The endless summer finally cooled, quickly, into autumn, and I spent the whole month in Istanbul in that strange space between joy and dread that seems to infuse this whole weird year.
Best Of The Month
This month I had my first science piece published in National Geographic! Özge and I worked on this piece for months, and it was a true highlight to finally have it out in the world with such a prestigious publication.
I also made some new friends and saw some old ones after a year where that’s often felt difficult. Things might shut down here soon, so I’m glad to squeeze in that social joy where I can.
Worst Of The Month
Some work stress towards the end of this month caused unnecessary anxiety, though I am hopeful it’s resolved now.
I hoped to take a little trip out of Istanbul to see some autumn foliage, but we had to cancel because the weather was terrible and rainy. Alas!
What I’m Loving
Reads: I devoured the first three Robert Galbraith detective novels. Robert Galbraith is the pseudonym of JK Rowling, and this genre— murder mystery detective novels— is my all-time favorite. Sometimes it’s nice to read books purely for pleasure.
I also read “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula LeGuin, a classic sci-fi that I’ve had on my shelf for ages. It did not disappoint.
Music: I’ve loved the song “Fufafou” by Falle Nioke and Ghost Culture, and the 90’s hip hop classic “The Look of Love”. (There are two short playlists for this month, enjoy!)
Film/TV: Did I watch anything this month? Maybe not? There were David Lynch films showing at some of the cinemas and I desperately wanted to go, but, pandemic.
Podcasts: Two series I’ve loved in October: Louder Than A Riot, NPR’s podcast about the hip hop and the criminal justice system and the way they became entwined, and The Edge, about the Houston Astro’s sign stealing scandal.
I also loved my friend Fariba’s episode of Reveal, about two journalists (including an American) murdered in Turkey, and so many episodes of Outlook, like “The black child raised by white supremacists,” “The downfall of The Screamers,” “Why I didn’t make a sound for 12 years,” “We found our baby on the subway,” and more.
The Film Files
I decided to take my Yashica May 124G TLR out for a spin for the first time in nearly five years. It’s such a great camera! I’m looking forward to shooting with it a bit more going forward.
Ephemera
After a summer away from it, I got back to drawing, painting, and figure drawing with charcoal this month, thanks to Nadas’s first in-person (though outside and dispersed) art class.
Upcoming
For the first time since February, I’m traveling outside of Turkey… and for the first time since December 2019, I’m going to the US. I’m looking forward to seeing my family but dreading pretty much everything else about it! And I’m sad to be away from Turkey and my apartment and my friends for so many weeks. This has been the weirdest year.
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