September 2024

Welcome to Sending Smiles. I am delighted you are taking time out of your day to be here.

This month, life has slowed to a more manageable pace. The workload at my day job has decreased, freeing up my time and mental energy. I've been able to spend more time with loved ones, which has done wonders for my mental health. I saw Glass Animals perform, tried new restaurants, and watched TV with my long-distance friends. This month, I'm especially grateful for connection. How have you connected with others recently?

Always remember, you are whole and worthy of unconditional love.

Binge Listens

Binge Watches

TV shows and movies I've rated 4-5 stars

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A Quiet Place: Day One

Streaming Service: Paramount +, Youtube, Amazon Prime

Genre: Romantic Comedy

“It’s good to have been back.”

A Quiet Place: Day One delves into the harrowing beginnings of the alien invasion that forces humanity into silence, centering on Samira and Frodo’s desperate struggle to survive in a world where even the slightest sound can be fatal.

I loved how a film with such limited dialogue conveyed so much. Samira is a compelling character, brilliantly portrayed by Lupita Amondi Nyong'o. I was moved to tears when I learned the backstory behind Samira’s desire for pizza. Overall, I preferred this film to A Quiet Place.

I recommend this to fans of A Quiet Place who are eager to learn more about the origins of the alien invasion and how the world fell into silence.

The Uglies

Streaming Service: Netflix

Genre: Distopian/Sci Fi

“If you want to learn how to fly, you gotta learn how to fall.”

In The Uglies, Tally Youngblood navigates a futuristic world where mandatory surgery is required to achieve superficial beauty, sparking her rebellion against a society that values appearance over individuality.

I read The Uglies trilogy in middle school, so watching the movie was incredibly nostalgic, despite the futuristic setting. As my friend and I watched, we slowly began to remember more details of the plot. I appreciate that the movie was released now rather than when the books were initially popular. It feels like the story is even more relevant today, given the rise of plastic surgery and the impact of Instagram, TikTok, and influencer culture.

I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian stories that offer a critical lens on society.

Joy Journal

Everyday moments that made me smile.

• My colleague thanked me in advance for something I hadn’t done yet.

• Mom’s health.

• Seeing my sister, Susanna, drive up in her new car.

• Taking a deep breath of fresh Flagstaff air.

• Catching up with my long-distance friend over FaceTime.

• Completing the workout I dreaded.

• Holding Mom’s hand while I cried during A Quiet Place: Day One.

• Wandering around Target with Susanna.

• Savoring the Cinderella Latte at Serafina Coffee Roasters.

• Feeling grateful for my ability to reach a step goal.

• Sticking to my writing commitments.

What brought you joy this September?

Outfit of the Month

September in Photos

Sending Smiles,

Steph

P.S.