Weekend Worrier
When going out is no longer an option how can you stay in an avoid yet another existential crisis? Music, Movies, and Art!
Hello friends and wellwishers!
Welcome to the first newsletter, and thanks for subscribing! I intend to pop by weekly on Tuesdays, but I got too excited and wanted to send out a mini edition to brighten up your weekend.
HalloQueen
September is less than two weeks away and all Halloween die-hards know that’s when the season officially starts.
I know it’s still blistering hot, however, and it can be difficult to feel spooky when you’re sweating your pumpkins off. But I’ve got a cure! I’ve compiled an hour-long creeptastic playlist to get you in the mood. Sit in front of your fridge with the door open to get the chills, put your headphones on, and have a ghostly dance party with your long-dead leftovers.
Listen to Lucé Hallowéén on Spotify now! If this one doesn’t make ya wanna scream boo, don’t worry, I’ll be sending out new ones weekly until Samhain.
Long Live the Video Store
Do you remember the last time you rented a movie in person? Can you feel the pure joy of scanning shelves, admiring box art, choosing an exciting stack, and participating in a community of film lovers? I’ve spent nearly half my life chasing that high by working in video stores around the country: Suncoast and Bookseller Video in Elyria, Family Video in Findlay, Video Americain in Takoma Park. Contrary to popular belief, video stores live on, and much to my SQUEALING delight, I got to return behind the counter in May.
Vidéothèque in South Pasadena is one of the last remaining video stores in LA county and is home to hundreds of titles you can’t find streaming (horror, indie, cult, foreign, unreleased bootlegs), and all the new stuff you’d want as well. We also have records, books, shirts, pins, and a very nipple forward Evel Knievel pinball machine. If you live in the LA area, come browse our shelves and say howdy (but wear a dang mask).
Yesterday at the store we had a Dolly Parton marathon: 9-5, Steel Magnolias, Rhinestone, and Straight Talk. I was under the impression Dolly could do no wrong, but Rhinestone (despite her best, sunny efforts) was truly the most irritating film I’ve endured in a long time. Even glittery jumpsuits and gritty scenes of 1980s NYC streets couldn’t save this clunker for me. Sly Stallone plays a loud caricature of a cabbie who Dolly tries to turn into a country music star because she made a bet (I think) with her sleazy manager (Rachel Green’s dad) that she could. Don’t correct me if I’m wrong, I truly don’t care. How Did This Get Made (a comedy film podcast hosted by June Diane Raphael, Paul Sheer, and Jason Mantzoukas) deep dive Rhinestone on this episode if you want to hear the gory details.
You Need to See This!
Speaking of film podcasts, I’ve been hosting You Need to See This for almost a year now and it’s been the main thing keeping me sane during the lockdown. If you’re someone who’s always looking for movie recommendations or is interested in forgotten gems, this show is for you. Each week, my co-host Cozi and I pick one film you absolutely NEED to watch and give 5 in-depth spoiler-free reasons why it’s a must-see. We’re not snobby film-school cretins waxing intellectually over Peter Bogdanovich (because we know Polly Platt made his best work). We cover all genres and types of movies from lesser-known arthouse indies to box office bombs - that are actually good!
Not sure where to start as a new listener? I’m really proud of the most recent episode I did on the Vince Gillian (The X-Files, Breaking Bad) penned dark comedy Home Fries (1998). I also adore the conversation I had with comedian and horror expert Jen Saunderson about Sergio Martino’s giallo proto-slasher, Torso (1974).
If you’re a fan of any of the films we discuss or have a suggestion for a future episode, let me know! I never get sick of digging into cinema.
You can scroll our 50+ episode library here and subscribe via Apple, Spotify, and more!
Fig Leaf Art
Visual artist Emily L. Figueroa Wolfe, a dear friend of mine from kindergarten (!!!), is auctioning off this gorgeous painting for #AustimSpeaks this weekend on her Instagram. If that’s a cause that you’re interested in supporting, the details are below. If you want to check out Emily’s other work and commissions (she did a lovely watercolor of my parent’s home that I gave them for Christmas last year) check out her Etsy shop.
The auction will go through 7 pm PST on Sunday August 23.
Bidding starts at $25 and you can raise by up to $5 increments. Please list your bid and tag the previous bidder in your comments so they know they’ve been outbid. If you want to be anonymous, send me a DM and I’ll list your bid as such, informing the last highest bidder. Once the auction closes, I will close the comments, inform the highest bidder, and that person will send me payment and mailing address through Venmo, PayPal or the Cash App.I will make your donation to Autism Speaks 💙
Painting is 10”x13”
Gouache and metallic watercolor
Arches 300 gsm paper
I hope you’re able to find comfort and peace in your friendships, hobbies, art, and dreams.
Until next time you can visit me on Instagram (makeup & horror), Twitter (dirty jokes and horror), and Letterboxd (movie reviews and, yes, horror).
xo - ltb