey La La & The Kids - Photo Courtesy of The Kids Selfie Stash
For the love of every thing Holy. I did not want to like this dog. Had no intentions of enjoying it's energy but I bloody well do.
My kid 'acquired' a Dachie named Hersey. She is so full of stinkin' attitude and chutzpa that I just can't stand it. She is naughty, bossy, takes over your personal space without question. Barks at you if you don't share your food and strides around the house with a definite 'Choke on my Sparkle' attitude.
All the while looking completely ridiculous with that lopey, long body and yet, I find myself laughing at it so often each day it kills me.
Get yourself a Dachie. You'll be entertained for life.
4. Oreo Wafer Sticks
My kid just gave me one and well...aren't they a little bundle of crispy deliciousness wrapped up in chocolate. Perfectly paired with your evening java brew. Chef's kiss.....
Go on...you know you want one.
5. Stoney Creek National Park - Yeppoon, QLD
It's been blisteringly hot here in Poon Town and that usually means my crew are either in the surf or in the pool. Water of some kind basically.
A nice little change of pace involves heading to our local creek for some fresh water fun. There's the obligatory tree swing with a slightly 'take your life into your own hands' ambience, rock pools, turtles and that old school chilly, brine of a healthy ecosystem.
It could be any natural watering hole really but there is something really primal about trekking through rock pools and waterfalls, along wooded paths to get to that magical spot of cool beauty.
It's easy for artists to fall into a very home centric existence, particularly when creating. I urge everyone to take a break, seek out some nature, connect with country and recharge. You will feel the change in your inspiration and vibration, I guarantee it.
6. Sass Queen Tee Collection - Sonny the Label
A woman after (and from) my own heart. Full Sass. She’s an empowered boss babe with a wicked sharp tongue, she's so cute how could you hold it against her. She knows her mind and her body’s her own.
Sass Queen is now live and available from our Sonny The Label apparel line at Sunshine & Pineapples.
Find your groove and go hard. Dare ya.
Available at:
https://www.sunshineandpineapples.net/collections/sass-queen-tee-collection