Crystal's Monthly Curated Curiosities
Much Needed Distractions, Book Buzz, Fun Facts, and Finds I Love
I’m a bit of an information junkie, and I am always finding lots of interesting things that I want to share with others. Moving forward, I’ll compile these monthly to satisfy that itch. This month I’m talking art, culture, books, games, and a bevy of other things that catch my fancy. Also, I’ve got some super cool events coming up including a very special dinner celebrating food in my novel In The Garden of Monsters, so make sure to scroll down for that.
So, let’s dig into what’s fascinating and distracting for me right now. First off…
FASCINATING
See that woman in the bottom left corner of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel depiction of The Flood? Turns out he may have been working with a model who had breast cancer. More details here.
Did you ever notice the moth in Silence of the Lambs? Its back is from a Dali photo.
“A close look reveals the moth's thorax skull to be "In Voluptas Mors" ("voluptuous death"), Dalí and Halsman's famed 1951 photograph. Seven women were asked to model on a special platform, arranged by Dalí into a skull.” You can read more about it here, but they don’t show the original photo because of the nudity. If you want to view it, I’ve linked the image here.
Bernini’s Saint Bibiana, saint of hangovers in Santa Bibiana Chiesa, Rome. 11 Patron Saints of Food, Coffee, and Alcohol. I’m not Catholic, so the saints don’t do much for me, but if I were, I’m sure a few of the peeps on this list would have a few extra prayers sent in their direction.
There is some great advice on this list: 100 Ways To Slightly Improve Your Life Without Even Trying
DISTRACTING
Books I’m loving right now (some of which may appear in future book giveaways):
Randy Susan Meyers - The Many Mothers of Ivy PuddingStone
Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor - Christmas With the Queen
Karla Cornejo Villavicencio - Catalina
V.E. Schwab - This Savage Song
I’m toying with some book ideas set in 1980s Rome, and in my research, I came across this fantastic Ramones video:
I adore Philomena Cunk, especially when she’s talking about food.
Aside from books, I’m big on games as a distraction, and I’m living a lot in the world of Dragon Age Veilguard (it’s getting mixed reviews, but I’m really loving it) and Fallout 76. I also love the Where’s Waldo-style game Hidden Folks, which you can play on desktop or mobile.
MY UPCOMING EVENTS
I’ve got a lot going on in the upcoming next week and I’d love it if you come say hi!
Sat Nov 9, 12:30 PM Rozzie Bound Co-Op book signing
Tue Nov 12, 5:30 PM Boston Atheneum: Salvador Dalí and Italy's Sacro Bosco Garden of Monsters
Thu Nov 14, 7:00 PM Wellesley Books: In Conversation with Whitney Scharer, $5 ticket which can be put toward the purchase of a book.
🍗🍷🥧Fri Nov 15, 6:30 PM - TICKETS SELLING FAST
I have an AMAZING dinner coming up with Will Gilson from Puritan & Co., The Lexington, Geppetto, and Amba. Tickets for this six-course meal (which includes a signed copy of the book…and remember, books make great presents!). Will’s cooking is some of the best in the city! More information is here.
Sat Nov 16, 2 PM - Roasted Granola Cafe - I’ll be signing books at the Arlington Author Salon Bookfair!
CONGRATS!
Marissa Gallerani is the winner of the giveaway for Tarot for Storytellers by Kris Waldherr, bestselling creator of The Goddess Tarot and author of Unnatural Creatures and The Lost History of Dreams. Stay tuned to future emails for your chance to win new books!
Thanks for Joining Me
If you love food and love Italy, and haven’t read THE CHEF’S SECRET or FEAST OF SORROW, click the links to learn where to buy your copy! And now you can order IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS!
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Amazing Ramones clip! In front of Castel Sant' Angelo? Wonder how they ever got that one approved.
I also have Catalina on my TBR - glad to hear it's worth it!
(will that make it move up any faster on the list? No but still good to know all the same 🤣)