Friday 4 June 2010

What I'm in to Now: the Alchemy of an Attitude Adjustment

This is the beginning of a new semi-regular feature on Knitted Bliss- What I'm in to Now. The idea is to pull together books, music, movies, and who-knows-what-else into a lovely mood-collage on some unifying idea. For example, today's is the alchemy of an attitude adjustment. I re-watched one of my favourite films recently, Enchanted April.
It was made in 1992, and I hope one day they digitally remaster it for HD or whatever they do these days, because it deserves it. The film follows 4 women who are dissatisfied with their lives in different ways, and they take a transformative holiday in Portofino, Italy. The holiday helps them think about their lives differently, and in their reframing, they find happiness. Next up is this soon-to-be-everywhere-if-it-isn't-already book:
I've been reading The Happiness Project, and all I can say is- WOW. I'm pretty confident that every woman I know over the age of 28 would find that this book speaks right to the very core of everything they think about themselves. This is the chronology of one woman's odyssey to improve herself, her life, and her relationships with those she cares about most. It's fascinating- the way that women take on so much, and then feel guilty or somehow dissatisfied with what they feel they aren't doing. Isn't that so typical of us, though? We do so well, but yet we want to do just a bit better.

While I've been reading, I've been steadily working away on the Athyrie pattern from St. Denis 2- It is the perfect knitting sidekick that keeps my fingers busy while I'm reading.

One of my favourite bands is The National. There is something about the lead singer's voice, it's just... velvet. Let me leave you with a couple videos from their most recent album, High Violet, which has pretty much been playing non stop in my ipod for over a month now.
The National - "Bloodbuzz Ohio" (official video) from The National on Vimeo.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love The National!

The Happiness Project doesn't seem like a book I'd normally pick up, but I think it looks fantastic and I definitely want to check it out! (Unfortunately 125 other people also want to check it out my local library... maybe I should just pick up my own copy.)

I'm a new blog reader passing by - love your knits and your writing! :)

Jessaca said...

I watched Enchanted April a few years back. I caught it on at midnight one night and stayed up and watched it. At the time, I didn't care for it, but looking back, there were some great themes there! Thanks for sharing!

Maya said...

I'm a new reader too and I love what you knit aswell ; ) You knit up some amazing stuff especially the tops.

i think our whole fam will benefit from reading that book! i hope there are copies availible down in Australia

Kim said...

the book sounds really interesting (of course I fit perfectly into the demographic you think would like it--female & over the age of 28)! and I'm so glad I decided to click on the video you posted--wow! his voice really is wonderful.

Gigi said...

I love "Enchanted April" too -- the film even more than the book. And isn't Polly Walker stunning?

Traci said...

I'm a new reader and I, too loved The Happiness Project. Very thought provoking and life adjusting! I love your blog and your knitting!

Teresa said...

What a great idea! Nice new feature. I've had a few people recommend the Happiness Project to me, I think it's about time I picked it up!

weezalana said...

I love that movie. I'm pretty far beyond 28, but I'll have to check that book out! I haven't heard of The National before, but you're right, that singer has an amazing voice! Going to peruse them on iTunes later.

SugarMaple said...

I sometimes feel like we are living at least some of the elements of our lives in parallel - I've been into positive psychology for a couple of years now, and although I haven't read Gretchen's book yet, I've belonged to her f/book group for a while. With a birthday coming up, I'm thinking of conducting a similar project over the next year myself. Thanks for spreading the happy word to kindred spirits who find their way to Knitted Bliss :)

knittinginatree said...

I'm a new reader too! Great idea to share what you are into now. And, great blog.

Anonymous said...

enchanted april is one of my comfort movies! last time i watched it, i noticed that it is an adaptation of a book. may have to go find that soon, like miss pettigrew lives for a day.

Maryse said...

I'm sure this new feature is going to be appreciated! I never heard about the Happiness Project, but now, I want to know more about it! Thank you for the suggestions!

Allison said...

Just wanted to send a belated congratulations to you and your husband from a few posts ago! I'm so glad things worked out :)

barbara said...

This seems such an interesting book, will definitely look out for it and congratulations too on "Spring Garden Tee" modeling assignment! beautiful and so inspiring to all knitters. I already read and enjoy Alana's blog and podcasts.

Hilary said...

What a great idea for a blog feature! I really enjoyed this one and am excited for more. I've been reading Gretchen Rubin's blog for awhile and recently picked up a copy of the Happiness Project. I'm very excited to start reading soon -- I've picked up so many great pieces of advice from her blog, especially about that pesky female guilt complex you mentioned! Last thing -- THANK YOU for introducing me to The National! Wonderful! Off to download some songs...

Animalia said...

Awesome post!!

I LOVE Enchanted April, a movie that seems highly under rated but so beautiful, bringing a group of women back to life almost....

I had a listen to The National, as a friend is in love with them, but I don't get it yet, not sure why...I'm listening to florence and the machine a lot...

And lastly, I had a look at the Happiness Project website, I want to love her project, but it looks like a rehash of everyone else's ideas, a sort of psychology lite, which can be uplifitng but often has big gaping holes. However, I do agree with her that happiness is a choice...Anyway, that's my two cents...
I Love your blog and knitted treasures :) Nadia

Unknown said...

Can you please explain how you knit and read at the same time. I would love to do that.

Love the blog!

Courtney

Anonymous said...

I have definitely had my eye on that book for a while. Now that I have a firsthand account of its brilliance, I will surely have to read it.

LOVE the National! How have I not heard of them? Thanks!

Cheers,
Daisy