As the chilly month of February draws to a close, here’s our look back on all the different things that got us through those dreary late winter days.
From vibrant animated movies, to female rappers and gothic literature, here’s the Maroon and White staff’s February monthly favorites
Movies
Studio Ghibli movies! I’ve always wanted to binge watch all of them, but I never really got around to doing it. However, amidst the depressing mid-winter weather, I started a ritual of watching one Studio Ghibli movie every Sunday night to transport me to the warmth and sun of spring. So far, my favorite has been My Neighbor Totoro. I am completely in love with how the whole movie feels like a childhood memory that you look back on fondly: the bright, naive personalities of the two main characters, the lush, green foliage enveloping everything, the exaggeration of your surroundings (because everything is so much bigger when you’re young), the imagination and creativity only a child can have, the magic of being young, and just the pure optimism. The storytelling of these movies is otherworldly, and paired with the detailed, rich art, makes for a one of a kind, truly transcendent experience. – Hayden Arnett
Recently watched the movie Flow! I love my pets, so this movie broke my heart. The movie follows a house cat after a flood takes out all humans on the planet. The animation is just jaw dropping. The cat noises are spot on. The way they all move is so accurate that I would forget I was watching animation at times. –Branch Sword
Dead Poets Society. In my opinion, a timeless film about love, loss, and tragedy. Set at an all boys boarding school, family conflicts get in the way of dreams. –Bella Jones
For the past few months, my sister and I have been watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy (the extended editions) together. I don’t care that I have seen these movies before. They are too good and I love hanging out with my sister while watching them! The story is so intricate and all of the actors do such a good job. Even though the last one came out more than twenty years ago, the graphics still look amazing! – Madi Davis
Books
SELF HELP BOOKS! I would avoid them for so long because I could never come to face the fact that I needed help sometimes. I’ve always been an “I can figure it out myself” person when I get depressed. But learning to be vulnerable with myself and improving my mental health by just reading from a book is something I could’ve never imagined for myself. I love practicing my new healthy habits and affirmations knowing I’m making a better me. – Nancy Smith
Classic literature. I’ve definitely been getting back into timeless literature and books that are popular for a clear reason. I think that going back into the classics and trying to understand the influence that they’ve had on society and things like language is really beneficial for your understanding of humanity. –Bella Jones
Gothic fantasy. Normally I read lighter and more cozy fantasy books but I’m reading The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo right now and it’s so good I love her writing style. – Kailey Brooks
Music:
“I’ve been listening to a lot of female rappers lately: Megan Thee Stallion, GloRila, Flo Milli, and Latto. I’ve just been in a depressive slump lately from the weather and the cold so listening to something really upbeat and fast-paced just gives me a good vibe and boosts my confidence.” -Nancy Smith
“Zach Bryan, Noah Kahan, Mumford and Sons, and Josiah Queen have been on repeat in my mind all month long. A lot of the songs I’ve been listening to have been a lot about revival and rebuilding yourself – something to kick off the new-ish year. – Lily Hughes
“I’ve been listening to Phoebe Bridgers, Fiona Apple, The Cranberries, Boygenius, and Lana Del Rey. This time of year feels really dull and cold so I like to listen to music that acknowledges that and accommodates for the feeling of winter. The songs I’ve been listening to give me hope for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. They’re also very beautiful songs that just make me feel appreciative in life during a time I would otherwise focus on the bad and ugly. Some of the songs I’ve enjoyed include: Paper Bag, Letter To An Old Poet, Dreams, Mariner’s Apartment Complex, and The Day After Tomorrow.” – Ellie Davis
“I’ve been obsessed with AURORA lately. Her newest album is so good and her concerts are amazing too because they’re literally in the middle of a forest. I’ve also been listening to alot of Renee Rapp, The Crane Wives, and Rabbitology.” – Kailey Brooks
“I’ve been really into Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beatles, Sufjan Stevens, and Bob dylan. I love the energy that music can bring into a dreary day. Whether it’s a snowy day or a sunny afternoon, I feel like these bands can bring some light.” Bella Jones