May M.A.F.s
Monthly Artsy Favourites
Hello, dear reader
May brought a lot of ups and downs for me. I had a really great time at two concerts this month, as well as visiting the art gallery, but then also some downs. One of my best friends is struggling and work has been a lot.
I hope your May was kinder to you.
But let’s put our worries aside for a little bit and dive into this months artsy faves.
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig
This is a book (and a website) dedicated to made up words. Sounds strange? Let me explain.
The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows is a collection of very distinct descriptions of emotions and moments, given a name that is made up, yes—but also based on other words trying to explain those obscure sorrows.
Here’s an example:
Ozurie
Feeling Torn Between the Life You Want and the Life You Have
From Oz + the prairie, with you caught somewhere in between. Pronounced “oz-you-ree” or “ozh-uh- ree.
The book/website will give you longer examples for the specific words. I got introduced to this during a writing exercise and love it. If you are looking for writing inspiration, I highly recommend browsing the website. Or maybe you just want to find a word for that very specific emotion you’ve been expiring. Whatever you need, The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows probably has a word for you.
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean
Yes I am fully aware, I am so behind on the hype for this masterpiece. I mean, Dean has already won multiple awards for her second album released in 2025.
And I really liked her music, fully understanding how she deserved all those awards.
Getting to hear her preform live however made me fall in love with her music. She truly had an amazing aura and the feeling in the crowd was great. If I had to sum it up in one word, I would choose warm.
The whole night felt like a warm hug and even during sad songs, Dean managed to make every single person in that crowd feel her words.
It’s soulful, jazzy, RnB pop at it’s best. Maybe you don’t have the chance to see her preform live, but if you haven’t given The Art of Loving a listen, I would highly recommend.
Monthly Poetic Word
If by seeing this you go, but Ella, those are three words, then yes. You are correct. This month is made up of three words. But how could I not share something that “ready for anything” this month? We’re coming up on summer here in the northern hemisphere and I think that’s when you have to be ready for exactly that: anything.
Whether it’s the people not being able to handle the heat, or a new opportunity coming your way—let’s be ready for June.
I hope it will be your best month of the year yet.
With Love,
Ella